By Richard Buelas | Arizona Republic
Bell Bank intended to link its name with a world-class sports facility in east Mesa that would draw millions in dollars and visitors. But the facility has made news more often for losing money and defaulting on its debts.
On Monday, Bell Bank said in a news release it had ended its naming rights partnership with the facility that opened as Bell Bank Park in January 2022.
The facility continues to draw large crowds for youth sports leagues and amateur and professional tournaments. In March, it drew 1,300 for a Pickleball tournament. But, despite the crowds, the facility has not made the required monthly payments on its loans. It also has $30 million in unpaid bills to the contractors that helped build the facility.
Bell Bank ended its naming agreement in November, the release said, but called attention to it this week since the public still identified the troubled park with the North Dakota-based financial institution.
