Perth Arena loses sponsor

Brisbane-based Suncorp Bank is calling time on its sponsorship deal with Perth Arena, making it the first corporate partner to withdraw support since signing with the facility at its 2012 opening.

Suncorp customers in Western Australia, of which there are more than 36,000, will have until November 8 to access priority queuing or discounted food and drinks, a perk of the confidentially valued sponsorship.

A Perth Arena spokesperson said the facility was in negotiations with other potential sponsors, including another bank.

The major entertainment venue has retained its remaining sponsors, which also came on board three years ago – motoring body RAC, financial services company American Express, internet provider iiNet, and drinks suppliers Lion and Coca Cola.

Suncorp, which has 1 million customers nationally, told Business News it was proud to have been one of the foundation partners of Perth Arena.

A spokesperson said while WA continued to be an important market for the bank, it did not have any further plans at this point to sign other sponsorship contracts in the state.

“We receive many requests from the community for sponsorship and partnerships which make it necessary to review our position as we’ve done on this occasion,” the spokesperson said.