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 Oklahoma City's Ford Center has entered into an innovative naming rights agreement with the U.S. Army. The box office at the 586,000-square-foot, 20,800-seat, SMG-managed arena will now be called the U.S. Army Box Office, in this exclusive naming rights contract.

"While the U.S. Army has been using consumer advertising for recruitment for decades, it is the first time naming rights has been part of their advertising strategy. "This partnership will allow the Army to showcase the opportunities it offers to the men and women throughout Oklahoma," said Lieutenant Colonel Frederick L. Washington. "It will help us educate these individuals about how the Army can help them complete their education, learn responsibility and specific job skills, all while serving our country."

As part of the agreement, the U.S. Army will have a major brand presence in the box office, the arena and the concourse, which will include a recruitment and information center, with interactive kiosk and recruitment officers. "SMG and the Ford Center are very excited about this new partnership and the privilege to work with the United States Army," said Gary Desjardins, General Manager, Ford Center. "We are honored to be associated with the men and women serving our country in the U.S. Army."

During the press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony to premier the newly named box office, 14 new recruits were sworn into service. In addition, Washington stated that the partnership with the Ford Center had already resulted in one enlistment contract.

Before swearing in 14 other new recruits. "Our Army is excited about partnering with the Ford Center, Oklahoma City and the State of Oklahoma," added Washington. "We deeply appreciate the support and commitment to our country that the citizens of Oklahoma have shown."