Sydney Opera House Lands Deal with Airline Sponsor

The Sydney Opera House is denying claims that the World Heritage-listed arts complex will be renamed after it signed a three-year, multimillion-dollar deal with Etihad Airways.

''No, it doesn't involve renaming of the Sydney Opera House," Australia’s tourism minister George Souris said at a press conference on Monday.

But the agreement is likely to result in Etihad's branding being placed in and around the iconic venue. In return, the airline, based in the United Arab Emirates, will provide transportation for performers as well as financial support. A source told The Australian that the airline's contribution is "less than $10 million.”  More