The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California made an early payment on its casino naming rights deal.

The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino pays $1 million each year to the Fresno Grizzlies. The team plays at Chukchansi Park.

But the team was behind on its rent to the city of Fresno. So the tribe made an early payment of $350,000 to cover the costs.

"It is with that spirit of friendship and collaboration that we announce today that Chukchansi will be bringing forward the amount that the Grizzlies need to start fresh with the amount due to the City of Fresno," Vice Chair Nancy Ayala said at a press conference, KSEE-TV reported.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi tribe helps Fresno Grizzlies pay stadium rent (The Fresno Bee 6/22)
Chukchansi Gold Helps Put Grizzlies in the Black (KSEE-TV 6/21)
Chukchansi tribe pays $350K for Fresno Grizzlies' rent (KFSN-TV 6/21)
Chukchansi tribe pays $350K to cover Grizzlies' rent (The Fresno Business Journal 6/21)

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Chukchansi Tribe uses casino revenue for language preservation (6/18)