Naming rights for XL Center expire; venue likely to change name in 2025.

[StllH8L8ner]

Wedding reception venues?

That’s the Graveyard.

(Don’t tell my wife I said that)

 

[CONN78SEJ]

It's still the civic center to me.

I hope they change the name to the BG Center or FH2…..(Before Gampel…..Field House 2)… or the UTBHW Arena.

 

[WrenchFan69]

“The Hartford” Civic Center

This is the most obvious choice to me. The Hartford should absolutely be doing this

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Hoophound]

For those that can’t read it, who’s lining up?

 

[knicksin7]

Be interesting to see where Oak View takes this…



-> Weiss said the timing of the name change is ideal because it gives a new company an opportunity to associate its brand with what will soon be a newly upgraded facility.

“My hope is that within a year we'll have a new brand associated with the building,” Weiss said. <-

How much is the contract per year? The XL contract that is.

 

[HooperScooper]

How much is the contract per year? The XL contract that is.

From the Courant article:

Michael W. Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, said the XL Group naming rights contract ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 a year. The value dipped during Covid and when University of Connecticut’s basketball program left the Big East, Freimuth said.

 

[HooperScooper]

For those that can’t read it, who’s lining up?

Oak View Group, or OVG, which manages the day-to-day operations of the venue, is in early discussions with a handful of potential sponsors, Weiss said.

Weiss declined to name them.

“The conversations that we are having right now are from recognizable, regional and national brands,” Weiss said.

 

[CL82]

“The conversations that we are having right now are from recognizable, regional and national brands,” Weiss said.

"Bob's Discount Furniture Arena"

 

[JerseyAlum]

We can resurrect Gumby's Pizza with "Gumby's Arena (Dammit!)"

 

[UCann]

We can resurrect Gumby's Pizza with "Gumby's Arena (Dammit!)"

Actually, it could be a good opportunity to highlight CT's pizza prowess... The Frank Pepe Center? Concessions would get a boost at the same time!

 

[knicksin7]

What are the largest companies in the Hartford area now - none of them are really consumer names right? Aetna, Travelers, Pratt & Whitney (UT), The Hartford, ESPN. Haha, the ESPN center. That would be so funny.

 

[NJHusky]

From the Courant article:

Michael W. Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, said the XL Group naming rights contract ranged from $450,000 to $500,000 a year. The value dipped during Covid and when University of Connecticut’s basketball program left the Big East, Freimuth said.

Wow, only 500k. That doesn’t seem like much for naming rights.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Maybe the Boneyard can take up a collection and buy the naming rights.

Now that would be funny!

 

[Kolumbo]

The Stew Leonard's Barn

 

[CCSUblue]

Key Employers in Connecticut

portal.ct.gov

 

[UConnJim]

Wow, only 500k. That doesn’t seem like much for naming rights.

Remember, there isn't a pro team and UConn doesn't play all of their games there.

 

[uconnfan68]

"Bob's Discount Furniture Arena"

Bob has been good for us.

 

[huskymedic]

Shortcut <<

-> XL’s most recent deal with the arena expires in June of 2025, and the company does not plan to renew. A new sponsor could pay more than XL’s current $500,000-per-year deal for rights to name a revamped arena, said Ben Weiss, general manager with the Oak View Group, the arena’s operator.

“Our team’s got a really good handle on the valuation of what it should be, and the power of content that’s in the building now,” Weiss said. “The good news is the timing seems to be just right with the $145 million rebirth of the facility.”

Interest has been high from companies seeking naming rights, Weiss said. “We’re actively talking to multiple potential partners,” he said. “Hopefully early in ’25 we’ll have some positive news to share.” Cigna is among the companies with local operations said to be asking about the naming rights, CRDA board member Andy Bessette said on

Another sponsorship deal is being sought for the new upscale club planned for inside the arena. Large enough to host 800 people, the event-level club is designed with banquette seating, a full bar and multiple big screens.

“We would love to have a local, regional, national partner on that club,” Weiss said. <-

 

[TJT]

Amica Insurance, based in RI, is paying $900k per year for rights to the Providence arena. Dunkin Donuts had been previously paying about $500k per year per a 2011 deal.

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/get-amped-amica-taking-over-naming-rights-of-the-dunk/

 

[AidanFan20]

If the enlarged the arena, it could be XXL Arena.

I'll show myself out...

 

[Dove]

"Bob's Discount Furniture Arena"

With Goof Proof?

 

[Dove]

If the enlarged the arena, it could be XXL Arena.

I'll show myself out...

 

[TJT]

The present naming rights deal for the DCU Center in Worcester was just agreed upon this part May. Nearby based Digital Credit Union (originally founded as the Digital Equipment Corp aka DEC employee credit union) will pay $600k per year for a three year extension.

https://www.cutimes.com/2024/05/07/dcu-signs-1-8-million-naming-rights-extension-deal/

 

[HooperScooper]

The present naming rights deal for the DCU Center in Worcester was just agreed upon this part May. Nearby based Digital Credit Union (originally founded as the Digital Equipment Corp aka DEC employee credit union) will pay $600k per year for a three year extension.

https://www.cutimes.com/2024/05/07/dcu-signs-1-8-million-naming-rights-extension-deal/

Have to imagine the Hartford arena is worth more than the Worcester arena. I'll be curious to see what the new deal is.