Halifax seeks submissions to rename Metro Centre

CTV Atlantic: Halifax seeks new name for arena The Halifax Metro Centre could have a new name by the fall. The city is looking to sell the naming rights as a way to generate revenue for r

The Halifax Metro Centre could have a new name by the fall. The city is looking to sell the naming rights as a way to generate revenue for required upgrades to the facility.

The request for proposals was sent out Tuesday.

“The deadline for submissions is April 18, so now it’s a waiting game to see who’s interested,” says HRM spokesperson Jennifer Stairs.

It is anticipated selling the naming rights of the Metro Centre could bring in about $500,000 a year. That money would go toward necessary upgrades in excess of $6 million.

The Metro Centre is 35 years old and is starting to show its age. The city says upgrades would include replacing seating, the ice slab and the centre-ice clock, as well as upgrades and expansions to the washrooms.

“We’re casting the net as wide as we possibly can,” says Stairs. “We don’t want to limit the possibilities that could come before council, so at this point, there are no restrictions on who could apply and what the name might be.”

Stairs says that includes alcohol companies.

“The municipal alcohol policy does not actually apply to the Metro Centre, it’s only for HRM-owned and operated facilities,” she explains. “So, because the Trade Centre operates the Metro Centre, it would be excluded from this and it wouldn’t have an impact on that naming.”

A committee made up of city staff and Trade Centre representatives will review the proposals and made a recommendation to regional council, who will have the final say.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster