Rogers Communications has purchased the naming rights for the downtown arena, and the future home of the Edmonton Oilers.
“The naming of the arena is a key step because it allows the child to have a name,” Oilers President Patrick LaForge said during the official announcement Tuesday.
The downtown arena, set to open in 2016, will be named Rogers Place.
“We are proud to partner with one of the country’s most iconic sports franchises,” Rogers Communications VP John Boynton said. “And to have the Rogers name on what will be a landmark in the city.”
Details of the deal were scarce Tuesday, only that the naming rights will last for 10 years, and go into effect in 2016, when the arena is expected to open.
All the money from the naming rights will go to the Katz Group, as outlined in agreements with the City of Edmonton surrounding the new arena.
“We’re happy that there is a deal, and that the building has a name and if it contributes to the success and sustainability of the hockey team in the city, then it’s good news,” Mayor Don Iveson said.
The announcement of the naming rights came on the heels of a 12-year, $5.2 billion media rights agreement between Rogers and the NHL, announced on October 1.
That deal gives national rights to all NHL games to Rogers, on all of its platforms and in all languages.
The naming announcement makes Edmonton’s downtown arena the company’s third acquisition of naming rights for a professional sports facility – the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts play at the Rogers Centre, and the Vancouver Canucks call Rogers Arena home.
With files from The Canadian Press and David Ewasuk
