City Re-issues Naming Rights RFP for Sault Ste. Marie Event Centre
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
At its meeting on September 25, 2017, City Council authorized City staff to undertake a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to secure a corporate sponsor for the naming rights for the City's Event Centre. Presently known as the 'Essar Centre', the City's 5,000 seat spectator arena and multi-use venue is owned and operated by the City and located in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie's downtown core.
Considered Northern Ontario's Premier Centre for Sports and Entertainment, the City began accepting proposals in January from interested parties with the deadline of February 23, 2018. The City is pleased to announce that it has re-issued the RFP and is extending the opportunity to accept applications until
May 4, 2018 to secure a corporate sponsor for naming rights.
"Re-issuing the RFP provides additional time for interested parties to finalize their submission and help ensure we have the best offer for this venue," says Tom Vair, Deputy CAO, Community Development and Enterprise Services. "We look forward to selecting a proponent and creating a valuable, positive association with the City of Sault Ste. Marie through marketing, advertising, hospitality, website and promotional opportunities."
The successful proponent will gain local, provincial, and national exposure and will be able to use the Event Centre name and/or logo in its advertising and promotions. The City's Event Centre is home to the Soo Greyhounds, many concerts, family shows, ice shows, athletic events, conventions, trade shows and other special events. It is required that the proposed name include the words "Memorial Gardens", i.e., Proponent's Name (or trademark) Memorial Gardens.
Beyond the broad exposure this opportunity provides, the successful proponent also receives benefits including a suite lease with the facility, season tickets, centre ice logo, two rink board advertisements, video board announcements, illuminated suite sign and other signage within the facility.
Essar Steel was originally successful in securing naming rights to the venue on July 23, 2008. The $1.5 million sponsorship was for a 10-year agreement that had been paid fully in advance. The current agreement runs until July 31, 2018.
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