Arena Negotiations Windsor Style

I am sure that, by the time that it opens, the WFCU arena will have a nickname that will stick regardless of what Marty Komsa wants. Unfortunately for the Credit Union, some people will focus on a couple of letters in the name. They have already if you read some of the other BLOGs in town!

This same naming ritual took place in Philadelphia. Their arena was known as the First Union Center. Apparently, consideration was given, for obvious reasons, to change the name of the arena to "First Union National Center" but it never happened.

These thoughts about the arena went into my mind as I read the story about the tours that were taking place showing citizens what they were getting for ......... million taxpayer dollars (you fill in the amount since I don't know what it is). I then saw a story about naming rights in New Jersey.

Obviously more money would be received in that area for naming the arena than would ever be received in Windsor. What struck me however, and if you read my BLOG previously on this subject [September 24, 2007 "Komsa Shoots, He Scores"], is how poor our negotiators were compared with what went on in New Jersey. They did not seek it seems "Expressions of Interest" in New Jersey but actual bids.

Here's a short story that describes what happened down there. Haven't we had enough of 5 cent parking, equity participation in bus terminals and Canderel leasing deals. And you wonder now why I am so concerned about other deals the City will get into.

• "New Jersey sought bids from companies interested in the naming rights in August after Continental Airlines Inc. backed out of its $1.3 million annual contract because the facility lost the New Jersey Devils hockey team. The new name will be launched Oct. 31 when the New Jersey Nets basketball team opens its season at home against the Chicago Bulls, said George Zoffinger, the authority's chief executive officer.
  
  ``This is a rebirth for this arena,'' Zoffinger said in an interview after the authority's board meeting. ``It gives us an opportunity to show that this arena is very viable.''
  
  New Jersey chose Izod's offer over a $1.4 million bid from Rocawear and a $2.1 million bid from Southpole, Zoffinger said. Izod's bid was selected because the company promised cash as well as a marketing package, said Carl Goldberg, authority chairman.
  
  Izod agreed to buy and create advertising for television and other media outlets as well as take the lead buying airtime and print space, which saves the authority money and makes its contract value closer to $2 million, Zoffinger said. Izod got a five-year deal, he said."

I wonder if the New Jersey deal went on Consent too as ours did when it went in front of Council!

Perhaps Marty as Chair of the University Board could call Roots, since they had a deal with the City for clothing, and negotiate a naming rights deal with them for the University Stadium. I hear that is available.