PaeTec Communications has acquired the naming rights to
the A-League Rochester Rhinos' stadium for a long-term
commitment of more than $10M. The stadium will be named
PaeTec Park and feature a skyline roof display, which will
exhibit the PaeTec logo on the upper exterior on the
stadium. The PaeTec logo will be displayed on the marquee
of the facade of the stadium and the scoreboard (Rhinos).
In Rochester, Jeff DiVeronica reports that the deal "is for
20-plus years and worth" $10-15M. Rhinos officials say they
will pay $26M towards their new stadium, "but are seeking
any combination of city, county and state funding for the
remainder." The team is hoping that PaeTec's pledge "will
improve political support, which has been lagging." More
political allies will be "crucial" as team owners request
funding in this year's state budget. The revenue will go
toward paying off debt created if the Rhinos borrow $22M in
bonds -- a "financing option" raised by team owners. Now,
the Rhinos must "show support by selling 30 luxury suites at
an average annual cost of $25,000" (ROCHESTER D&C, 1/19).
