VCU on Thursday announced a naming-rights deal for its basketball arena, which will now be called E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart Siegel Center. The agreement, named after Jeff and Janet Wade, is for 10 years and $2.75M. Richmond-based WTVR-CBS' Freeman & Casadonte noted the deal "replaces VCU's expired arrangement with Verizon, which had provided $165,000 annually." The Wades have also "agreed to an additional financial commitment" of over $4M over the length of the contract (WTVR.com, 9/29).
EASTERN PROMISES: Boise State AD Curt Apsey on Monday said that he is hopeful the athletic department "can move forward on plans to renovate and even expand the east side of Albertsons Stadium 'as quickly as possible.'" Apsey "acknowledged the need to renovate bathrooms and concession stands on the east side and said he hopes to be able to add seats as part of the project" (IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE, 9/27).
GAME STOP: In L.A., Alex Chan noted UC-Irvine this month "opened its e-sports arena, which is equipped with 80 computers and will be frequented by the school's new team competing in the 'League of Legends' game." The team "plans to practice on weekends" in the 3,500-square-foot UCI eSports Arena. The arena's facility underwent a $250,000 "transformation over the summer" (L.A. TIMES, 9/28).
