A decision on a new name for the "short-lived" Shawmut Center
may come as early as this Friday, according to Steff Gelston of
the BOSTON HERALD. Fleet Financial Group acquired Shawmut Bank
last month, included the naming rights to the new Boston Garden.
According to Fitch Inc., a Boston firm responsible for developing
the new logo for the arena, Fleet has narrowed their name choices
to three. Fitch Inc. would not comment, but other sources believe
that "Fleet Forum," "Fleet Arena" and "Fleet Center" are the
contenders. "Fleet Garden" has been ruled out "because it was
feared that Bostonians would revert to calling the new arena what
they've always called it: 'the Garden'" (BOSTON HERALD, 3/8). Bob
Ryan says that Fleet would be wasting its money by putting its
name on the arena because fans will always call it "the Garden"
(BOSTON GLOBE, 3/8).
AND THE PATS: MA Gov. Bill Weld will delay filing
legislation to assist Patriots Owner Robert Kraft until he sees
whether a legislative panel deals with Patriots-related needs. In
January, Weld said he would file a bill within 30 days calling for
up to $100M in state funds to improve state roads and parking near
Foxboro. That bill is now on hold (Phil Primack, BOSTON HERALD,
3/8).
