The AP reports the home for the MLS Galaxy and Chivas USA “could have a new name by the end of the year.” Home Depot’s 10-year, $70M naming-rights deal for the facility in Carson, Calif., expires in May, and a company spokesperson said that it “will not be renewing the deal” (AP, 1/25). A spokesperson for the facility “confirmed that they are in the final negotiations with a new naming rights partner” (LAGALAXY.com, 1/24).
MUSIC CITY MAKEOVER: In Nashville, Joey Garrison noted architectural firm Populous “released a pair of renderings Thursday that detail $7 million in proposed renovations to the south side of Bridgestone Arena.” The makeover, “designed to create a new entranceway to what is currently an underutilized back side of the arena, is part of Mayor Karl Dean’s proposed $110 million mid-year capital-spending plan, which is set to go before the Metro Council on Feb. 5” (TENNESSEAN.com, 1/24).
NEW COMPETITION: In Edmonton, Elise Stolte reports a new downtown arena “will eliminate a major tenant for Rexall Place, but it will also free up about 110 days in their schedule for programming.” Northlands President & CEO Richard Andersen, whose firm operates Rexall Place, said that his company “will compete in the concert business." He added he "likes their chances.” Stolte notes Northlands also will “gain additional revenue from advertising and naming rights, which currently all go to the Oilers.” That means when the new arena opens, Northlands will lose around C$2 million annually "it gets from the current ticket tax, and continue to be responsible for all its own capital maintenance and improvements” (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 1/25).
