Post by Rick (Admin) on Feb 20, 2013 7:35:08 GMT -5
This is a nice sporting complex but from what I hear it's too far out of North Bay. This will be a hard sell for the city !!!
City selling naming rights
The city is looking to sell naming rights to the buildings and fields at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex.
The move was approved by a majority of council Tuesday as a way to generate additional revenue without ruining the aesthetics of the sports field complex with traditional advertising that would see numerous signs on fencing and other areas of the facility.
But two councillors objected, raising concerns the move could have the opposite effect on aesthetics and that it diminishes the significance of naming a sports field, often in honour of a local resident.
“I think we are going down the wrong road on this one,” said Coun. Sarah Campbell, noting it's unclear at this point how the naming rights will be exhibited once they're sold.
Campbell said she also agreed with Coun. George Maroosis, who questioned if a fast-food franchise could purchase the naming rights in perpetuity.
“I like the way we used to do it,” said Maroosis, suggesting the city stick with naming its fields and facilities after local athletes and notable residents.
Several council members said they understood and, to some degree, shared his concern. But most city politicians around the table weren't willing to turn down a potential new source of revenue.
“I think the municipality is struggling to find new revenue through non-traditional means,” said deputy mayor Sean Lawlor, suggesting there are limited options for the city to generate money other than taxes.
He also agreed with Coun. Tanya Vrebosch that an individual or business that purchases naming rights has the option of recognizing a person. Although the city is selling naming rights within the facility, Vrebosch also noted that complex itself bears the name of a local athlete.
With council's approval, Coun. Dave Mendicino, chairman of community services, said a request for proposals for naming rights to the buildings and six fields at the complex is expected to be issued soon.
“We want to see what we get back,” he said, noting the city has not set out any specific criteria regarding price or about how naming rights will be demonstrated.
He said the expectation is that there will be only one marking, whether that's a logo displayed at the centre of the field or a large sign in another location.
Mendicino said the city has budgeted $20,000 this year as a result of the program. But he said the city expects to generate much more.
The $20,000 is earmarked to help offset expenses at the sports field complex, and any amount more will be used to pay for a sports tourism strategy.
In addition, Mendicino said a report will coming to council in the next while looking at naming opportunities at Memorial Gardens.
“Naming rights could mean a significant amount of money,” he said.
www.nugget.ca/2013/02/19/city-selling-naming-rights
