Halifax Metro Centre naming rights up for grabs

Halifax is officially on the hunt for a sponsor with deep pockets to attach its name to the Metro Centre and pay for the facilitys upgrades.

Opened in 1978, the Halifax Metro Centre needs about $6-million to upgrade everything from the seats, the sound system and the scoreboard screen.

The ice pad is also nearing the end of its life. Officials said the washrooms and the concession area alsodesperately need a makeover.

"At the moment we haven't placed any restrictions on what the name could be. We want to cast a net as wide as possible so we can encourage anyone and everyone to come forward who might be interested. So we're looking forward to seeing the results," said Jennifer Stairs, speaking for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

But naming rights won't be cheap.

Emera paid $500,000 for a 10-year lease on the Oval. Molson Coors got the adjacent plaza for slightly less, about$400,000.

"From what we've seen in other areas where this has been done we can expect anything in the area of $500,000 or more a year," said Stairs.