Halifax Metro Centre now officially Scotiabank Centre

Nova Scotians got their first look at the re-branded Scotiabank Centre Friday.

Halifax's arena opened its doors as the Halifax Metro Centre in 1978, and kept that name until the bank bought naming rights this year.

Scotiabankwill spend $650,000 a year for ten years to have its name in and on the centre. The deal also includes $5 million for capital upgrades to the facility.

It houses hockey'sHalifax Mooseheads and basketball's Halifax Rainmen, and regularly hosts concerts, the Royal Nova ScotiaInternational Tattoo, conferences and other events.

Halifax says the money will in part help pay for new seats, updated washrooms and a bigger concessions area.