The Prince George Coliseum will have a new name, again.
In May, the city announced the downtown arena would return to its historic name after a naming rights deal with Rolling Mix Concrete ended in 2020.
Under a naming rights deal approved by city council on Wednesday night, Kopar Administration Ltd. would pay $15,000 per year for four years for the naming rights. If city council approves the deal, the arena would be called the Kopar Memorial Arena until June 30, 2026. Under the deal, Kopar is responsible for the cost of installing new signage at the arena.
City director of recreation and events Andy Beesley said the Prince George Spruce Kings hockey club, which is the major tenant of the arena, helped arrange the naming rights deal.
"In addition to the cash for the city... the Spruce Kings have a parallel agreement to help with their show home sales," Beesley said.
The Spruce Kings also benefited under the city's previous naming rights deal for the arena with Rolling Mix Concrete, he added.
The city conducted a public request for proposals, to determine if there was any other sponsors interested in the naming rights, Beesley added. Kopar was the only potential sponsor to come forward during a request for proposals by the city, which ran from July 20 to Aug. 4.
"A big public thanks to Kopar for their support of the Spruce Kings and making sure the Coliseum has a name," Coun. Kyle Sampson said.
The proposed four-year deal expires at the same time as the city’s current licence agreement with the Prince George Spruce Kings for use of the arena, city manager Walter Babicz wrote in a report to city council.
Built in 1958, the city's downtown arena is nearing the end of its useful life, city staff have reported to city council on multiple occasions.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said that she appreciates that the contract includes a clause to end the deal early, if the city had to close the arena because it is no longer operational.
"We know that facility is on its last legs," Ramsay said. "I question what that facility will look like in four years."
