Journal staff
Progressive Auto Sales has the new naming rights to Sarnia’s sports and entertainment centre for the next 10 years.
The used car dealership has entered a 10-year, $434,415 deal with the City of Sarnia.
City council unanimously approved the new contract at an August 8 meeting that was not attended by Mayor Mike Bradley, who has been outspoken about his opposition to it.
Coun. Matt Mitro called Progressive Auto Sales a “great community partner” and said the deal was good for the city.
Coun. Dave Boushy commented that he is not worried, like some, that the new name might suggest that car sales take place at the twin pad arena.
“It’s going to be called Progressive anyway,” he said.
The agreement splits the annual payments from Progressive Auto Sales between the city and the Sarnia Sting.
The city anticipates $23,090 a year, an increase of about $3,500 over what RBC Royal Bank paid in the final year of its naming rights contract. The Sarnia Sting is expected to receive approximately $19,400 annually from the deal.
In return, the car dealership receives a package that includes signage on the inside and outside of the building, a family skate day, use of a suite and 12 suite tickets.