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BC Place Naming Rights Hit the Block

BC Place

BC Place naming rights are on the block, as stadium officials have received approval to seek a corporate sponsor for the home of Vancouver Whitecaps FC

BC Place originally opened in 1983 and has kept its name throughout its history, even after undergoing an elaborate set of renovations that were completed earlier in this decade. A corporate entity could land naming rights in the coming months, however, as stadium manager BC Pavilion Corp (PavCo) has received provincial government approval to issue a request for proposals (RFP).

Funds obtained from a naming-rights agreement will be used to help pay for stadium operations costs. The RFP was made public on Monday and more details will emerge later this month, early steps in a process that is expected to unfold into the summer. More from the Vancouver Sun:

It’s unknown how much it would cost for a company to put their name on the stadium but any funds exchanged would go toward offsetting the stadium’s operations, freeing up government funding for other projects.

“This naming-rights sponsorship opportunity will make more funds available for government to improve the services that British Columbians count on,” said Tourism Minister Lisa Beare. “We believe this is an excellent time to look for the right corporate partner for this important facility in B.C., and through that sponsorship, generate significant benefit for British Columbians.”

The RFP was posted publicly Monday, with additional information expected Feb. 19. Presentations from interested parties will take place in early March, with a shortlist of candidates selected by June. The winning party will be notified in July.

The process will adhere to B.C.’s guidelines for naming provincially owned buildings, roads and infrastructure. As part of the provincial government’s policy, no companies that promote alcohol or other addictive substances is permitted to name any venue that hosts events primarily geared to children.

The Whitecaps have played home matches at BC Place since their inaugural 2011 MLS season, making them part of the multi-purpose stadium’s busy event schedule that includes Canadian Football League games for the BC Lions, along with other sporting events, concerts, and more. That means any corporate naming-rights sponsor would receive plenty of exposure beyond MLS matches.

Image courtesy BC Place. 

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