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March 11, 2008

Convention Center head: Little demand for naming rights

James P. McCarvill, the executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, says there is probably little demand for the building's naming rights.

State Rep. Deborah A. Fellela, D-Johnston, has introduced legislation that would require the authority to solicit bids for the naming rights. The bill, backed by House Finance Committee chairman Steven M. Costantino, would use the revenue to help plug the state's budget gap.

"Every little bit will certainly help the state," House spokesman Larry Berman said last month.

A little bit is all the state should expect, McCarvill told The Providence Journal today.

Sports arenas bring in big bucks for naming rights because the company's name is mentioned on radio and TV and in newspapers whenever a big sporting event or concert is held at the arena, he said. Typical convention center events, such as the New England Saltwater Fishing Show scheduled for April, generate less publicity.

"It's not an easy sell," McCarvill said. "Convention centers are not usually prime prospects for these type of agreements."

Of the money the state brings in for naming rights, McCarvill said, a portion would be spent on changing all signs and stationary for the facility and on giving special access to events to the sponsor.

Dunkin' Donuts has been paying $425,000 a year since 2001 as part of a 10-year agreement for the naming rights to the arena formerly known as the Providence Civic Center. The company, based in Canton, Mass., also provides $100,000 annually in event sponsorship assistance, such as advertisements.

For more local breaking business news, visit the Biz Blog.

Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan  at 6:19 PM | Permalink

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frymaster | March 11, 2008 7:36 PM link

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