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Tenaris not planning to bid on Sault arena’s naming rights

Agreement with Essar Steel Algoma expires in 2018
Essar Centre

Contrary to what some may have heard, Sault Ste. Marie’s Essar Centre will not be renamed by Tenaris, at least not anytime soon.

Essar Steel Algoma’s current naming rights contract for the Sault’s main arena, home of the Soo Greyhounds and a venue for concerts and other events, expires in 2018.

“We are aware that the current contract expires soon, but we have not considered making a bid at this time,” stated David McHattie of Tenaris Institutional Relations, in an email to SooToday.

Tom Vair, Deputy CAO, Community Development and Enterprise Services, said by email that the city will be issuing a request for proposal in January seeking organizations interested in bidding for the naming rights.

“We have had expressions of interest from a few companies that are interested…the RFP will provide an opportunity for all to submit their level of interest and we will promote the RFP to as many organizations as possible to create awareness of the opportunity,” Vair wrote.

Essar Steel Algoma agreed to pay $1.5 million for naming rights to the arena in July, 2008.

That amount, for a 10-year agreement, was paid in full by Essar Steel Algoma at that time.

Previously, in May 2006, city council approved a proposal to sell naming rights for the new arena, which replaced the old Memorial Gardens, to the Steelback Brewery for $1.35 million, payable over 10 years.

However, in Nov. 2007, the brewery defaulted on its second scheduled payment to the city after filing for bankruptcy protection.


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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