LETHBRIDGE – After 13 months of discussion, ATB Financial gained unanimous approval from city council on Monday to move forward with the naming sponsorship agreement for the Crossings Leisure Complex.
The agreement in principle is for a five-year term, lasting from Sept. 1, 2016 until Aug. 31, 2021. ATB Financial also has the first right of refusal to renew the naming rights.
“It’s been a long road, but it’s been a great road,” said Rob Smith, vice president of ATB in southern Alberta. “We’ve stayed in contact and we’ve talked all along the way, and we’ve talked about different things we can do in the facility, or could do in the facility, and how it’s going to evolve over time. It’s great to see it come together and we’re really looking forward to the partnership.”
But ATB officials aren’t the only ones pleased with the deal, as expressed through council’s 8-0 vote to approve the sponsorship.
“To have ATB Financial, their brand, be the name of the building is substantial in itself,” said Ashley Matthews, project coordinator for the City of Lethbridge. “The money that they bring to the table really helps the operation of the facility, which decreases the tax support for the facility. So it’s really a win-win in a number of different ways for the City of Lethbridge.”
Over the course of the term, the city will receive $402,000. Phase 1 of the complex, which will include twin ice arenas and 10-sheet curling facilities, is set to be completed later this month, and limited public access is expected in the spring. The grand opening will take place in September.
Details on the Crossings Leisure Complex project are available at www.lethbridge.ca/projects.
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