Kingston’s downtown arena could have a sweet and syrupy new name if the venue’s latest naming rights partner is approved.
Slush Puppie Canada has made the winning bid to take over naming rights of what is currently called the Leon’s Centre, according to an announcement from the city and the Kingston Frontenacs on Wednesday.
That means with city council approval, the arena will become known as Slush Puppie Place.
“The Kingston Frontenacs are excited to work alongside the Slush Puppie team as the new naming rights partner at our home arena,” said Frontenacs’ general manager of business operations, Nicole Kemp, in a release.
“We believe that Slush Puppie will be a great partner for many years to come.”
The proposed 15-year agreement would see Slush Puppie Canada pay $135,000 per year for the naming rights, the city says.
City council will consider the new naming rights partner at its Dec. 19 meeting.
If approved, the new name will be in place by early 2024, according to the city’s release.
Kingston’s arena will be the second Canadian hockey barn to bear the Slush Puppie name, should council give the plan the nod.
Slush Puppie Canada already has naming rights for an arena in Gatineau, Que., where the company also operates a bottling plant.
The Gatineau arena is called Slush Puppie Centre.
“For nearly 50 years, Slush Puppie has been part of Canada’s hockey heritage,” Slush Puppie Canada president, Jean-Rock Beaudoin said in a statement.
“This partnership highlights the long-standing love story between Slush Puppie and sports fans and participants from coast to coast to coast. It is an honour for Slush Puppie Canada to partner with the City of Kingston, a community rich in history.”
Kingston’s downtown arena opened in 2008 and is the home of the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.
It has a seating capacity of 5,000 for sporting events and 6,700 for concerts.