The president of the Sarnia Sting says team owners are very upset they weren't consulted before a recommendation was made to city council for naming rights for the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre. Councilllors are considering a staff recommendation Monday to accept in concept a bid from Progressive Auto Sales subject to successful negotiation of a final agreement. Bill Abercrombie says the Sting can't support nor fulfill certain conditions of the 10-year $42,500 a year contract including banning competing auto dealers from advertising in the building. Progressive also wants a free suite and 12 tickets per game. Abercrombie says if the Sting owners are stripped of revenue they may be forced to rethink their involvement.
"The bottom line is, no one is going to be writing cheques here forever and forever, it's that simple," says Abercrombie. "And if our hands are being tied by some of the dealings with city hall, well then it's pretty hard to justify them wanting to stick around and deal with this, so it's got a big impact on us."
The only other bid, from the Labourer's International Union of North America (LiUNA) at $40,000 a year for ten years, does not include as many conditions. Abercrombie says not all the financial implications are being taken into account including signage costs. Progressive has stipulated $40,000 while LiUNA didn't include a number but reportedly is willing to provide up to $60,000. RBC held the naming rights at the SSEC at $35,000 a year for several years.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
