Like Prince, the arena formerly known as Enmax Centre is now the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Today, the Lethbridge Lodging Association became the new naming rights sponsor for Enmax Centre. Lethbridge’s largest arena and entertainment centre is entering a new era with a new name, the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
According to the City of Lethbridge, the Canada Games Sportsplex opened in 1974 and has been mostly known as Enmax Centre since 2000.
The City and the LLA, which is an association of Lethbridge hotel properties and operators of the marketing brand VisitLethbridge.com, have entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement for $150,000 a year.
In its 50-year history, the venue has been home to and hosted the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, Skate Canada International, Cirque Du Soleil, Elton John, Kiss, Jerry Seinfeld and even Taylor Swift, as she opened for Brad Paisley.
“This five-year commitment of $750,000 shows our member hotel properties are invested in our city and the long-term future of marketing Lethbridge as a tourism destination,” says Shilpa Stocker with LLA. “The opportunity to showcase our name and brand on Lethbridge’s marquee venue will help us continue to engage our partners and our community and use our resources to create positive awareness of Lethbridge as a destination.”
Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the City is proud and grateful this local organization stepped up to be involved in the community in such a tremendous way. “We also want to take the opportunity to thank Enmax for their sponsorship of the facility for the past 20-plus years.”
“This venue has hosted world-class events since it opened 50 years ago and we are thrilled this new sponsorship deal will help propel us into the next stage of our history,” adds Jennifer Norsworthy, acting general manager at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. “We are excited at the opportunities ahead and will continue to strive to bring a wide-variety of entertainment to the community.”
Hurricanes General Manager of Business Operations Terry Huisman notes the arena is one of the best in the league. “We are proud to call it our home.”
“We are also excited at the extra attention we hope to draw, as we ramp up our bid to host the Memorial Cup in Lethbridge. Being able to host that event would bring an immense sense of pride and prestige to the Lethbridge Hurricanes and to the city and region.”
Sponsorships, the City states, help support the operations of the facility, reducing the need for property tax funding from residents. The facility will begin rebranding immediately, with new signage being installed inside and outside the building during the next several weeks.
