Ford Center in Evansville has a local tie in
Evansville’s Downtown arena finally has a name and it has a local tie. Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced that the new facility has been named Ford Center. Workers unveiled a temporary banner hung on the outside of the building with the familiar blue oval and script version of the Ford logo and the name underneath.
Tri-State Ford dealers will pay the sum of $4.2 million for the naming rights to the $127.5 million facility for the next 10 years. The deal also includes some signage inside the facility, according to Scott Schoenike, director of VenuWorks Evansville.
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Tri-State Ford Dealers includes Ruxer Ford in Jasper. Doug Abbett, Owner and President with Ruxer Ford tells what a good thing this is:
Hear a comment from Doug Abbett with Ruxer Ford Lincoln
Abbett talks about the surge for the Ford brand and how this dovetails nicely with what Ford is doing now:
Hear a comment from Doug Abbett with Ruxer Ford Lincoln
The $4.2 million price will be paid over the 10-year period and will go toward operating costs tied to the facility.
D-Patrick Ford President Mike O’Daniel was on hand for the announcement, which was made in front of the center’s Main Street entrance.
O’Daniel said having the facility bear the automotive brand will benefit all dealers in the Tri-State Ford region, which includes properties in Jasper, Ind., Carmi, Ill, and Owensboro, Ky.
Tri-State Ford is an association established to distribute advertising money by region, Schoenike said. Other sponsors within Ford Center include the Old National Suite Level, the Fifth Third Hospitality Room and the German American Club Section.
The deal now awaits approval from the Evansville Redevelopment Commission, which is scheduled to meet Sept. 7.
Ford was one of at least three companies vying for naming rights privileges. The suites in Ford Center sold out more than two months ago.
Meanwhile, Abbett says that they have another reason to celebrate their presence in the area:
Hear a comment from Doug Abbett with Ruxer Ford Lincoln
The Ford Center will open this fall for sporting and music events.
