GM will no longer pay for naming rights to Chevrolet Centre, but the name will remain

YOUNGSTOWN —Because of declining revenue and a struggling economy, General Motors will no longer pay naming rights to the city for the Chevrolet Centre.

But it’s likely that a deal with local Chevrolet dealers will be signed by late next week that will keep the name and the Chevy bow-tie at the facility, said Eric Ryan, the center’s executive director.

GM’s three-year contract, that included 17 annual options, for the center’s naming rights expired Tuesday.

The company has scaled back its sponsorships of sporting events and entertainment facilities strictly because of the struggling economy and its own business conditions, a spokesman said. That led to the company’s decision to no longer pay the naming rights fee for the Chevrolet Centre.

The center is close to getting a one-year deal done with local Chevrolet dealers, Ryan said.

GM paid $175,000 in cash annually and provided four GM vehicles a year to the city, including one driven by Mayor Jay Williams, in exchange for the naming rights.

“We don’t expect to receive that same amount,” Williams said. “It would be unrealistic to expect the amount from the local dealers to be the same as the company.”

GM’s financial struggles were responsible for the company’s decision to not renew its contract, Williams said.

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