New for 2010: Huntington Center

Lucas County Arena is no more after Huntington Bank pays $2.1 million over six years for naming rights to the new Toledo facility.

The deal also includes three additional six-year renewal options that put the potential naming rights agreement at $11 million or roughly 10% of construction costs. It will support the strength of Lucas County’s $105 million investment in the downtown arena.

Lucas County broke ground on the 8,000-seat downtown arena in October 2007 and opened it to the public in October 2009. It is run by the same nonprofit that runs the successful Toledo Mud Hens.

“Huntington Bank joins with the leadership of Lucas County in continuing Toledo’s downtown renaissance,” said Steve Steinour, Huntington Bank chairman, president and CEO. “Our long-term financial support of the new publicly owned arena underscores Huntington’s belief in community investment and leadership. We share a commitment to Toledo and Northwest Ohio. We hope the new Huntington Center anchors the next stage of development in Toledo.”

“The Huntington Center will stand as visible proof of our support to the greater Toledo community,” said Sharon Speyer, Huntington’s Northwest Ohio region president. “It will bring great sports and entertainment options to the people of Toledo and Northwest Ohio for many years.”

In introducing the program, Joe Napoli, president/general manager of the Toledo Walleye said, “This is an historic occasion for Toledo because we are present at the official birth of Toledo’s newest jewel: The Huntington Center. It has been my pleasure to work with Huntington Bank to develop this multifaceted agreement. I am looking forward to its continued partnership and leadership.”

Sign up for the free weekly Arena Digest newsletter and keep up with the latest happenings! You can sign up here.

Follow Arena Digest updates on Twitter!