The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
True North Sports & Entertainment Limited has announced that Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) has acquired the naming rights to the former True North Centre. The first class sports, entertainment and performing arts facility will be called MTS Centre. It will open in November of 2004. "We're thrilled to be partnering with MTS on this initiative and very proud to display the preeminent Manitoba corporate logo on our building," said Jim Ludlow, President and CEO of True North Sports & Entertainment Limited. "This signals the intention of Manitoba Telecom Services to join with True North to create a facility and a landmark that will represent the new heart of Winnipeg to all Winnipeggers and to all Manitobans." "This isn't just our market, it's our home. MTS has a 95-year connection to this community, and what better way to carry that into the future than by committing our name and support," said MTS President & CEO Bill Fraser. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, MTS will acquire the naming rights and in return will provide value-in-kind through its products and services, leverage advertising properties, such as the Scoreboard, the Ribbon board and other various locations, along with an annual cash contribution. In addition, this arrangement provides opportunities for MTS and True North to partner on a variety of initiatives, designed to keep Manitobans in touch with the events happening at MTS Centre. "MTS Centre will be the most connected building in the province and will reach far beyond traditional corporate sponsorship," says Cheryl Barker, President and COO of MTS Communications Inc. MTS Centre will feature seating for up to 15,015 for hockey and have a maximum capacity of 17,144 for centre stage concerts. The facility will boast superb acoustics, and the ability to host a wide array of entertainment, sports, performing arts and community events. MTS Centre will include fifty private suites and rental party suites, feature a theme restaurant and lounge, and will be home to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.
