Bye, bye CenturyLink Center Omaha. Hello CHI Health Center Omaha.
Wednesday morning, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority board approved and announced a new naming rights partnership with CHI Health. As of September 1st, the building currently known as the CenturyLink Center Omaha will be called the CHI Health Center Omaha.
CHI Health CEO Dr. Cliff Robertson says they see the naming rights partnership as an incredible chance to invest in the community. “The opportunity to use this building aligns perfectly with our mission to serve and to build healthy communities.”
The search for the building’s new naming rights partner began in January as MECA approached the end of its current fifteen year contract.
MECA President & CEO Roger Dixon says CHI Health’s strong local ties made for the perfect partnership. “We’re happy to team-up with an organization that values this community as much as we do. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”
The health system plans to use the Center to give back to its employees, patients, neighbors and its academic partner, Creighton University.
Some events being considered:
- Sidewalk marathon walking challenge
- Health and dental screenings for at-risk populations
- Dementia education and resources for caregivers
- A blessing of area caregivers and health care providers
- A wide array of health education for the public
The new naming rights agreement is for $23.5 million over the course of a 20 year term, five years longer than the last naming rights contract. CHI officials say funding for the new CHI Health Center Omaha will come from their marketing budget, and does not pull dollars from other areas of health care operations.