Downtown Omaha's arena and convention center could be getting a new name this year.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority announced that after a fifteen year relationship with Qwest/CenturyLink, they are opening up a search for the next naming rights partner for the CenturyLink Center.
MECA's board of directors approved an agreement with Professional Sports Partners, a consultant group, to help secure the building's next naming rights partner. MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon says their focus is the continued success of Omaha's convention center and arena. “We’ve enjoyed a good working relationship with CenturyLink and would welcome the opportunity to continue that partnership, but we also look forward to exploring other possibilities that will help us continue building on the established success of this facility.”
Qwest, which became CenturyLink, had a fifteen year naming rights and services agreement with MECA, which was signed in August 2003. The naming rights partner should be named in the next six months.
CenturyLink provided NewsRadio 1110 KFAB with the following statement regarding MECA's decision.
"All of our sponsorships present valuable opportunities to get the CenturyLink name in front of key audiences, to build brand awareness and/or provide customer hospitality and interaction opportunities. We have made an offer to continue our naming-rights relationship; however, MECA has decided to explore other offers. We’ve been known in the greater Omaha area by our CenturyLink Center Omaha sponsorship for the last 14 years. Omaha is an important market for CenturyLink and we would welcome the opportunity to continue our relationship."