HALIFAX, NS - September 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Scotiabank, Halifax Regional Municipality and Trade Centre Ltd. celebrated the official opening of the rebranded Scotiabank Centre today, Sept. 19.

"Scotiabank has a long and proud history in Halifax and Nova Scotia, and a tradition of being a strong community partner," said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. "The Scotiabank Centre, Halifax's largest events venue, will become an important part of that legacy."

Under the new naming rights partnership, Scotiabank will invest $650,000 per year for 10 years. The partnership includes more than $5 million for capital upgrades.

"With the new sign up, we are excited to officially begin this new chapter in the life of the Scotiabank Centre, a space that means so much to our community," said Craig Thompson, Scotiabank senior vice-president of Atlantic Region. "We are proud to partner with the City of Halifax and Trade Centre Ltd. to help update the centre so it can continue to be a great destination where memories are made."

Based on customer input, improvements will include replacing seats, renovating and expanding washrooms, and expanding the concession area for better traffic flow. The ice slab will also be replaced. Renovations will start this fall and should be finished by fall 2017.

"We are very excited about our partnership with Scotiabank and look forward to the exciting changes that lie ahead," said Scott Ferguson, president and CEO of Trade Centre Ltd. "This is an important step forward in the evolution of a facility that is a great source of pride in our community."

The building opened in 1978 and has hosted some of the region's most memorable events, including artistic performances, major sporting events and concerts, and is the home of the Halifax Mooseheads, Halifax Rainmen and Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

Scotiabank Centre will be open to the public tonight for the first time since the rebrand, for the Halifax Mooseheads' season home opener.

Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Recognized as a leader for charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed, on average, $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world.

The Halifax Regional Municipality is the government for the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada, delivering programs and services to more than 413,700 Halifax residents across 200 communities and neighbourhoods. 

Media Contacts: 

Diana Hart
Scotiabank
416-866-7238
E-mail: diana.hart@scotiabank.com

Erin Esiyok-Prime
Trade Centre Ltd.
902-421-1302 ext. 2791
E-mail: erin@tclns.com

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality 
902-476-5975
E-mail: stewarj@halifax.ca