HALIFAX, NS - June 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Scotiabank, the Halifax Regional Municipality and Trade Centre Limited (TCL) announced that Scotiabank is investing in the future of the Halifax Metro Centre by expanding its current partnership to become the new naming rights partner. The new partnership includes the renaming of the facility to the Scotiabank Centre, as well as other sponsorship rights.

The Halifax Metro Centre originally opened its doors in 1978 and has hosted some of the region's most memorable events, including artistic performances, major sporting events and concerts, and is also the official home of the Halifax Mooseheads. Under the new partnership, Scotiabank will be investing $650,000 per year for 10 years. The partnership includes over $5,000,000 towards capital upgrades to the facility.

"The Metro Centre is the premier venue where our community gathers to celebrate and be entertained," said Mayor Mike Savage. "This investment by Scotiabank allows us to build on this legacy and we are thrilled to be teaming up with a company that has such deep roots in our city." 

The partnership will build on the venue's more than 35 year history with updates to areas that will continue to improve the customer experience. Based on customer input, the facility improvements will include the replacement of seats, the renovation and expansion of washroom facilities and the expansion of the concession area to improve traffic flow. Other capital improvements will include the replacement of the ice slab. Renovations will start in the fall of 2014 and are scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2017.

"Scotiabank got its start over 180 years ago in Halifax and we are excited to partner with the city and be a part of this space that means so much to our community," said Craig Thompson, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of Atlantic Region. "The Metro Centre has a wonderful history of hosting artistic, cultural and sports events. It is a great fit for our Bank to be able to help support the Scotiabank Centre in its next chapter as it continues to be a place where memories are made."

Scotiabank has a history of supporting community events in Halifax, including the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon and the upcoming Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Through the Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program, the Bank last year supported 35 local minor hockey teams in the Halifax region and 206 in Nova Scotia.

"A new era begins today. We are excited to welcome Scotiabank as our new naming rights partner," said Scott Ferguson, President and CEO of TCL. "Their investment is crucial so we can renovate the centre and continue to deliver great events to the people of our community."

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About the Halifax Regional Municipality
The Halifax Regional Municipality is the government for the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada, delivering programs and services to more than 413,700 residents across 200 communities and neighbourhoods. Halifax boasts the friendliness of a small-town with the amenities, culture and opportunities of a modern urban centre. As home to some of the brightest minds and best educational institutions in the world, Halifax is forward thinking, resilient and resourceful, with a reputation as an energetic, caring community that embraces creativity and innovation.

For Media Inquiries

Diana Hart
Scotiabank Public Affairs
(416) 866-7238
diana.hart@scotiabank.com

Erin Esiyok-Prime
Trade Centre Limited 
(902) 421-1302 ext. 2791
erin@tclns.com

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
(902) 476-5975
stewarj@halifax.ca