If Canada Life and Oak View Group (OVG) will have their way, what is presently known as Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario will soon be called Canada Life Place.
The city’s 10,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, which opened in 2002 as the John Labatt Centre before it was renamed Budweiser Gardens 10 years later, is up for another identity shift. With the current naming rights expiring, Great-West Lifeco’s Canada Life is in line to get its name plastered on the venue.
The insurer and OVG have submitted their proposal to London City Council, which is set to meet on September 24. A vote on the name change is expected to take place then.
Fabrice Morin, president and chief operating officer at Canada Life, explained the significance of the proposed name: “Canada Life has called London home for 150 years, and we’re excited about this opportunity to build on our shared history.
“We look forward to working with the City Council and answering any questions they might have as we move through the next steps.”
While Canada Life aims to take over the naming rights, predecessor Labatt will remain the official beer, seltzer, cooler, hard tea, and cider sponsor at the venue through 2031 under a newly extended pouring rights agreement with property manager OVG.
Tom Pistore, president of OVG Canada, commented: “We’re excited to be partnering with Canada Life as we continue to position the venue as a premier destination for entertainment, sports, and community events in London and Southwestern Ontario.”
He added that Canada Life, with its deep local roots, shares OVG’s commitment to supporting the community.
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