What's in a Name? Maybe New Revenue for the State: Lawmaker Says

JOHNSTON, RI — What's the value of naming rights for the Rhode Island Convention Center? State Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) wants to put the rights out to bid. She has introduced legislation that would start the ball rolling.

The legislation (2017-H 5379) would authorize the Convention Center Authority to solicit bids and enter into contracts for naming agreements for the convention center, the Legislative Press Bureau said.

“More and more states are exploring naming rights as an untapped stream of revenue,” said Representative Fellela. “There are states that have even sold naming rights to roads and bridges to aid highway funding. Selling naming rights for the convention center would provide an excellent source of revenue, particularly now as we look at cutting the auto excise tax.”

In the past, municipal governments have experimented with this option more than state governments. The City of Providence, for example, sold the naming rights to its ice rink, which is now Alex and Ani City Center. Also, the Providence Civic Center is now the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, although that building is now also owned by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority.

Beyond Rhode Island, others examples include Barclays, an international banking firm, which bought naming rights to the arena where the Brooklyn Nets play and also bought naming rights to the subway station from the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority

“The convention center would be ideal for selling naming rights,” said Representative Fellela. “I see this as a good alternative to usual revenue generators, such as taxes and fees.”

On Tuesday night, the House Finance Committee heard testimony on the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Representatives Thomas Winfield (D-Dist. 53, Smithfield, Glocester), Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick), Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) and Patricia Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick).

Courtesy Photo