Raleigh Naming Rights Debate

Raleigh, N.C., officials are reportedly talking with Anheuser-Busch about a possible naming rights deal for the city’s 5,000-capacity downtown amphitheatre, but there’s some legal opposition to the plan from the state.

The city council voted mid-May to tentatively name the shed Bud Lite Amphitheatre but contract negotiations won’t be taking place just yet, according to WRAL-TV.

Officials must first appeal to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to be allowed to use the name. Current state liquor advertising regulations prohibit any public venue from having a reference to an alcoholic beverage in its moniker, WRAL-TV said.

The city is reportedly also polling its residents for feedback on the possible deal.

The shed, on schedule to open June 6 with Backstreet Boys, will in the meantime be called Raleigh Boutique Amphitheatre.

Live Nation will book 15-20 concerts and other events annually under an agreement with the city that runs through December 2014.

Concerts on the books through late September include Honda Civic Tour featuring Paramore, Carnival of Madness Tour featuring Shinedown, Legalize It Tour featuring Slightly Stoopid, Chelsea Handler, Goo Goo Dolls, O.A.R., Umphrey’s McGee, Sound Tribe Sector 9 and The Black Crowes.