KeyArena Seeks New Sponsor

KeyArena at Seattle Center is on the lookout for a new naming rights sponsor following the expiration of the venue’s contract with Cleveland-based KeyBank.

The facility name will remain KeyArena until a new partner is chosen.

Seattle Center officials announced in a statement that while discussions are under way with interested parties, no selections have been made.

“There’s very strong interest by local and national companies that recognize this kind of title sponsorship opportunity doesn’t come around often,” Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams said. “The 2011 event line-up, capital improvements and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, The Next Fifty, make this naming opportunity very appealing.”

KeyBank, which served as the venue’s sponsor for 15 years, renegotiated its lease with the city-owned Seattle Center after the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics left town for Oklahoma City. KeyBank was reportedly paying $300,000 a year for naming rights.