As Newstalk 1010 and other breaking news sources are reporting, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has agreed to rename their arena — and beloved institution? — the Air Canada Centre. As of July 1st, 2018, the building will be called the Scotiabank Arena. The 20-year deal with the bank to change the name is apparently worth $800 million. I’m no financial expert but that strikes me as a lot of cash.
Since opening on February 19, 1999, the ACC sought to unite the Toronto Maple Leafs, then playing in the old school (and decaying) Maple Leaf Gardens, and the relatively new Raptors, then playing in a freakin’ baseball stadium.