Arena Authority Closes In On Naming Rights

The Louisville Arena Authority is closing in on naming rights for the new downtown arena. Authority chairman Jim Host says three parties are interested in purchasing the rights, and he hopes to choose a buyer soon.“We have great interest in it and I’m hopefully that within the next six months we’ll have the naming rights consummated," he says.Host says he’s confident the authority can get $40 million over 20 years for the naming rights, and that sum isn't unheard of.“The Save-Mart Arena in Fresno got $40 million. The Comcast Center – which is on the University of Maryland Campus – got $25 million."Host also says construction is on schedule and the arena should be open in fall 2010 at Second and Main Streets.