Former ‘Leon’s Centre’ new name to be decided by city council tonight

Story by Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist, for the Local Journalism Initiative.

 

At tonight’s city council meeting, councilors will be considering a new naming rights partner for the large entertainment venue on The Tragically Hip Way.

The venue is currently known as the Leon’s Centre, and has been since 2018, but it may take on a new name beginning in January of 2024. The venue serves as the home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs, while also hosting many events and concerts. With a seating capacity of 5,000 for sporting events and 6,700 for concerts, it has been the site of many large-scale events. Bidding for naming rights took place over the summer, with applications being accepted until the end of August.

Tonight, councilors will consider a 15-year agreement with Slush Puppie Canada Inc., worth $135,000 per year, for a total of $2,025,000 over the period of the contract.

“The large venue entertainment centre has a history of naming rights partners since its opening in 2008,” says Lanie Hurdle, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Kingston. “We look forward to the continued animation of this incredible venue through the well-established, family-friendly Slush Puppie brand, and to working alongside the Slush Puppie team in partnership with the Kingston Frontenacs.”

If the terms of the agreement are accepted this evening, the arena will officially be dubbed Slush Puppie Place in 2024. This will be the second venue in Canada named after the company, with the first being the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec.

“For nearly 50 years, Slush Puppie has been part of Canada's hockey heritage. This partnership highlights the long-standing love story between Slush Puppie and sports fans and participants from coast to coast to coast. It is an honour for Slush Puppie Canada to partner with the City of Kingston, a community rich in history. This second Slush Puppie venue will continue to serve as a hub for sporting events, concerts and cultural experiences, contributing to the vibrancy of the Kingston community,” says Jean-Rock Beaudoin, president of Slush Puppie Canada.