Operators of a new arena being developed in Tampere, Finland, have terminated a naming-rights agreement with Finnish technology company UROS amid concerns over the firm’s financial position and the associated negative publicity.
As a result, the venue will revert to its former name of Tampere Deck Arena. In a statement today (Thursday), the arena said the termination of the agreement will not affect the completion, opening or operation of the venue.
The termination of the deal comes following reports last week of financial irregularities involving UROS.
With naming rights back on the market, the arena has received contact from companies interested in sponsoring the venue. The arena had been due to be called UROS Live.
The arena, which will open in December, will have a capacity of 15,000 and will serve as the home of ice hockey teams Tappara and Ilves. It will also be a host venue for the 2022 Ice Hockey World Championships.
UROS acquired naming rights to the arena in March last year as part of a 10-year deal. UROS had been due to develop solutions and services for the arena that would allow stakeholders and guests to “create and enjoy new experiences”.
Following the termination of the deal, arena chief executive Marko Hurme said: “The publicity received by UROS is strongly and negatively connected to the arena.
“In addition, disclosures about the financial position of the name partner have raised serious doubts as to whether the company will be able to meet its obligations under the name agreement in the future.
“Due to these reasons, the arena company does not see opportunities for continued cooperation, so in this situation we believe that the decision is the only right one.”
Hurme told Finnish broadcaster Yle that there is no rush to find a replacement sponsor, adding that the termination of the deal with UROS will not affect other partnerships. The arena partnered with Finnish technology company Elisa back in May.
The first events at the arena will be two SM-liiga ice hockey matches on December 3-4, with an official opening event scheduled for December 15.
Image: Elisa
Share this