Convention Center Sponsorship Tabled for Now

Businesses wanting to affix their name to the Anaheim Convention Center won’t be finding a “for sale” sign any time soon.

The City Council on Tuesday postponed indefinitely a proposal to seek a corporate sponsorship name for the 30-year-old center.

“Certain things just ought not be sold,” Councilman Tom Tait said. “It just doesn’t feel right.”

Mayor Tom Daly said more information is needed before making any efforts to knock on corporate doors.

The council had been considering hiring a New York agent to seek a sponsorship deal.

While corporate names are more common on stadiums, officials said rights to the bustling center’s name could be a big ticket, bringing in an estimated $1 million annually.

“Generally arenas and stadiums get more television exposure and that’s where sponsors have seen a lot of value,” said Greg Smith, stadium and convention center general manager.

“But a convention center like Anaheim draws well over 1 million corporate decision-makers to its building annually.”