The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena turns 15 years old next week, but it could soon take on a new name for the next 15 years.
Action News Jax has obtained documents -- sent by Mayor Lenny Curry’s Chief of Staff -- that outlines a proposal to add the name of an unnamed local credit union to the arena.
One local veteran isn’t happy with the proposal.
I have obtained an E-mail sent by Mayor Curry’s own Chief of Staff about the naming right proposal for the arena. When I confronted the Mayor with that information he told me he didn’t know anything about it. pic.twitter.com/0oasZlX8ol
— Ben Becker (@BenBeckerANjax) November 21, 2018
“It’s disrespectful,” says Navy veteran Jack Miller.
Action News Jax pressed Mayor Curry for details, but he refused to acknowledge what he knew and when he knew it, even though his own Chief of Staff sent out the email.
“I have zero details on that,” Curry said.
When pressed further, he said, “There’s nothing on my desk.”
This is what Action News Jax learned:
1. Starting the first year of the agreement, COJ would guarantee a recurring portion of the naming rights payment be put in a trust fund. Decisions for the appropriation of that fund would be under the guidance of an organization composed of Veterans, for Veterans.
The composition would be under a process adopted by the leadership we’ve met with, and advice and counsel of COJ to ensure legal compliance.
2. The amount of the funding would be $52,500 in Year 1 and then continue for 15 years with a 3 percent increase each year.
3. The naming sponsor would guarantee a sponsorship fee of an additional $80,000 each year to underwrite the quarterly Veterans luncheon.
4. The naming sponsor will provide a one-time $50,000 capital contribution for a new memorial element in the arena or on arena grounds. The Veterans' leadership mentioned above in conjunction with COJ Military Affairs and Veterans Department, SMG, and COJ Public Works, will formulate a plan for locating, celebrating, and maintaining this memorial. Determining eligibility criteria for this memorial will be the responsibility of local Veteran leaders.
5. The naming sponsor will facilitate a program at concession stands in the arena that allows patrons to add a "Veterans program" contribution on each purchase. Then the sponsor will guarantee a match of up to $50,000 each year to the total concession fees raised. This is projected to yield at least $100,000 each year, additional funding to Veterans programs selected by the sponsor.
6. The naming sponsor will facilitate a 10 percent discount for arena concessions for all active military, Veterans, and their immediate family members.
The proposal also says the building would retain "Veterans Memorial Arena,” with Jacksonville being substituted.
However, a city ordinance from 2002 that prevents any name change, even if just the word "Jacksonville."
The majority of the city council would have to approve an agreement. Action News Jax is told it could go to committee and be voted upon by the full council early near year.
Air Force veteran George Carroll is hopeful for a better deal.
“There are crumbs, and I guess crumbs are good, if that's all you can get,” says Carroll.
There’s no word at this time on how much the city would receive as part of a potential contract.
Cox Media Group
