The new downtown Arena will have a name, and a major, national company will pay tens of millions for the naming rights. WHAS11 confirmed late Wednesday that 4 companies are negotiating for the deal.
The news comes as U of L tipped off their last, first game at Freedom Hall last night. The Cards have called it home for more than 50 years. This time next year, U of L will move in to the new arena, but Cardinal fans have mixed opinions about leaving a place with so much history for downtown.
Jeanne Ricketts, a season ticket holder since the 1950s, says, "we're going to have a problem of transportation and parking. We're going to go ahead with it but it's going to be very difficult for us."
Another season ticket holder, Rosalius worries about the price of the tickets downtown. "Remember those who have been loyal to you and try to hold the prices down the first couple of years.”
Eric Titus looks forward to the change, though. "I've seen the pictures and I think it's going to be awesome for the team, for the fans, we're looking forward to it."
The new arena will also have about 3,000 more seats than Freedom Hall. U of L's Athletic Association says that will mean more season tickets, and they're not worried about selling them all because they've had a waiting list for tickets for years.
