Peavey Industries is new title sponsor for Westerner Park’s arena, which will now be known as the Peavey Mart Centrium.
The five-year sponsorship agreement brings together two like-minded industries with common goals that connect agriculture and rural communities to the city, the partners stated at a media announcement on Monday.
“This partnership is a natural fit and one that will continue the arena’s legacy of bringing the community together,” said Mike Olesen.
Olesen is eager to re-open activities at the Peavey Mart Centrium, including Red Deer Rebels hockey games, the Agri-Trade equipment expo, Canadian Finals Rodeo and the 2022 World Junior Hockey Championships.
Doug Anderson, president and CEO of Peavey Industries, noted Peavey Mart stores already have a presence in many communities that have WHL hockey teams as well as agricultural trade. He believes a “strong alignment” with Westerner Park and the Centrium will be great both parties.
“This is our hometown and we believe strongly in investing in our community,” he added.
As the Centrium and Westerner Park are “tremendous” assets to central Alberta, Anderson said the region will benefit from an agreement that will bring greater viability and future growth potential for the exhibition grounds and arena.
Peavey Industries’ head office has been located in Red Deer for more than 50 years, and Anderson predicted those roots will grow deeper with the construction of a larger flagship store in the city next spring.
Westerner Park’s president and board chair Deb Beck sees the partnership as a sign that Westerner Park is open for business following more than a year of financial hardships. “It’s huge — it’s a signal we are open. “
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Olesen said the contract with the Centrium’s last title sponsor, Enmax, ended about five years ago.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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