Name that DECC!

Best rumor I heard at the DFL convention: that a committee had been set up to find a corporate sponsor and name for the new DECC arena.

Unfortunately, it's sorta not true, said DECC director Dan Russell (who doubles as the first, second and third most entertaining interview in town, though most of that entertainment comes off the record). But he said the DECC board "has always been open to naming rights."

"We would certainly welcome a Duluth News Tribune arena," he said.

But seriously, folks, Russell said over the last couple of years DECC leaders have "talked to a few people" about naming rights for the new arena, "but we have nothing formal yet."

"We would love a partner on this project," he said. "It would add tremendous visibility to us."

Russell wouldn't tell me what type of dollars the DECC is looking for in the sponsorship/naming rights deal, nor would he tell me which companies he's talked to, no matter how many different ways I brought up the names "Minnesota Power" and "SMDC."

"Minnesota Power is not an option," he said.

He also said that because of the arena's affiliation with UMD that they wouldn't accept an alcohol or tobacco sponsor, so unfortunately no "Phillip Morris Arena."

He again suggested the "DNT arena" leaving me to believe that he was either desperate or drunk.

I kid, Dan. I kid.

Tags: decc expansion, duluth, politics, buzz, blogs