Selling the naming rights of the Joel is a huge slap in the face to the city of Winston Salem. Wake has become so disconnected with the community it is amazing they still have any casual in town fans.
They should leave a few dollars off the table to pay respect to a home town hero.
?? This doesn't make any sense. Wake Forest doesn't owe Winston Salem anything. Wake is one of the top employers for the city, generates the most exposure and generates the most revenue for the local economy.
Naming rights would bring in a minimum $500k per yr that would likely be used to supplement enhancements for the Joel. Which will entice more casual fans: A renovated arena with new features and attractions for the community or a passive half million dollar gesture to "the community"?....Heck you don't even have to change the name. Just go with "The Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Colisem Powered by CookOut".
(The $250k per year talk is nonesense. Even the U of Albany gets $250 for their hoops arena rights)
Last edited: