Ice Breaker – Celebrating the Naming of Slush Puppie Place
The Kingston Frontenacs are set to return home this weekend, now playing on the recently renamed Slush Puppie Place. The transition occurred on Monday, February 19th, in which the Kingston Frontenacs hosted the Barrie Colts during their Family Day Game. Before the action got underway, a ceremonial puck drop dedicated to the launch of the new naming rights agreement occurred. Mayor Bryan Paterson, representing the City of Kingston, was joined by Jean-Rock Beaudoin, President of Slush Puppie Canada, and his two daughters Andréanne and Marie Pier, to inaugurate a new naming partnership spanning 15 years in front of a crowd of over 4,000 fans.
Among those most thrilled to see the partnership commence was Tracy Patrick, the Kingston Frontenacs Director of Corporate Partnerships and Sales. As the puck hit the ice, Tracy stood in the Canadian Tire Club Lounge, reflecting on the journey to secure Slush Puppie Canada as the new naming partner.
“It was truly incredible to witness the partnership come to life,” Tracy expressed. “When the opportunity arose to find a new naming rights partner for the venue, our team immediately began reaching out to potential candidates. One standout was John Bishop from B Media Shop. Given our past relationship with B Media Shop, John and his firm were a natural fit.”
The root of this successful partnership traces back to a conversation between John and Tracy during the 2022-23 season when they collaborated on a corporate partnership agreement. Though speculative at the time due to the remaining year on the Leon’s Centre’s agreement, it laid the groundwork for future discussions.
“The entire process of securing a new naming rights partner stems from that initial conversation with John,” Tracy reminisced. “It underscores the significance of nurturing relationships and listening to a client’s needs. When the opportunity arose in July 2024, recalling my previous conversation with John reignited the discussion. Subsequently, introductions between John Bishop, Doug Springer, and City Officials ensued.”
With a prospective partner eager to take on the role of the main naming rights sponsor for Kingston’s premier sports and entertainment venue, negotiations intensified. On Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, Kingston City Council unanimously endorsed the new name “Slush Puppie Place,” solidifying Slush Puppie Canada’s 15-year commitment.
“I take pride in the Kingston Frontenacs spearheading the search for a new naming rights partner and securing Slush Puppie Canada for a 15-year tenure within our community,” Tracy stated. “Our gratitude extends to John Bishop from B Media Shop for embracing this opportunity and collaborating with us and his client to realize this agreement. We look forward to continuing our relationship with B Media Shop and Slush Puppie Canada for the foreseeable future.”
As a new chapter unfolds in the Limestone City, the prospect of the Kingston Frontenacs calling Slush Puppie Place home for the next decade and beyond is something the team is proud to do.