JQH to get new name

[BEARZ77]

The JQH Arena at Missouri State will be getting a new name in the upcoming year, it's just not clear what. When John Hammons died he still owed 22 million[ having already paid about 20 million] he had pledged towards the building and ongoing support which included his having naming rights. Because many of his holdings were tied up in litigation another company assumed that responsibility and in a settlement with the university agreed to pay about half that 22 million , but return the naming rights to the University. The University has a number of potential investors/ boosters looking at those rights, but is wanting someone interested in something more permanent than a 10 year option. Naming rights for such a building often are in the 5 -10 million dollar range, so the University is looking to come close to recouping all the money initially pledged towards the project. For now the Arena will still be referred to as JQH for simplicity sake, but all identifying signage is being removed so that potential naming investors can envision and work with plans for what their signage might encompass.
Considering the mess things were in at Hammon's death, this looks like a real possible win for the university both financially and with the opportunity to develop a new partner and ongoing relationship. A little sad in that the arena was a long range dream of Mr Hammons for the University for a number of years , and to not have his name associated with it will be unfortunate. But on the other hand his name is still on a lot of University facilities and Springfield landmarks, the Juanita K Hammons performing arts Center, and Hammons Field to name a couple. Now given the Cardinals own Hammon's Field, that could change at some point I'm sure as well.