BC Place renaming deal with Telus scrapped

The B.C. government has decidednot tosigna $40-million agreement with Telus for the naming rights for BC Place Stadium.

In a statement released Wednesday, Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell said the deal didn't provide the best value for taxpayers.

"We also believe British Columbians have a strong attachment to the BC Place name," he said.

"The importance of that iconic nameBC Place outweighs any value we would get associated with it. Telus had very strong views in terms of wanting their own name and differentiating it from the BC Place name."

In a written statement, Telus called the decision disappointing and regrettable.

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PavCo, the company that runs BC Place, will now negotiate a technology agreement with Telus, Bell said.

"The revitalized stadium provides visitors with some of the most advanced technology in any stadium in North America and helps to create a truly unique experience for guests when they attend events at BC Place."

BC Placereopened in Septemberafter a $563-million renovation, including a retractable roof, new wider seats, some of the world's largest television screens and windows that turn on a high-tech light show.