A Corpus Christi law firm has been chosen as a finalist to secure the naming rights for the American Bank Center, the city of Corpus Christi announced June 23.
The announcement came almost two weeks after high-profile attorney Thomas J. Henry made an offer of $20 million paid over 10 years for the rights, his second increase of the offer.
American Bank’s naming rights contract for the complex is set to expire in the upcoming months, and the process to select a new naming rights partner has stretched over two years, according to city staff.
Oak View Group, the company that manages the American Bank Center, previously told the Caller-Times that it is “leading the selection process for the naming rights partner, and the decision will be made in collaboration with the City of Corpus Christi.”
“Oak View Group is moving to the next phase of the naming rights process and has selected Hilliard Law to enter into exclusive negotiations to formalize an agreement for the American Bank Center,” the city’s June 23 news release said.
“Following a comprehensive and strategic search process that included several factors, this marks a significant step forward in establishing a long-term partnership that will enhance the visibility and future of the venue and the region.”
OVG will give updates during the Corpus Christi City Council meeting on June 24, the news release said.
The council agenda for June 24 shows an item related to OVG’s operation of the American Bank Center, which could include “possible termination of contract, returning naming rights authority to the City Council, and directing staff to initiate a new bidding process for arena management services.”
Spokespeople for Henry and Hilliard Law did not immediately respond to requests for comment on June 23.
Henry has previously asserted that the selection process “has remained mired in needless delay and political interference.” Some council members have responded that the city and OVG must follow a process outlined in an agreement and have questioned whether what they described as Henry’s litigation with the city — representing clients, not as himself — should rule him out.
Staff writer Kirsten Crow contributed to this story.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hilliard Law named as finalist for American Bank Center naming rights
Reporting by Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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