RAC secures naming rights for Perth Arena

Perth Arena is set to be renamed RAC Arena under a five-year deal with the McGowan Government worth about $10 million.

The Wellington Street venue has historically been used to host music superstars and major sporting events and is visited by almost one million people each year.

Also home to the Perth Wildcats, Perth Arena will host its first Super Netball grand final next Sunday.

Sports Minister Mick Murray said the RAC was one of “WA’s most trusted, iconic organisations”.

“We are delighted RAC has been able to beat the national and international competition in securing this deal, making sure the State’s world-class arena is attached to a truly local organisation,” he said.

The controversial decision to ditch “Perth” from the six-year-old multipurpose venue’s name follows the $50 million, 10-year Optus Stadium naming rights deal.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said selling the naming rights to the publicly owned landmark would “allow us to continue to fix the finances and focus our spending on essential services”.

“We inherited not only a record level of State debt but also the perverse situation where WA taxpayers were forking out compensation for Perth Arena to not have a naming sponsor,” Mr Wyatt said.

“What we have seen with Optus Stadium is that the success of that stadium has nothing to do with the fact that it has had naming rights commercialised.”

“I think that will be the same with the Arena.”

RAC Group chief executive Terry Agnew added: “Through this partnership, we aim to continue communicating and engaging with the community about the importance of road safety, and delivering more benefits, experiences and memories for members visiting RAC Arena.”

Perth Arena will be known as RAC Arena from September 1.