City Looks To Play The Name Game

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago is looking at the idea of raising cash by selling naming rights to public property.<br/><br/>The city has hired a marketing firm to look at events, buildings, and other assets to

Friday, November 23rd 2007, 4:30 pm

By: News On 6

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago is looking at the idea of raising cash by selling naming rights to public property.

The city has hired a marketing firm to look at events, buildings, and other assets to figure out what might be most attractive to companies looking to attach their names to the city in some way.

Maybe the "Old Navy Pier"? The "Microsoft Magnificent Mile?" The "Lowe's El"?

The $285,000 contract calls for plans to be presented to a group of civic leaders.

Chicago wouldn't be the first city to sell naming rights. Nextel has sponsored the Las Vegas Monorail, and New York has partnered with Snapple, Verizon and Pepsi.