New 'Kroger aquatic center' gets OK

Kroger will pay city $30K for rights as well as $20K in ads per year

HUBER HEIGHTS — Kroger has entered uncharted territory with its acquisition of exclusive naming rights to the city’s new aquatic center, Kroger officials said Tuesday.

Rachael Betzler, public relations manager for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division of Kroger, said Kroger is a sponsor of area events such as the Dayton Air Show and Dayton Dragons games, but this title sponsorship with Huber Heights is unique.

City council approved Monday night a resolution authorizing a three-year contract with Kroger to name the new facility The Kroger Aquatic and Recreation Complex at the Heights, which will open Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Betzler said. “We’re proud to support the communities we serve every day, and this is another way we’re able to do that.”

Huber Heights is home to two Kroger stores on Old Troy Pike and Brandt Pike that employ a total of 340 people.

Kroger will pay Huber Heights $30,000 per year for the exclusive naming rights and also spend $20,000 per year in advertising.

The polar bear exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo — named the Kroger Lords of the Arctic — is the only other title sponsor for Kroger, Betzler said.

City officials approached Kroger with their plans, and after a visit to the 35-acre site, Betzler was sold and said the likelihood that the sponsorship will go beyond three years is “definitely a possibility.”

Between 80,000 and 85,000 visitors are projected to visit the facility per operating season.

“They’re excellent community partners,” outgoing Huber Heights City Manager Gary Adams said. “This is really going to help us a lot.”

Kroger has 30 stores in the Miami Valley and 109 total in the Cincinnati/Dayton region.

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