Charleston Convention Center Renamed in Vandalia Deal
The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center secures a new naming rights partner in a 10-year agreement.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you support selling naming rights for public venues to private companies in your area?
The Charleston Coliseum and Municipal Auditorium Board has officially approved a naming rights deal with Vandalia Health Inc. Under the new agreement, the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center will be renamed the Vandalia Health Center.
Why it matters
This partnership concludes a search for a naming rights sponsor that lasted for more than two decades. The influx of capital provides the venue with long-term financial support from a major regional healthcare provider.
Vandalia Health Inc. will pay $10.06 million over the course of a 10-year contract. This deal brings a definitive end to a 20-year search for a commercial partner to sponsor the facility.
The players
Vandalia Health Inc.
This is a healthcare provider that serves as the new commercial partner for the Charleston facility.
Charleston Coliseum and Municipal Auditorium Board
This is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations and commercial interests of the venue.
Andrew Richardson
He serves as the Vice Chairman of the board and has been a member since 2010.
The details
The board finalized the decision during a special meeting held to approve the contract. The facility, which serves the Kanawha Valley, will transition to its new identity under the Vandalia Health brand following this corporate agreement.
Timeline
The search for a naming rights partner began in 2006.
Vice Chairman Andrew Richardson joined the board in 2010.
The board approved the agreement during a special meeting on October 19, 2026.
Market Landscape
The agreement reflects a growing trend of municipal venues leveraging public-private naming rights to offset operating costs in competitive markets. By partnering with a regional healthcare provider, the venue secures a stable revenue stream after two decades of seeking a sponsor.
Residents and event-goers will see the facility transition to the Vandalia Health Center branding in the near future. This partnership aims to stabilize the venue's financial health, which may support continued event programming for the community.
The takeaway
Securing a naming rights partner allows public facilities to diversify their funding models beyond ticket sales and taxpayer support. Local organizations often look for these long-term partnerships to ensure the financial sustainability of community assets.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest venue developments in Charleston Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Charleston Gazette-Mail.
Live Poll
Do you support selling naming rights for public venues to private companies in your area?
