DES MOINES – The Polk County board of supervisors voted this morning on a compromise name change for Veterans Memorial Auditorium, altering a controversial $2.5-million deal by Community Choice CU to affix its own name name to the popular sports and events venue.
The supervisors received so many calls and e-mails from veterans and residents opposing the new name–the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center–they rethought their decision, and decided today will be Veteran's Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.
The auditorium, which was one of the largest arenas and exhibit halls in the country when it opened in 1955, was named to honor Polk County World War II veterans.
Several members of the county board apologized to veterans at today’s meeting.
"Believe me we all know you mean a lot to us. Iif it weren`t for you we wouldn`t have a free country, so from the bottom of my heart, I`m sorry we created anything to upset you. I truly believe you will be honored once you visit January 9th," said county supervisor Angela Connolly, referring to the reopening of the venue.
Under the naming rights deal, the site, which is in the midst of a $42.8-million renovation, was to be renamed the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center when it opens next month. The tag “Honoring Veterans Since 1955’ was to be included in the new name.
