

Chris Fox, CP24.com





A public square outside the Air Canada Centre will keep the Maple Leaf moniker, despite reports to the contrary.

Several media outlets reported last week that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment was planning to rename Maple Leaf Square “Ford Square” as part of a sponsorship deal with the Ford Motor Company of Canada, however MLSE now says that the square will in fact be named the “Ford Fan Zone at Maple Leaf Square.”

The apparent pivot comes after many fans objected to the new name, given the connection to the city’s scandal plagued mayor and his councillor-turned mayoral candidate brother.

As part of the new naming-rights deal, MLSE has also announced that Ford will be distributing 200 free tickets to fans for every Leafs home game.

“Ford is a tremendous partner and we’re thrilled that our fans will be the real winners with the new opportunities that will stem from this relationship,” Chief Commercial Officer of MLSE said in a press release.

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