Get used to hearing the words Paramount Centre. That name will replace the Hershey Centre as of July 1.

Mississauga’s premier sports and entertainment venue is being renamed after Paramount Fine Foods, a chain of Middle Eastern restaurants based in Mississauga.

“I am proud to continue to grow the Paramount Restaurants Brand in a city that believes in cultural diversity, innovation and small business development,” Paramount founder and CEO Mohammed Fakih said in a news release.

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“This passion and inclusiveness are what makes Mississauga thrive as a community.”

The City of Mississauga will continue using the Hershey name for the venue until June 30, when the naming rights agreement is set to expire. Hershey Canada Inc. opted not to renew ahead of the facility’s 20th anniversary, prompting the city to look for a new sponsor late last year.

Paramount purchased the naming rights through a new 10-year agreement.

“With final approval from council, we look forward to fostering this partnership and the opportunities it will bring to the city,” stated Shari Lichterman, the city’s director of recreation.

Lichterman added that signage, websites and other facility assets will be updated approaching July 1 to help local sports clubs, residents and fans adjust to the new name.

Neighbouring facilities around the venue will be renamed under the agreement with Paramount as well.

The Hershey Community Rinks will become the Paramount Community Rinks, the Hershey SportsZone will become the Paramount SportZone and the Hershey Sports Fields will become the Paramount Sports Fields.

Paramount will also provide food services for the entire facility, including all concessions and events.

Built in 1998, the Hershey Centre has become well known as home to Mississauga’s Ontario Hockey League teams, including the present-day Mississauga Steelheads, the NBA G League’s Raptors 905 and countless major sporting events and concerts.

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It will welcome a Major Arena Soccer League team into the fold next fall.

Meanwhile, the surrounding venue has been a hub of activity for local sports groups since its inception.

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