U.S. Cellular Coliseum opened in 2006 under the U.S. Cellular name. (WJBC file photo)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - U.S. Cellular announced this week it is selling its Central Illinois, Chicago and St. Louis markets to subsidiaries of Sprint Nextel, but Coliseum owners in Bloomington said that won't mean a name change for the venue.

Central Illinois Arena Management President John Butler said the acquisition doesn't have an effect on the naming rights agreement.

U.S. Cellular Vice President of Sales and Marketing Edward Perez said the naming rights to the coliseum are not a part of the deal with Sprint.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com