International company secures naming rights to Boden ice arena

The arena will now be known as Hive Arena Boden, following a ten-year naming rights agreement between Boden Hockey and Hive Blockchain Technologies.

Established in Boden since 2018, Hive Blockchain Technologies operates data centers powered by renewable energy from the Lule River. The company’s successful bitcoin mining operations have already led to several expansions within the municipality.

“Personally, I believe in giving back to those who helped us succeed. Boden Municipality gave us the opportunity to transform a derelict hangar into a modern data center, which has in turn enabled us to build a profitable business model. Now, it feels natural to contribute back,” says Frank Holmes, CEO and Executive Chairman of Hive Blockchain Technologies.

Strong ties to hockey

The choice of sponsorship has a natural connection. Hive is a Canadian company – and hockey is not only Canada’s national sport but also deeply embedded in its culture.

“Hockey is the bridge that connects our two nations. For us, supporting the city’s team was an obvious decision,” Holmes continues.

For Boden Hockey, the partnership came as a welcome initiative.

“They actually approached us with the idea of sponsorship. From there, we developed the details together and landed on an agreement both sides are very pleased with,” says Joakim Svensson, Marketing Manager at Boden Hockey.

Terms of the agreement

Under a cooperation agreement with Boden Municipality, the following conditions apply:

• 15 percent of the annual naming rights revenue is allocated to the municipality to cover operational and facility-related costs.
• A minimum of 30 percent must be directed to Boden Hockey’s youth development activities.
• The arena name must always include Boden and be used in full in all communication and marketing.
• Boden Hockey is required to continue providing activities for children, youth, and adults in line with the municipality’s values and Swedish sports movement principles.

The agreement runs for ten years (five plus five) and includes provisions for early termination if the arena is replaced by a new facility.

A significant investment in the future

While the financial details remain confidential, both parties confirm that the agreement represents a substantial investment. For Boden Hockey, this means strengthened long-term stability and resources to develop both its elite and youth operations.

“This partnership gives us the ability to hire staff, strengthen our youth programs, and invest in our senior team to aim higher in the league system. It creates long-term security and allows us to be more ambitious,” says Svensson.

Frank Holmes also highlights the broader impact:

“We hope to act as a catalyst for further investment in Boden, not only in hockey but in other community organizations as well. Those of us with resources should use them to create opportunities. By helping Boden Hockey grow stronger, we also give children better chances to pursue their dreams – whether that’s SHL, SDHL, NHL, or beyond. The future belongs to them.”