Shriners upset about Murat name change

A battle is brewing over one of the Circle City's longest standing landmarks.  At issue, should anyone be allowed to change the name of the Murat Theatre?

You can see the conflict with your own eyes right outside the building. Up high it says "Murat," but on the marquee and everywhere else, it reads "Old National Centre."

"This is the place to be and it's like the Egyptian Room at the Murat Theater! Nobody mentions Old National Bank!" said visitor Tasha Phelps.

But not if promoter Live Nation gets its way. Live Nation leases the theater and Old National Bank paid them for naming rights.  A spokesperson told me, "Live Nation has acted within our lease rights with the Murat Temple Association, Inc. in re-naming the Murat Centre the "Old National Centre." "We look forward to continuing to showcase the best live entertainment with our title sponsor Old National Bank, who share our passion and dedication to the arts."

However, the Murat Temple Association says it owns the naming rights. Attorney Greg Miller says, "Under the terms of the lease, the only name that is to at all times be preserved by the tenant is the Murat Theater ... That's part of our history, that's part of our proprietary right and title to the building."

Making matters tougher for Murat's Board of Directors is the fact that the building is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year and they say the Murat name needs to stay. They also say some Shriners are already accusing them of selling out.

The issue may end up in court. Both Tasha Phelps and friend Alison Ruess prefer "Murat" over "Old National Centre."  "If they wanna, you know, advertise that's fine, but I don't think you need to go as far as changing a venue's name! It's kind of the heart of the venue as far as I'm concerned!" said Ruess.

Miller tells me the Murat Association is continuing to talk with Live Nation about naming rights. But he's adamant that the Murat name has to stay. He says they're hosting the huge Shriners convention in 2013 and there's no way they can lose the Murat name. We'll keep you posted.