Let's play Name Anniston's Airport.

It's a tough game. Cliches won't work. Obvious monikers don't apply. Anniston Metropolitan Airport, its longtime name, needs re-branding as part of the city's effort to turn an oft-overlooked facility into a bonafide commodity for northeast Alabama.

But first, it needs a new identify, city officials say. They're even asking for residents to log on to the city's Web site, www.annistonal.gov, and leave suggestions. The game's well under way.

Oh, but wait. It's not that easy. There are rules to follow. The Federal Aviation Administration, as is its wont, is picky about such things.

The airport's name likely can't include the phrase "northeast Alabama" because at least one other airport in this part of the state — Gadsden's airport — has those words on its marquee. Alas, the folks from Etowah County beat Calhoun County to the punch.

And, considering the city's desire to flavor the airport with a regional spice, it's not likely that the chosen name will include anything boilerplate or obvious. In other words, using the word "Anniston" probably isn't a good idea.

So, suggestions?

How about Cheaha Regional Airport? The reason's obvious. Depending on where you're coming or going, you can take in a splendid view of the mountain from the clouds above.

How about Choccolocco Valley Regional Airport? The downside: Teaching visitors how to spell the airport's name would be a monotonous chore.

How about Calhoun County Metropolitan Airport? A safe, but bland, option; boooorrrring. Perhaps a fallback if nothing else sounds appealing.

Or — sorry, Annistonians — how about Oxford Metropolitan Airport? The smart alecks among us are always quick to note that the airport's peculiar, landlocked location, surrounded by Oxford soil on all sides, is one of the quirky things in Calhoun County.

Snark aside, there should be reasonable expectations for the future of Anniston's airport. Make no mistake: Its future is not in commuter service; the airport's future reputation will be built on the FAA's Flight Service Station, its use for private planes and its obvious worth as a freight facility.

Those aren't sexy traits. They don't help residents jet off to summer vacations or save time by avoiding the drives to runways in Birmingham or Atlanta.

Anniston's airport — whatever it's called — is what it is. It serves a purpose, yet it can be improved. Let's just hope its new name is worth remembering.