The project is aimed at transforming the arena into a multi-purpose venue which can also host music acts, sports, and other events.
Post renovation, the arena will feature new crimson seats and LED lighting, new exterior stairs on the North concourse, new outside marquee, concession upgrades, and upgraded players’ showers, lounge and weight rooms.
Improving the interior aesthetics, the project will strive to enhance the fan experience by focusing on every minute detail such as brighter lights, seamless glass on the dasher boards, and seats with cup holders, to name a few.
The project will also replace hockey boards, glass and two 40-year-old ice resurfacing machines.
The upgrades are expected to result in major savings for the arena, with the lighting changes itself contributing $600,000 in electric costs over 10 years, as per an estimate from the arena management.
Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena will continue to seat 4, 710 spectators, and is expected to unveil its new look on 25 August 2013 for the Disney Live stage show.
State grants and contribution from the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council are expected to fund the refurbishment project.
The facility earlier received $1m upgrade in 1999 and $1.5m spruce-up in 2002.
Located in downtown Binghamton, the 1973-built Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena is the region’s largest sports/concert/expo facility, and is also the home ice for the Binghamton Senators hockey team.
It is owned by Broome County and managed, staffed and maintained by The Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation.
