Post by slocoma on Feb 13, 2007 14:22:23 GMT -5
FROM WICU12.COM:
"Will Arena Be Renovated?
February 12, 2007, 6:05 pm
Renovations are underway at the Warner Theatre. And at Jerry Uht Park. But no work is being done at the Tullio Arena. The building is 24 years old and no major improvements have been made in it's history. But within two weeks, that will change as plans will be announced for refurbishing the arena.
Ross Rectenwald is the architect who has been working on the plans. "What we're looking at is increasing the size of the main entrance lobby, both on the upper level and lower level", he said. "Increasing the width of the concourses, providing an easier access to the concession areas and restrooms, and still maintain circulation through there. We're adding additional private boxes both on the north and south sides of the arena and on the second level we hope to put in a large bar area and dining areas."
And that's not all. The outside of the arena would include an amphitheater for pre and post game entertainment. A farmers market is being looked at as well as a Rockefeller Center style skating rink.
The Convention Center Authority says the improvements are needed to attract national touring shows to Erie and to keep the sports teams that use the arena. The main tenant at the Tullio Arena is the Erie Otters. While other towns in the Ontario Hockey League have either built new arenas or renovated their buildings, the Otters have had to wait.
"Any renovations here are critical, not just important, they're critical", said Ron Sertz, Otters Director of Hockey Operations. "I think it's important for our fans and the people of Erie to really have a facility that's at least average in the Ontario Hockey League."
The cost of the architectural plan is $100,000. The cost of the proposed renovations is not yet being announced.
John Last"
"Will Arena Be Renovated?
February 12, 2007, 6:05 pm
Renovations are underway at the Warner Theatre. And at Jerry Uht Park. But no work is being done at the Tullio Arena. The building is 24 years old and no major improvements have been made in it's history. But within two weeks, that will change as plans will be announced for refurbishing the arena.
Ross Rectenwald is the architect who has been working on the plans. "What we're looking at is increasing the size of the main entrance lobby, both on the upper level and lower level", he said. "Increasing the width of the concourses, providing an easier access to the concession areas and restrooms, and still maintain circulation through there. We're adding additional private boxes both on the north and south sides of the arena and on the second level we hope to put in a large bar area and dining areas."
And that's not all. The outside of the arena would include an amphitheater for pre and post game entertainment. A farmers market is being looked at as well as a Rockefeller Center style skating rink.
The Convention Center Authority says the improvements are needed to attract national touring shows to Erie and to keep the sports teams that use the arena. The main tenant at the Tullio Arena is the Erie Otters. While other towns in the Ontario Hockey League have either built new arenas or renovated their buildings, the Otters have had to wait.
"Any renovations here are critical, not just important, they're critical", said Ron Sertz, Otters Director of Hockey Operations. "I think it's important for our fans and the people of Erie to really have a facility that's at least average in the Ontario Hockey League."
The cost of the architectural plan is $100,000. The cost of the proposed renovations is not yet being announced.
John Last"
