Arena not ready for Flying Aces home opener

Posted on October 11, 2017
Grossinger Motors Arena
Grossinger Motors Arena’s continued upgrades have delayed the home opener for the Central Illinois Flying Aces. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Central Illinois Flying Aces)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The much-maligned sports arena in downtown Bloomington is receiving another dose of negative publicity.

Its hockey team’s home opener won’t be held as scheduled because the newly-named Grossinger Motors Arena isn’t ready.

A news release from the Central Illinois Flying Aces, formerly the Bloomington Thunder, said upgrades to the dasher boards and glass around the arena are not done. The hockey team initially announced in September that its home opener would be delayed.

Chief Operating Officer Brendan Kelly explained there is still some work that needs to be done before the arena is up to snuff.

“We are still working closely with VenuWorks and the City of Bloomington on repairs to ensure a safe arena that meets USHL and USA Hockey standards,” said Kelly. “We will have more information in the coming days, including an update on the rescheduled home opener.”

The team said it is working closely with the City of Bloomington and arena management firm VenuWorks to ensure a safe arena that meets United States Hockey League and USA Hockey standards.

As a result, the Flying Aces home opener on Friday against Cedar Rapids will be rescheduled, and Saturday’s previously scheduled home contest against the Green Bay Gamblers will take place in Green Bay.

Upgrades to bring the arena up to USHL and USA Hockey standards are said to be part of a two-phase project. The team said new dasher boards and glass will be installed later this season.

Season ticket holders who purchased partial plans and selected either or both games are asked to call the Flying Aces office at 309-434-2980.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].

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