2008 Woodie Awards
Stafford renovations approaching completion
Stafford Ice Arena renovations are coming to a close and fans are promised comfortable accomodations
Josh Colligan
Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: Sports
Originally published: 9/18/08 at 6:47 PM EST
Last update: 9/19/08 at 1:24 AM EST
Gone are the old, hard, ugly, wooden bleachers. In are the new red, plastic, individual theatre-style seats. The Stafford Ice Arena renovation is now almost complete and ready for Cardinal hockey.
"It's going along real well right now," Fieldhouse Director Mark Christiansen said. "They are hoping to have it done for Oct. 1."
There is some thought the rink itself may be ready a little earlier, which Christiansen said is good because it is a lengthy process to have the rink ready for use. With hockey just around the corner, the more time to get the rink ready, the better.
The construction did not come without some sacrifices, however.
The arena used to hold about 4,000 people with the bleacher-style seating, but with the new individual theatre-style seating, that has been reduced to only 1,512.
The 1,512 seats do include handicap seats. In various locations along the top row, special removable seats have been installed to accommodate wheelchairs.
"It's a lot more handicap accessible now," Christiansen said.
Along side each wheelchair space there are companion seats, which Athletic Director Bruce Delventhal said will be sold in conjunction with the handicap spaces.
The arena has undergone almost a complete make-over. All that is left from before renovation started is the snack bar and the middle section of the press box, which has been extended in both directions. The platform on the players' side was not up to code, so it was taken down. The ceiling has been repainted and new lights and dasher boards have been installed.
There are now two rows of seats off the end of the balcony where fans first enter the rink, giving a full view of the Plattsburgh net for two periods.
Even the rail positions were upgraded.
"The rail spaces are going to be very nice if you like to stand," Christiansen said.
The 108 spaces are still just behind the seats, but now there is a long bar-like counter with cup holders every 18 inches.
"It's going along real well right now," Fieldhouse Director Mark Christiansen said. "They are hoping to have it done for Oct. 1."
There is some thought the rink itself may be ready a little earlier, which Christiansen said is good because it is a lengthy process to have the rink ready for use. With hockey just around the corner, the more time to get the rink ready, the better.
The construction did not come without some sacrifices, however.
The arena used to hold about 4,000 people with the bleacher-style seating, but with the new individual theatre-style seating, that has been reduced to only 1,512.
The 1,512 seats do include handicap seats. In various locations along the top row, special removable seats have been installed to accommodate wheelchairs.
"It's a lot more handicap accessible now," Christiansen said.
Along side each wheelchair space there are companion seats, which Athletic Director Bruce Delventhal said will be sold in conjunction with the handicap spaces.
The arena has undergone almost a complete make-over. All that is left from before renovation started is the snack bar and the middle section of the press box, which has been extended in both directions. The platform on the players' side was not up to code, so it was taken down. The ceiling has been repainted and new lights and dasher boards have been installed.
There are now two rows of seats off the end of the balcony where fans first enter the rink, giving a full view of the Plattsburgh net for two periods.
Even the rail positions were upgraded.
"The rail spaces are going to be very nice if you like to stand," Christiansen said.
The 108 spaces are still just behind the seats, but now there is a long bar-like counter with cup holders every 18 inches.
Be the first to comment on this story