richmondhockey
03-23-2007, 11:09 AM
The Richmond Renegades are interested in exploring the possibilities of a partnership with Henrico County to build a new arena, most likely near the intersection of routes 288 and 64.
Allan B. Harvie Jr., president and general manager of the one-year-old franchise, is scheduled to meet with Virgil Hazelett, Henrico County manager, Friday to discuss the idea and a proposed site. But that meeting is not an indication that anything is imminent.
"I don't have any information whatsoever in reference to Allan Harvie," Hazelett said. "Mr. Harvie asked to meet with me, but I have no idea what he's talking about or where he's talking about. Certainly, I've given him no indication that it would be on county land or anything else. We were simply agreeing to help him in reference to looking for land out there.
"I really can't comment because I have nothing to offer at this point. It's entirely premature in reference to the conversations I'm having with him."
What Harvie envisions is a 7,000-seat, multipurpose arena that could house his hockey team, as well as play host to other events, such as concerts and basketball games.
"Richmond could really use a modern entertainment facility," said Harvie, who believes the arena would cost between $25 million and $30 million.
The 7,500-seat Stuart C. Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University opened in 1999 and cost $29.1 million, said Dr. Richard Sander, the executive director of VCU's Sports Center. Sander was athletic director at the time the Siegel Center was built. Sander estimated a similar building constructed today with ice capability would cost between $40 million-$50 million.
In order for the facility to be built, the money would have to come through some kind of financial arrangement with the county, Harvie said. He doesn't have enough private investors or a large corporation to fund the project.
Hazelett said he would not support any public bond financing for a hockey facility.
"I won't know where we are until we meet with Mr. Harvie," Hazelett said. "Certainly, there is no consideration of spending public funds on something like that."
As for possible use of county land, Hazelett said it would depend on details, including what land would be considered and when it would be needed. "Those are all questions I can't answer."
Harvie, who bought the Southern Professional Hockey League Renegades a year ago, has two years remaining on his lease with the Coliseum, with an option for two more. A new arena wouldn't be ready until the 2009-10 season, Harvie said.
"We're certainly not upset with the Coliseum," Harvie said. "They've treated us well.
"I'm not looking at it as why I would want to leave the Coliseum. That's not the issue. I'm looking at it as to why I would want to go to a new facility. It would be a facility that we own and operate. We manage it. We have parking. We have concessions for all the events. We control it completely."
Harvie pointed out that the Renegades can't play many home games in February and March which is the stretch run of the season -- because the Coliseum is booked with events like the circus, Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball tournament, Monster trucks and concerts.
The Renegades also will have trouble getting ice for the second round of the playoffs -- if they get that far -- because Champions on Ice is being given a week to practice before their show April 13.
The hockey team is averaging 3,413 in the Coliseum (which seats 9,674 for hockey), so it doesn't appear the Renegades need as many seats as the downtown arena offers.
"For us, 7,000 is a great crowd," Harvie said. "It's louder, and it makes for a better event. We don't have many crowds like that."
Allan B. Harvie Jr., president and general manager of the one-year-old franchise, is scheduled to meet with Virgil Hazelett, Henrico County manager, Friday to discuss the idea and a proposed site. But that meeting is not an indication that anything is imminent.
"I don't have any information whatsoever in reference to Allan Harvie," Hazelett said. "Mr. Harvie asked to meet with me, but I have no idea what he's talking about or where he's talking about. Certainly, I've given him no indication that it would be on county land or anything else. We were simply agreeing to help him in reference to looking for land out there.
"I really can't comment because I have nothing to offer at this point. It's entirely premature in reference to the conversations I'm having with him."
What Harvie envisions is a 7,000-seat, multipurpose arena that could house his hockey team, as well as play host to other events, such as concerts and basketball games.
"Richmond could really use a modern entertainment facility," said Harvie, who believes the arena would cost between $25 million and $30 million.
The 7,500-seat Stuart C. Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University opened in 1999 and cost $29.1 million, said Dr. Richard Sander, the executive director of VCU's Sports Center. Sander was athletic director at the time the Siegel Center was built. Sander estimated a similar building constructed today with ice capability would cost between $40 million-$50 million.
In order for the facility to be built, the money would have to come through some kind of financial arrangement with the county, Harvie said. He doesn't have enough private investors or a large corporation to fund the project.
Hazelett said he would not support any public bond financing for a hockey facility.
"I won't know where we are until we meet with Mr. Harvie," Hazelett said. "Certainly, there is no consideration of spending public funds on something like that."
As for possible use of county land, Hazelett said it would depend on details, including what land would be considered and when it would be needed. "Those are all questions I can't answer."
Harvie, who bought the Southern Professional Hockey League Renegades a year ago, has two years remaining on his lease with the Coliseum, with an option for two more. A new arena wouldn't be ready until the 2009-10 season, Harvie said.
"We're certainly not upset with the Coliseum," Harvie said. "They've treated us well.
"I'm not looking at it as why I would want to leave the Coliseum. That's not the issue. I'm looking at it as to why I would want to go to a new facility. It would be a facility that we own and operate. We manage it. We have parking. We have concessions for all the events. We control it completely."
Harvie pointed out that the Renegades can't play many home games in February and March which is the stretch run of the season -- because the Coliseum is booked with events like the circus, Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball tournament, Monster trucks and concerts.
The Renegades also will have trouble getting ice for the second round of the playoffs -- if they get that far -- because Champions on Ice is being given a week to practice before their show April 13.
The hockey team is averaging 3,413 in the Coliseum (which seats 9,674 for hockey), so it doesn't appear the Renegades need as many seats as the downtown arena offers.
"For us, 7,000 is a great crowd," Harvie said. "It's louder, and it makes for a better event. We don't have many crowds like that."