Scorpions Fast Forward to Rio Rancho in 2006-07

Published on May 3, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico Scorpions President/CEO W.D. "Doug" Frank announced today that the team will not take to the ice for the 2005-06 Central Hockey League season at Tingley Coliseum and will return in the fall of 2006 at the new Rio Rancho Events Center, which is scheduled for groundbreaking on June 14.

Additionally, prospective owner William M. Dutton has announced that "in the best interest of the Scorpions and their fans, they need the ability to move ahead with their arena announcement. For multiple reasons, and to benefit the greater metropolitan area, I must continue to focus my efforts on the Downtown Albuquerque Project. I congratulate Mayor Jim Owen and Rio Rancho on accomplishing this fine project."

"In light of the recent comments made by the State Fair Commission Chairman and Expo New Mexico General Manager regarding our status as a tenant at Tingley Coliseum, it is neither practical nor cost effective for us to operate there during the upcoming season. Our modest requests concerning the deteriorating conditions of Tingley Coliseum have been met with incomprehensible indifference, leaving me no choice but to make this very difficult decision."

Excited about the team's future in Rio Rancho and in preparation for the grand opening, Frank announced that the team will immediately begin operating as a marketing organization in concert with the City of Rio Rancho and International Coliseums Corporation, which like the Central Hockey League, is a subsidiary of Global Entertainment Corporation of Phoenix.

"We are thrilled to be playing at the new Events Center which will open in October, 2006," added Frank. "I applaud Mayor Owen, the Rio Rancho City Council and the Commissioners of Sandoval County for their foresight and ability to work together to make this project a reality. They have treated our organization extremely well, and now it is time for us to do our part to make this new project a resounding success that Rio Rancho and the metropolitan area can be proud of."

Frank also said that he is in the process of forming a group of high-profile community members to become part of the franchise's ownership group as the team prepares to move forward. He added that Dutton will be given special consideration to participate in this group, if and when it is formed.

Frank added that special incentives will be developed for season ticket holders who have already paid part or all of their money for the 2005-06 season should they commit to the 2006-07 season in Rio Rancho. Full refunds will be given to those who do not wish to take advantage these incentives at this time.

"Since we had intended to play a final season at Tingley Coliseum, the team's Tenth Anniversary in New Mexico, this change in direction for the team is both sudden and extremely disappointing, but nonetheless unavoidable under the circumstances.

"We will be making some key announcements in the coming days and weeks regarding a variety of issues, starting with the selection of our new coach, who will be introduced to the public at the Rio Rancho Events Center Sales Expo tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 4) at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa at Santa Ana Pueblo."

For more information about the team and the upcoming move to Rio Rancho, fans are asked to call the Scorpions office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit the team's website at www.scorpionshockey.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from May 3, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central