HAF
08-29-2005, 05:42 PM
New scoreboards, vendors among coliseum renovations
This story was published Monday, August 29th, 2005
By Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer
Three Rivers Coliseum is taking on a new look.
From the locker-room showers to the concourse, the 18-year-old building is getting a fresh look, courtesy of Compass and the Tri-City Americans.
"We are in the process of continuing with some renovations to bring the facility back up, which was part of the agreement with the Americans," said Tom Cornwall, executive director of Three Rivers Convention Center. "We (Compass) have agreed on behalf of the city to make the improvements for the fans and for the health and safety of the players."
Compass started their upgrade with the ice, bringing in National Hockey League ice guru Dan Craig to help with the laying of the ice from the very first drop of water.
"Dan and I have a history when we worked with the (Edmonton) Oilers," Cornwall said. "I respect Dan and his professionalism. There isn't anyone better from an ice preparation standpoint to work with our crew and give them pointers. That was the decision to ensure we were starting off on the new foot with a base of ice for this hockey season."
Craig, facility operations manager for the NHL, was in Kennewick last October helping the coliseum staff with the ice. During the past eight years, Craig has worked with the NHL overseeing the quality of the ice surface at each of the 30 rinks.
In addition to a quality ice surface, a refurbished set of rink boards has been installed, and workmen were laying wire Thursday for two new scoreboards.
On the concourse, fans will notice a fresh coat of paint, new food vendors and a permanent team store off the main lobby that will be used by the Americans and the Tri-Cities Fever indoor football team.
"It will be a new experience for the fans when they come to the building," Cornwall said. "It may not be done by the preseason tournament, but it will be done by the home opener (Oct. 7)."
Flip 'N Grill will be one of the new concessions, offering hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and more. Cornwall also said Compass is in negotiations to bring in a vendor that offers deli sandwiches.
Also, the Founders Club has been renamed the Sunset Room, and there are plans to bring back the pregame buffet.
"The intention all along from Compass and the city is to create a pleasant fan experience when they come to Three Rivers Coliseum," Cornwall said. "Not just for hockey, but it was a catalyst."
Under new ownership, the Americans have taken it upon themselves to make improvements to the players' locker room, training room, weight room and coach Don Nachbaur's office.
Last week, the training room and locker room were stripped to the concrete floor and the shower tiles were replaced. When it's finished, there will be new stalls for the players and trainer Kevin Heise will have two new hot/cold tubs in the training room, along with many other improvements.
"We want to make the environment as professional as possible," said Americans general manager Bob Tory. "We want our players to know that we value them, and hopefully that translates to performance on the ice. Olie (Kolzig) and Stu (Barnes) want to provide an environment that is conducive to success. It's an investment that we feel is worth it."
Training camp opens Thursday, with about 75 players expected to attend. The Todd Klassen Memorial Classic will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 5. Veteran players will go through fitness evaluations today and Tuesday.
"This is a fresh start," said Tory, who is co-owner of the team with Kolzig, Barnes and Dennis Loman. "We have our work cut out for us. We have to be focused to compete in a hard U.S. Division. That commitment will have to be established early by the coaches and players. It will be a battle for the playoffs from day one."
This story was published Monday, August 29th, 2005
By Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer
Three Rivers Coliseum is taking on a new look.
From the locker-room showers to the concourse, the 18-year-old building is getting a fresh look, courtesy of Compass and the Tri-City Americans.
"We are in the process of continuing with some renovations to bring the facility back up, which was part of the agreement with the Americans," said Tom Cornwall, executive director of Three Rivers Convention Center. "We (Compass) have agreed on behalf of the city to make the improvements for the fans and for the health and safety of the players."
Compass started their upgrade with the ice, bringing in National Hockey League ice guru Dan Craig to help with the laying of the ice from the very first drop of water.
"Dan and I have a history when we worked with the (Edmonton) Oilers," Cornwall said. "I respect Dan and his professionalism. There isn't anyone better from an ice preparation standpoint to work with our crew and give them pointers. That was the decision to ensure we were starting off on the new foot with a base of ice for this hockey season."
Craig, facility operations manager for the NHL, was in Kennewick last October helping the coliseum staff with the ice. During the past eight years, Craig has worked with the NHL overseeing the quality of the ice surface at each of the 30 rinks.
In addition to a quality ice surface, a refurbished set of rink boards has been installed, and workmen were laying wire Thursday for two new scoreboards.
On the concourse, fans will notice a fresh coat of paint, new food vendors and a permanent team store off the main lobby that will be used by the Americans and the Tri-Cities Fever indoor football team.
"It will be a new experience for the fans when they come to the building," Cornwall said. "It may not be done by the preseason tournament, but it will be done by the home opener (Oct. 7)."
Flip 'N Grill will be one of the new concessions, offering hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and more. Cornwall also said Compass is in negotiations to bring in a vendor that offers deli sandwiches.
Also, the Founders Club has been renamed the Sunset Room, and there are plans to bring back the pregame buffet.
"The intention all along from Compass and the city is to create a pleasant fan experience when they come to Three Rivers Coliseum," Cornwall said. "Not just for hockey, but it was a catalyst."
Under new ownership, the Americans have taken it upon themselves to make improvements to the players' locker room, training room, weight room and coach Don Nachbaur's office.
Last week, the training room and locker room were stripped to the concrete floor and the shower tiles were replaced. When it's finished, there will be new stalls for the players and trainer Kevin Heise will have two new hot/cold tubs in the training room, along with many other improvements.
"We want to make the environment as professional as possible," said Americans general manager Bob Tory. "We want our players to know that we value them, and hopefully that translates to performance on the ice. Olie (Kolzig) and Stu (Barnes) want to provide an environment that is conducive to success. It's an investment that we feel is worth it."
Training camp opens Thursday, with about 75 players expected to attend. The Todd Klassen Memorial Classic will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 5. Veteran players will go through fitness evaluations today and Tuesday.
"This is a fresh start," said Tory, who is co-owner of the team with Kolzig, Barnes and Dennis Loman. "We have our work cut out for us. We have to be focused to compete in a hard U.S. Division. That commitment will have to be established early by the coaches and players. It will be a battle for the playoffs from day one."