The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) are making long-term plans for Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, as the team has secured a lease extension that could lead to arena upgrades.
Under a plan approved earlier this week by the Cedar Rapids City Council, the RoughRiders and city will commit to a Cedar Rapids Ice Arena lease that runs through August 21, 2032. The language of that agreement leads to an automatic 20-year extension, provided that Newco Riders LLC–the group that owns the RoughRiders–commits to a minimum of $1 million in capital improvements to the facility.
While ensuring that the RoughRiders will remain at the venue until at least 2032, the lease allows outlines how the team and city will share the task of improving Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Capital improvements are expected to take place over the next few years. More from The Gazette:
“We are very appreciative to be in the city of Cedar Rapids for at least another 15 years and beyond. Hopefully another 35 years,” said RoughRiders owner Tony Sdao. “It solidifies hockey in the area and the availability of ice sports to youth and all of the citizens of Cedar Rapids, first and foremost. We are very thankful for that. And we are very thankful for our fans, our sponsors and the media.”
According to the new lease, capital improvements RoughRiders ownership is responsible for “include but will not be limited to physical improvements to the locker room, weight room, team offices” and audio/video components of the gameday presentation. The RoughRiders also have been given permission to seek possible construction of a restaurant that will be attached to the arena.
In return, the city will add a concession stand on the north side of the NHL rink and staging at the ends of the rink for party deck purposes. It also will replace seats at the arena, which is 19 years old.
The timeline for the improvements is within the next four years.
Cedar Rapids Ice Arena originally opened in 2000, and has hosted the RoughRiders throughout its history.
