BMO Harris Bank Center

The BMO Harris Bank Center (formerly known as Rockford MetroCentre) is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Rockford, Illinois. It is currently home to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs hockey team. The arena formerly served as the home of several defunct minor league sports teams, including the Rockford Lightning basketball team, the Rock River Raptors indoor football team, and the Rockford Rampage indoor soccer team.

BMO Harris Bank Center
"The Big Orange Box"
Aerial view of venue (c.1990)
Former namesRockford MetroCentre (1981–2011)
Address300 Elm St
Rockford, IL 61101-1238
LocationDowntown Rockford
Coordinates42°16′12.95″N 89°5′45.9″W
OwnerRockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority[1]
OperatorASM Global[2]
Capacity6,200 [3]
Construction
Broke groundFebruary 7, 1979[4]
OpenedJanuary 31, 1981[5]
Construction cost$15.7 million
($55.3 million in 2019 dollars[6])
ArchitectLarson & Darby
Tenants
Rockford Lightning (CBA) (1986–2006)
Illinois Thunder (NPSL) (1990–92)
Rockford IceHogs (UHL) (1999–2007)
Rockford Thunder/Rampage (AISL/MISL) (2005–07, 2008–10)
Rock River Raptors (UIF/CIFL) (2006–09)
Rockford IceHogs (AHL) (2007–present)

The BMO Harris Bank Center also secured a spot in history when it hosted the first Arena Football League test game in 1986 between the Chicago Politicians and the Rockford Metros. Due to its outdoor appearance, it is often referred to as the "Big Orange Box", although IceHogs officials refer to the arena as "the Barnyard".

History

The opening night gala in 1981 was headlined by Bob Hope and Lynda Carter. Certainly the most significant event in BMO Harris Bank Center history occurred in the inaugural year, when The Rolling Stones made an appearance on their 1981 North American Tour on October 1, 1981. The concert was added to the tour in response to a radio station petition drive. The actual petitions were cut up and used to hold a lottery for the right to buy tickets. Each person drawn could purchase two of the $15 tickets.

The facility hosted the 1984 and 1986 Mid-American Conference men's basketball tournaments as well as numerous IHSA basketball sectional and super-sectional tournaments. In addition to athletic events, it hosts concerts, conventions, and local high school graduations.

Arena information

The BMO Harris Bank Center hosts major concerts, sport events, and other large-scale events. The complex houses press boxes, a lounge, and suites to watch sport events in style, and a multi-purpose arena.

Naming rights

On August 11, 2011 it was announced that BMO Harris Bank had reached a long term agreement with the Rockford IceHogs for the naming rights of the venue. It was effectively renamed the BMO Harris Bank Center.[7]

Renovations

In 2006, the city of Rockford, along with Winnebago County, announced plans to issue $23 million in bonds to fund a massive renovation of the Arena.[8] Key to the plan was an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks to put an American Hockey League (AHL) team in Rockford for the next 10 years. This team acts as the Blackhawks' farm team. The MetroCentre authority purchased an AHL franchise, and bought the rights to name it the "IceHogs."[8]

During the summer of 2013, the seating structure in the building's lower level was replaced, making way for a new, updated seating system. New seats were added and the seating capacity for hockey increased to 5,895, up from 5,767. Along with new seats, the visitors' locker room was also expanded. New lights were added and the concourse was renovated.[3]

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gollark: Yes, I know, I'm saying it's necessary for the successful completion of Project PURPOSELESS CHAIRMANSHIPS.
gollark: Yes, we get those frequently.
gollark: Please do, it would really help with Project PURPOSELESS CHAIRMANSHIPS?
gollark: Go prove the Riemann hypothesis or something.

References
  1. Kolkey, Jeff (August 10, 2011). "RAVE Authority to Sell Naming Rights to MetroCentre". Rockford Register Star. GateHouse Media. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  2. (Press release). ASM Global. August 24, 2010 Contract to Manage the Rockford, IL BMO Harris Bank Center, Davis Park, Coronado Performing Arts Center and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority https://www.aegworldwide.com/press-center/press-releases/aeg-facilities-and-smg-announce-merger Contract to Manage the Rockford, IL BMO Harris Bank Center, Davis Park, Coronado Performing Arts Center and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority Check |url= value (help). Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. Wehausen, Sam (September 10, 2013). "Renovation Update". Rockford IceHogs. Infinity Sports & Entertainment. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
  4. "Ground-Breaking Protest". The Ledger. 72 (112). Lakeland Ledger Publishing Corporation. February 8, 1979. p. 2A. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  5. Kolkey, Jeff (July 27, 2010). "Minorities Rarely Take the Stage in Downtown Rockford". Rockford Register Star. GateHouse Media. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  6. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  7. "BMO Harris Bank teams with IceHogs". The AHL. August 11, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  8. "BMO Harris Bank Center Venue Information". Archived from the original on March 23, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
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