SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KTIV/KUOO) -
A project to build a new indoor ice arena in the Iowa Great Lakes is moving forward.
Mitch Brandt of the Lakes Area Hockey Association, which is spearheading the project announced recently businessman Dan Wells has purchased naming rights to the facility that's under construction in Spirit Lake. "They're committing to purchasing that for $240,000. It is a 10-year commitment for that figure over that years, over that figure."
Now that the shell of the building is up, Brandt says the next phase is to install refrigeration equipment, followed by a lobby and locker rooms. Brandt adds the indoor ice arena will give a boost to the lakes area economy, drawing people from a wide area as it will be the only facility of its kind in the region.
A firm timeframe for completion hasn't been announced yet. Project organizers say that will depend largely on fundraising, which is ongoing. They do hope to have the refrigeration equipment installed, up and running by this coming October.
In addition to youth hockey leagues, project organizers say the facility will also be available to the general public for open ice skating and other events.