City can boost hockey in Palmer

On Tuesday, Palmer City Council can approve an allocation of more than $885,000 from its general fund for facility improvements at the Palmer Ice Arena.

Discussion of the appropriation comes on the heels of the council’s vote to allow the city to enter an agreement with the Alaska Avalanche. That deal makes the Junior A North American Hockey League franchise an anchor tenant at the Palmer arena. While the move of the Avalanche from its prior home in Wasilla may be the driving force behind the immediate call to refurbish the Palmer arena, the franchise is helping the city realize goals it had when the facility was built five years ago.

The Palmer arena was created in part to quell the call for indoor ice, particularly on the eastern side of the Mat-Su Borough. But five years ago, proponents of the arena saw it as more than just a hockey rink. They envisioned a true multi-purpose facility.

The proposed funds will help satisfy the needs of its new anchor tenant. NAHL rules mandate minimum standards in terms of seating, and the potential influx of users will require improved accommodations. But the proposed multi-tier plan, which spreads upgrades over the next two years, will do more than just give the Avalanche new locker rooms, office space and seating for their fans. Other users of this facility would reap the same luxuries. Local prep, youth and adult hockey teams that frequent the arena would benefit from better seating, refurbished locker and rest rooms, and upgraded lighting and sound systems.

Most of all, these renovations would open the door to a new set of users. The arena could house graduations, trade shows and other events that have grown too large for most Palmer facilities.

The $885,000 request would go toward what could potentially amount to a $1.2 million dollar project. There are methods in place to supplement the city’s fund, including potential for grants, and naming rights for the facility may be sold to a title sponsor. All could add up to $700,000, according to city documents.

The Avalanche is also putting money back into the facility. The team has agreed to pay an annual usage fee of $30,500 for the term of the five-year agreement. Part of that includes rental of non-peak ice time during hours in which the arena would go unused on a typical day. The Avalanche will also contribute $50,000 over the next four years, a sum that will go directly to the capital budget.

The city of Palmer will earn additional revenue with the draw of the Avalanche. Local business should feel a positive impact, and the arena will profit from additional sponsorships and the team’s 27 regular-season home games.

Currently, the Palmer Ice Arena is a single-purpose facility with a limited number of users. Approval of the allocation of funds will give the Avalanche the opportunity to remain in the Valley and a refurbished arena to call home. It also allows the city to realize its goals for the facility and provide an arena than can benefit more of the Palmer community, and more than skating enthusiasts.

We urge the city council to be a playmaker and approve the allocation.