Fans stunned as Avalanche make jaw-dropping relocation announcement
Photo credit: Icethetics.co
Fans are left stunned as the AHL Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's affiliate team, make a jaw-dropping announcement about relocating, sending shockwaves through the hockey community.
The Eagles, will move from Loveland to Greeley for the 2028-29 season, playing in a new 8,600-seat arena under a 40-year lease.
The Colorado Eagles are officially relocating.
Jake Shapiro from Denver Sports writes that on Wednesday, Greeley City Council approved deal terms and rezoning for a $246 million arena near Highway 34 and County Road 17, with groundbreaking expected by September and completion targeted for July 2028.
The Eagles will remain at Blue Arena in Loveland through the 2027-28 season before moving about 20 miles east to Greeley. Both arenas are roughly an hour north of Denver.
Here's what Eagles owner and CEO Martin Lind had to say in a statement...
«We are extremely excited to partner with the City of Greeley to become the anchor tenant at this world-class facility. As we await the completion of construction, we are pleased to be able to continue to entertain our fans at Blue Arena, which has served as our home since our inaugural season in 2003-04.» -Lind
The arena will anchor the Cascadia development and Catalyst Project district, featuring three NHL-sized ice sheets, a hotel, water park, conference center, restaurants, retail, and housing.
"Design plans include 32 suites, multiple clubs and lounges, an outdoor terrace with mountain views and a large front plaza. The complex will also feature a 1,500-seat secondary arena and 16 locker rooms. Lake Flato Architects and Norris Design are working on the development; the lead arena designer has not been identified." -Shapiro
CBRE's 2024 study found the arena could generate $15.7 million in revenue versus $10.4 million in expenses by 2030, with financing via $832 million in revenue-backed bonds.
Founded in 2003, the Eagles have been the Avalanche's AHL affiliate since 2018. Meanwhile, the Avs' ECHL affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, will relocate to New Jersey after this season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 16 ANSWERS Fans stunned as Avalanche make jaw-dropping relocation announcement Will this be a tough loss for the city of Loveland? | ||
| yes | 13 | 81.3 % |
| no | 3 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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