Tools

Ice Arena Almost Ready For 1000 Islands Privateers

Story Published: Oct 10, 2012 at 2:27 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 10, 2012 at 6:55 PM EDT

From ice level, the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena looks ready for hockey.

But behind the scenes, finishing touches are still being applied to a nearly $50,000 renovation project.

It's a costly makeover to make room for the 1000 Islands Privateers, a professional hockey team moving from Alexandria Bay to Watertown starting this season.

"It's been a time consuming project. We needed to get quotes, put our shower out to bid and we've had to meet with the Privateers several times in order to get everything, everyone on the same page," said Erin Gardner, superintendent of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

The most expensive part of the project was adding a shower area for game officials - estimated at nearly $30,000.

"Unfortunately, we can't get officials to do professional games if they're not able to shower afterwards, for obvious reasons. They're working hard just like the players are," said Nicole Kirnan, owner of the 1000 Islands Privateers.

As for fans, the biggest changes to the arena they'll notice?

Actually, it's something officials hope they won't see - a safety net to keep pucks from flying into the crowd.

It cost close to $12,000.

"We have a microfilm netting and it's special netting so that it's easier to see onto the ice as opposed to the other netting," said Gardner.

Officials have high hopes for the upcoming season and expect to attract more than 1,000 fans per game.

"It's more convenient. They don't have to schedule their whole night around driving to the bay. It's right here in the city for them," said Kirnan.

But for now, with the renovations nearly complete, the puck is set to officially drop for the Privateers on October 26.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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