Thursday, November 25, 2010

Lancers to Play in New Home Beginning in 2012

Press Release

As the Omaha Lancers celebrate their 25th Anniversary season as one of the United States Hockey League's (USHL) premier Member Clubs, the organization is pleased to announce another milestone today. Thanks to the vision and support of Ralston's Mayor Don Groesser and the Ralston City Council, the Omaha Lancers will return home to the 72nd Street corridor and the metropolitan's midtown region beginning with the 2012-2013 season.

"Ralston is proud to become the new home for the Omaha Lancers," said Don Groesser, Mayor of the City of Ralston. "This partnership will allow Ralston to provide a great facility not only for the Lancers but also for the citizens of Ralston and the metro area. Besides Omaha Lancers hockey games, there will be multiple events such as concerts and other sporting events."

"We were pleased when Mayor Groesser proactively approached the Lancers regarding this opportunity at 72nd and Q Street," said Ben Robert, President and Managing Partner for the Omaha Lancers Hockey Club. "The Civic Auditorium has been a great venue for Lancers hockey for the past two seasons and we are extremely appreciative of everyone that helped move the Lancers back to Omaha. Still, it has always been a phased approached plan to ultimately find a permanent home for the Omaha Lancers. It was also important to the organization to fulfill our commitment to MECA and the Civic Auditorium, which will be fulfilled at the end of the 2011 - 2012 season, so the timing was perfect."

Robert added, "72nd Street and the midtown region are where Omaha Lancers hockey began 25 years ago and where Omaha Lancers hockey belongs now. This new complex will provide our fans with affordable entertainment that includes reasonable ticket prices, free parking, concessions, and high level and exciting hockey."

After an extensive analysis of other USHL and hockey venues, it was determined an approximately 3,500 seat state-of-the-art arena is the optimal size to create the enthusiasm and energy of other venues. The complex will also be used to draw youth hockey tournaments and thousands of visitors to the Omaha metropolitan area.

Located at the former Lakeview Golf Course, the Ralston Convention and Sports Complex is part of the city's Economic Redevelopment Plan. The estimated $25 million facility will house a 3,500 seat multi-use arena and a single sheet community ice rink.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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