BMO Center New Main Entrance and Jack Daniel’s Bar Unveiled

Media Contacts: Panouly Moua, pmoua@asmrockford.com and Mike Folta, mfolta@blackhawks.com

ROCKFORD, IL (October 12, 2023) – Phase 3 of renovations at the BMO Center started in the summer of 2023 and is now concluding with a sneak peek unveiling of a newly remodeled box office, main entrance, and Jack Daniel’s Bar. Media and community partners gathered to celebrate the completion of these projects with a Rockford Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that featured key partners including the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE), the Rockford IceHogs, Accel Construction and Scandroli Construction. As part of the celebration of a new era and season, live entertainment was provided by The Lone Canary and a custom Rockford-themed mural was painted by local artist, Dustin Eckhardt.

With a revived main entrance, guests can now enjoy ease of access with the additional doors that were added, increased square footage in the lobby allowing for more walking space, and a new escalator. These improvements to the arena ensure guests’ safety and serve to enhance the guest experience.

The finalizing cosmetic details of the box office and all other projects within Phase 3 of renovations will be completed within the month of October 2023 before Dropkick Murphys hits the stage on Friday, October 20, 2023, and just in time for the start of the 25^th season of the Rockford IceHogs’ opening night game on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Other Phase 3 projects include a new Grab & Go store which has replaced the previous Goose Island Bar near the IceHogs Store, administrative offices, revamped upper club on the south end zone of the arena bowl with a lowered wall to allow for better viewing of games and events, and a new bar on the concourse. Exterior concrete renovations will also be completed within the month of November 2023.

Phase 3 of construction includes:

• New box office and new main entryway
• Jack Daniel’s Bar
• Grab & Go store (replacing Goose Island Bar)
• Administrative level offices
• South end zone sky deck
• Southwest end zone bar
• Exterior concrete renovations

“The IceHogs are very excited to welcome our fans back next weekend to a BMO Center that truly has been transformed over the past 3 summers. From the infrastructure focused improvements delivered in the 2021 phase 1, to the technology driven fan entertainment emphasis of phase 2 in 2022, to this final phase which focused the fan experience through reimagined spaces and food & beverage offerings – every aspect of our game night environment has been improved.” – Ryan Snider, Rockford IceHogs President of Business Operations

Be one of the first to see and experience the new main entrance and Jack Daniel’s Bar during the opening night of the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday, October 21.

ABOUT THE BMO CENTER:

The BMO Center is a multi-purpose arena in downtown Rockford, Illinois, the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is currently home to the Rockford IceHogs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The BMO Center is owned by the City of Rockford, overseen by the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority, and managed by ASM Global. For more information, visit thebmocenter.com.

ABOUT THE ROCKFORD ICEHOGS:

The Rockford IceHogs are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks and a member of the American Hockey League (AHL). The IceHogs were established in 1999 as a member of the United Hockey League (UHL) and became a member of the AHL and an affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007.

ABOUT ASM GLOBAL:

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. For more information, please visit asmglobal.com. Other ASM Global managed venues in Rockford include the Coronado Performing Arts Center and Davis Park.

ABOUT THE ROCKFORD AREA VENUES AND ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY (R.A.V.E.):

The Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) was established in 2010 to oversee and revitalize the downtown entertainment district. Over the years, RAVE has evolved to include 12 community leaders who serve as the Board of Directors overseeing the BMO Center, the Coronado Performing Arts Center, and Davis Park. ASM Global was appointed by the RAVE Board of Directors as the operator of the 3 venues in 2010. The RAVE Board provides support, guidance, and counsel to the ASM Global Rockford venues to increase tourism and economic growth.