Venue and event management company ASM Global will continue its role as operator of the BMO Harris Bank Center and the Coronado Theater in Rockford, Illinois.
As part of the 10-year agreement, ASM Global will continue its day-to-day management responsibilities.
The company will also oversee the Harris Bank Center renovation project in partnership with the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE), Chicago Blackhawks and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The partnership will not only help to generate jobs but also keep ice hockey team the Rockford IceHogs (Pictured) in the city until at least 2036. The IceHogs were sold to the Blackhawks, which play in the NHL, and the move was approved by the American Hockey League board of governors.
RAVE board chairman Craig Thomas said: “We are excited to have ASM Global continue as RAVE’s operation partner moving forward for both the BMO Harris Bank Center and the Coronado Theater. In addition, having the Rockford IceHogs under the ownership and direction of the Chicago Blackhawks is a win-win for everyone, especially the city of Rockford.”
W.Rockwell Wirtz, chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks, added: “We’re excited to take this journey forward with the City of Rockford and ASM Global alongside us. The company’s reputation is in a league of its own and we cannot wait to see our partnership play out to the benefit of the community, region and the state of Illinois.”
ASM Global has served as the operator of the BMO Harris Bank Center since 2010.
Doug Thornton, executive vice president at ASM Global, said: “We are very appreciative of our relationship with RAVE, the City of Rockford and the Chicago Blackhawks. The investments being made into the facility will extend its useful life and enhance the experience for all our users and guests.
“This could not have happened without the leadership and support of Governor Pritzker, the City of Rockford and especially the Chicago Blackhawks and its Wirtz family ownership.”
Image: TheAHL/CC BY 2.0/Edited for size
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