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Onalaska’s OmniCenter could have year-round ice and a hockey league junior team by the fall, officials said Wednesday.
The city’s Community Development Authority unanimously voted Wednesday to move ahead with plans to bring in year-round hockey league play, tournaments and other events.
“This is probably one of the most exciting things I’ve heard here since I’ve been on the city council,” said Onalaska Common Council member Jim Olson.
Mark Motz, co-owner of the North Iowa Outlaws, a North American Hockey League junior team from Mason City, Iowa, approached the Community Development Authority at its May 20 meeting about bringing a team to Onalaska, prompting a sub-committee to study the proposal.
Budget estimates show the OmniCenter potentially could net more than $200,000 a year from a combination of the junior team, hockey camps, tournaments and festivals, as well as a figure skating program in both its arenas.
Still to be explored is adding a mezzanine — to increase seating capacity from 1,000 to 1,500 — plus expand locker rooms and bleachers at a cost of $300,000.
If the preliminary revenue numbers are correct, the capital expenses could be paid back in 1.4 years, said CDA member Mark Gargaro.
Tom Hammill, OmniCenter manager, said he has events ready to be booked in 2009 and wanted to see a potential “ice” schedule as soon as possible.
“We need a clear understanding of where we’re going with this,” said Hammill. “It could affect a lot more people than we’re looking at. We’re looking at the positive dollar side.”
Mayor Mike Giese said the various teams and organizers should be contacted immediately to see if commitments can be obtained.
“I think if this is going to fly it has to happen real quick,” Giese said after the meeting.
The proposal comes at a financially challenging time for Onalaska, he said, and the OmniCenter is going to have to support itself.
“This plan invokes enthusiasm,” Giese said.
A lot of things would have to fall into place “perfectly” to bring a NAHL junior hockey team to Onalaska by fall, said Motz, who was not at the meeting but spoke later by telephone.
“But the fall of 2010,” Motz said, “wouldn’t be any problem at all.”
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