Rockford MetroCentre

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MetroCentre is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Rockford, Illinois. The arena opened in 1981 amid much controversy. It was the home of the Rockford Lightning basketball team for many years. It is currently home to the Rockford IceHogs Ice Hockey team, and the Rock River Raptors indoor football team. It also hosted the first Arena Football League test game in 1986 between the Chicago Politicians and the Rockford Metros. WWE holds three events yearly in the MetroCentre. Due to its outdoor appearance it is often referred to as the "Big Orange Box", although Icehogs officials refer to the arena as "the Barnyard".

The facility hosted the 1984 and 1986 Mid-American Conference men's basketball tournaments as well as numerous IHSA basketball sectional and super-sectional tournaments. In addition to athletic events, it hosts concerts, conventions, and local high school graduations.

In 2006, The city of Rockford along with Winnebago county announced plans to issue 23 million dollars in bonds to fund a massive renovation of the Arena. Key to the plan is an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks to put an American League Hockey team in Rockford for the next 10 years. This team would act as the Blackhawks' farm team.

Current arenas in the United Hockey League

U.S. Cellular Coliseum | Sears Centre | First Arena | Perani Arena and Event Center | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | Wings Stadium | L.C. Walker Arena | McMorran Arena | The MARK of the Quad Cities | MetroCentre

Current arenas in United Indoor Football
Eastern Conference		Western Conference
Family Arena | Roberts Municipal Stadium | Rockford MetroCentre | Rupp Arena | US Cellular Coliseum | WesBanco Arena		Budweiser Events Center | Gateway Arena | MetraPark Arena | Omaha Civic Auditorium | Sioux Falls Arena