File photo-Try Hockey For Free
BY MIKE PETTINELLA
For Video News Service
The operating manager of the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street, Batavia, said there will be a two-week delay in the opening of the facility, which had been scheduled to host a “Try Hockey for Free” event this Saturday, Sept. 13th.
Matt Gray, principal of Batavia Sports Facility Management, LLC, the firm that contracted with the city to operate the rink, on Tuesday morning said work on replacing the 45-year-old ice chiller system hit a snag recently when the new equipment was connected to existing apparatus.
“There was a build-up of contaminants (upon hookup),” Gray said, “but we’ve been running it with two new filters the past couple weeks and it’s coming out clean again. We expect there will be ice making next week and we’re shooting to open on Sept. 22.”
As a result, the Try Hockey for Free event has been rescheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 27th.
Gray said the original plan was to complete the installation by the end of August. Things looked good when the equipment was delivered by the Danforth company five days earlier than expected, but the timetable had to be modified due to the connection issue.
Still, he said that having to wait two weeks, when considering a project as big as this, is both “minor and acceptable.”
In July of last year, it was announced that the ice arena was selected to receive a $1.2 million state grant to replace the ice chiller. It was facilitated through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as part of the “Climate Smart Communities” initiative.
BSMF entered into a management contract with the city in July 2022, initially partnering with CAN-USA Sports, LLC, headed by Batavia Muckdogs owner Robbie Nichols. CAN-USA Sports was charged with sales and marketing of the arena.
Gray said that BSFM now has assumed control over all aspects of the operation, adding that CAN-USA Sports is assisting with the transition.
The lease agreement will expire on July 31, 2027, but the city and BSFM can agree to extend the lease for three consecutive five-year periods after the first five-year period with written notice from BSFM. BSFM agrees to pay the city rent and capital improvement fees and to undertake specific improvements and upgrades at the facility as outlined in the agreement.
For more information about the ice arena, go to www.mccarthyicearena.com.