2/24/2008 11:50:00 AM Hockey group sees
plans for arena
JENNIFER MYERS was among the many who showed up to support the Becker-Big Lake Ice Association at their wine tasting event at Victory Sports Bar and Grill. (Photos by Jennifer Edwards)
HE SITE PLAN for the proposed ice arena shows 270 parking spots.
By Jennifer Edwards Contributing Writer
The Becker-Big Lake Ice Association unveiled plans for the indoor ice arena they intend to build in the Big Lake Marketplace at their wine tasting at Victory Grill and Sports Bar Saturday.
Designed by RSP Architects of St. Cloud, the 30,300 square-foot arena has 279 parking spots and has already been named the Veteran's Memorial Arena.
The wine tasting, sponsored by The Cave Liquors and Griggs & Cooper Distributors, was one of a number of fund-raising events held by the ice association. Estimated cost for construction is around $4 million.
"It is good to have the drawing so we can see what it is going to look like," said ice association volunteer Julie Vickerman.
"It really does help bring it one step closer to becoming a reality," said Association Chair Chris Stalpes.
The ice association also unveiled a Suzuki 400 4X4 automatic, on display at Victory, donated by Riverview Sports and Marine, which will be first prize in a raffle.
Raffle tickets cost $20 each. Second place in the drawing, scheduled for 8 p.m. April 26, is a portable fish house. Third place wins $250. Tickets are available at Victory Sports Grill and Bar and from Riverview Sports in Elk River.
"We just got this going at the wine tasting," said Kent Vickerman. "All proceeds go towards building the community ice arena."
In addition to being able to try several varieties of fine wine, snacks of cheese, crackers, fruit and mini cream puffs were served. Their was a silent auction with a number of items donated by local businesses and volunteers.
Proceeds from the pull tab booth at Victory are also designated for the ice association.
For more information on the ice association or the raffle, contact Kent Vickerman at (763) 263-6211 or Brenda Gust at (763) 274-0961, or go to the ice association's web site at www.rinkdonations.com.
