Ice Hogs Want $1.5 Million for Team and Name Rights

Rockford, IL - The owners of the Ice Hogs are giving the MetroCentre Authority an alternative option in how the newly renovated arena should be used. Theyve put the team on the table in an effort to extend its lease at the big orange box, instead of bringing in a new American Hockey League team. "They would like to continue being the tenant in the new building," says Ryan Washatka, President and General Manager of the Rockford Ice Hogs. Washatka says the owners are offering to sell the team and its naming rights for $1.5 million. "They`d love to sit down and have the city say we`d like to sign a long-term lease with you guys and continue with the UHL franchise," says Washatka. But MetroCentre officials say theyre not even considering that option. "Right now the push is not just to sell the name and naming rights, but for us to purchase the whole package, the UHL package as it exists," says Corey Pearson, General Manager of the MetroCentre. "But we have no interest in the UHL." Pearson says the UHL is not a viable long-term option in Rockford and plans to reject that proposal. "We have no other choice but to say no to $1.5 million," says Pearson. "It`s not worth that." Washatka says now theyll have to take another look at how much the Ice Hogs name and fan base is worth to the MetroCentre. The MetroCentre Authority offered $500,000 in October, with more money over time based on how well the AHL team does. "That`s what our expectation was," says Pearson. "But then at some point it changed and changed dramatically." Washatka says no signed agreement was reached. He says the Ice Hogs name, logo, staff, and fan base are worth more like $1 million. He says the MetroCentres offer on how to build on that price over ten years is too risky. "They would rather have it up front or in a guaranteed avenue that can be paid over ten years," says Washatka. The Ice Hogs are asking that any city and county discussions, resolutions, and votes be put on hold in regards to the AHL-MetroCentre agreement, at least until the Ice Hogs finish their negotiations. But Rockford Aldermen say the agreement to sell $23 million in bonds to pay for the renovations and new hockey team should continue moving forward. "I think we just need to move that process forward and get all those questions answered and everything finalized, and put together a good deal for the city of Rockford," says Rockford Alderman Doug Mark (R-3rd Ward). "I think there may be some hesitation to sign things completely until we have all the facts on the table, but I don`t think we should just stop talking about it because there`s a glitch in the negotiations between the Ice Hogs and the MetroCentre," says Rockford Alderman Frank Beach (R-10th Ward). This week the project goes before the citys planning and development committee and the Winnebago County Board.