What was once an empty grocery store and eyesore is now a state of the art ice arena and sports training facility. What was once a dangerous hangout for children is now a place where children can build character and to learn good sportsmanship. It took 10 years of planning and dedicated community volunteers to make the Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center a reality.
Now named the Cornerstone CFCU Arena, this 93,500 square foot facility offers the region a high quality hockey, skating, and training experience. It has two NHL-size rinks, seating for approximately 630 and a community room. It operates by the mission of the nonprofit that founded it with programs that also combat juvenile delinquency, promote social welfare, physical fitness and more.
The arena is expected to attract over 150,000 individuals and create a demand for over 4,500 hotel rooms annually, leading to new businesses and new jobs. It will also be a venue for job training as the concessions area will be run by the YWCA Catering Crew, a social enterprise dedicated to helping women become economically self-sufficient.
The Niagara USA Chamber recognizes the dedication it took for the Lockport Ice Rink and Sports Arena with the 2015 Groundbreaking Award.
Other honorees include;
Aquarium of Niagara – Special Recognition
Seneca Niagara Gaming Corporation – National Grid Green Manufacturing Award
Molly Anderson – Father Joseph L. Levesque Award for Community Advocacy
Trek, Inc. – Industry Insider Award
Faisal Merani – Business Person of the Year
Yahoo! – Business of the Year