By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net
The Kansas City Mavericks hockey team announced on Wednesday a six-year lease agreement with the operators of the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.
From l to r: Brent Theissen, Tom Van Camp, Lamar Hunt Jr. and Larry Hovick
This lease is effective immediately and replaces the current one that had one year remaining on it. Mavericks President and General Manager Brent Thiessen says “I felt it was important to do it early.” Thiessen continued saying, “It answers the question of where are the Mavericks going to be in the future.”
At a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the lease terms and agreement were Larry Hovick, Arena General Manager; Tom Van Camp, Mayor pro tem of the City of Independence and Brent Thiessen of the Kansas City Mavericks. Van Camp took the podium and commented the city of Independence “looks forward to games played here for many years ahead.” Hovick, on the job for only five months, talked about how easy and quick the lease negotiations went for both sides to reach an agreement. In addition to that Hovick spoke of the improvements already underway at the now 10-year old arena.
Arena visitors in the future whether it’s for a Mavericks hockey game, concert or another event will notice a new patio now open next to the arena box office. Upgraded Wi-Fi has been installed to allow visitors an upgraded mobile experience while they enjoy an event. Coming later and installed in two phases will be bigger video boards. First phase will be done by December, the last one completed by late spring. Mavericks President Thiessen adds “the team is thrilled by that” as the video boards will provide an enhanced game day experience for the team’s fans.
The length of the lease agreement between the Mavericks and Spectra Venue Management for a period of six years was mainly due to that is how much time is left on the management contract between Spectra and the City of Independence. Now that the arena lease has been settled the Mavericks are ready to play some games. The 2018-19 season begins for the Mavericks on Friday, Oct. 12 when they host the Allen Americans.
