Last summer, the Colorado Eagles debuted a plan for a new arena development on the west side of Greeley, Colorado. The plan includes a hotel, water park, ice arena and three additional practice rinks. Earlier in the year, the Greeley City Council voted to approve the plan and fund it using city funds.

Why the project is important

The new arena project would build an improved arena for the Colorado Eagles, seating 8,600. The new arena is about 33 percent bigger than the current home of the Eagles at Blue Arena. It will also have three additional practice rinks that will be available to the Eagles and for use by local hockey programs in Northern Colorado. The new facility would be a dramatic step up from the NoCo Ice Arena, the current practice facility of the Eagles. This project would also move the Eagles out of an aging arena that has been in use since 2003.

Besides the arena, there will be a water park and hotel on the grounds. The hope is to have a year-round draw of tourism to the west side of Greeley and provide much-needed ice facilities in Northern Colorado.

A concept of the front of the new ice center in west Greelely for the Colorado Eagles. (Photo courtesy of The Water Valley Company)

What is happening

The city council voted to approve funds for the project using a loan. A loan that they had to put city buildings on collateral. Some citizens feel that this makes the venture a risky financial plan and that it should be up to a vote. They have put together a petition with over 5,000 signatures to get the measure put on the ballot in November and force a vote. Attorney Christopher Beall, representing opponents of the petition, said the initiative cannot legally appear on the ballot. The city council argues it was elected to decide for the people.

Earlier in the week, a hearing officer considered the arguments during a session at the city courthouse. The officer has five days to issue a decision. Depending on that outcome, the dispute could return to the city council on Tuesday, September 2.