Schlegel Sports, ownership group of the Texas Tornado hockey team, announced today the team will take a one-year hiatus while the City of Frisco and Dallas Stars complete an expansion of the Deja Blue Ice Arena at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco.
The Texas Tornado will resume normal operations in Spring 2009 for the 2009-2010 season at the Deja Blue Ice Arena. The expanded and renovated facility will feature more general and upgraded seating with a new second level, additional suites, an enhanced promenade, a new video board on the north end and two on the south end, and a new parking garage incorporating an additional 1,000 spaces.
“Although we will have an interruption in regular operations, we plan to continue our involvement in the community and prepare for the 2009-10 season,” said Kirby Schlegel, CEO of the Schlegel Sports. “The expanded facility will give us the ability to better serve our fans, sponsors and players. We believe we will attract additional season ticket and suite holders as a result of the new opportunities in the expanded venue. We are very excited for the possibilities that lie ahead for the Texas Tornado.”
Seating capacity for Tornado hockey will increase to 5,300 seats from the current configuration of 3,733 seats. A concourse level club lounge will be added with direct access to the suites on the west side of the arena. New restrooms, permanent concessions, a dining area, as well as 180 new east club seats with an adjacent club lounge, bar and dining space are also part of the expansion plan.
“We have had tremendous support from our fans, sponsors, and host families," continued Schlegel. “Our community can be very proud of the team and we will be back in full force for the 2009-10 season in an expanded, beautiful facility.”
In April 2008, the NAHL Texas Tornado completed their ninth season. Under the ownership of Schlegel Sports, the Texas Tornado has won four Robertson Cup Championships. Schlegel Sports specializes in sports team ownership and management, which also includes the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League and the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. More information is available at www.schlegelsports.com.