HUNTSVILLE — There will be a new ice age at the Von Braun Center next year as the facility replaces an aging ice system in Propst Arena.
In the meantime, the VBC will begin renovations to the restrooms in the South Hall and the Playhouse next month.
“Our team is excited to continue moving forward with these important upgrades,” said VBC Executive Director Steve Maples. “Projects like the arena ice system replacement and the restroom renovations are essential investments in keeping the VBC operating at a high level for our community and our event partners. While the ice work will temporarily limit our summer use of the Propst Arena, we do not expect it to significantly affect our concerts or sports events.
“We’re looking forward to reopening improved spaces that will better serve guests for years to come.”
The projects were approved by the Huntsville City Council at its Nov. 6 meeting.
Modern Mechanical Ice Systems was awarded a $3,299,000 contract to replace the arena ice system and Heath Wallace received a $1.2 million contract for the restroom renovations.
The ice system project includes replacing the original arena floor, which dates to the building’s construction in 1975, and the 25-year-old chilling system. The work is scheduled for next June through September, making the arena unavailable for events in June, July, and August, officials said.
VBC officials are optimistic they’ll regain use of the arena floor by early September. Since the facility doesn’t host a high volume of concerts during the summer, they don’t anticipate a significant impact to concert or sports programming.
The VBC recently wrapped up a $15.3 million renovation and expansion to the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. Officials said the improvements are part of their ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience across the VBC campus.
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