Groundbreaking For New Arena In Independence

Kansas City, MO – The heavy machinery has already been on site, but Tuesday the formal groundbreaking took place on the new arena in eastern Independence.

Its primary tenant will be a minor league hockey team from the Central Hockey League. But Mayor Don Reimel of Independence says, as a multi-purpose facility, it will also have "entertainment by the stars that are on their way up and stars on their way down. They all have a cycle (laughter). Kind of like elected officials (more laughter)."

The arena will be managed by Global Entertainment of Tempe, Arizona. Its grand opening is projected for the fall of 2009.