A new ice plant is officially coming to the Peoria Civic Center to replace Carver Arena’s current outdated system.
The Civic Center Authority Board on Thursday approved a $1.3 million proposal from Cimco to buy the CO2 ice plant, along with pumps, an ice rink controller, gas cooler and starter panel.
“I think it speaks highly of the Civic Center being such a multifaceted facility, from Broadway shows to rock concerts to ice hockey to Bradley basketball to the conventions,” said city council member Tim Riggenbach, who serves as liaison to the PCCA board.
“Cities our size are jealous of us because of the facility we have, and I think this shows our commitment as a community to hockey.”
The Civic Center is in the midst of undertaking approximately $45 million in much-needed upgrades and renovations, funded in part by a $20 million contribution approved by the Peoria City Council in March 2023. Purchasing a new ice plant was expected as part of that agreement.
In 2019, the Civic Center received a $25 million grant from the state to put toward its long list of needed renovations and improvements. The ongoing upgrades are the largest at the venue since a $50 million revitalization project in 2007.
The need for a new ice plant had become a key point in working toward a long-term lease agreement with the Peoria Rivermen, who won their second SPHL championship over the past three seasons in April. The team currently does not have a lease in place beyond the 2024-25 season.
“I think a lot of fans have been waiting to hear this announcement that the authority approved the purchase of an ice plant, and I think that really goes in line with what city council was hoping for,” Riggenbach said. “I hope this is the final piece that gets the long-term lease with the Riverman in place.”
Riggenbach noted the Civic Center’s budget set-aside approximately $5 million to cover the purchase as well as installation and construction costs.
Other repairs and upgrades have included fixing a leaky roof, replacing old carpeting, and updating the arena with new lights, ribbon boards, seating, a sound system and a giant new scoreboard.
“It's going to be such an exciting season at the Civic Center,” Riggenbach said. “Just the whole thing has just been freshened up in an amazing way.”
The pre-purchase agreement with Cimco calls for a 5% down payment of $65,000 by Oct. 1. Plans call for the ice plant to be installed in the summer of 2026.
