ELMIRA, NY (WENY) - The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency this week approved Tadross Donner Sports and Entertainment, LLC to run future operations for the First Arena in downtown Elmira.

The CCIDA approved a lease for the new organization on Tuesday. The county organization and LLC agreed to begin transitioning the building back into a multi-event arena. TDSE founders Steven Donner and Michael Tadross Jr. hope to bring a wide range of attractions, from pro sports to community events, back to Elmira.  

This comes following an uncertain future for the facility. The building’s need for repairs raised questions last July if the arena would be demolished altogether. Problems with the arena began to become public began back in June, when former First Arena operator and Elmira Enforcers owner Robbie Nichols felt the county’s IDA owed him over $100,000 in repairs he'd made on the arena. 

Nichols and the IDA failed to agree on a new lease, which expired in July, leaving the future of the arena in question.  

This led to the IDA regaining operational control over the facility. With COVID-19 and a plethora of unaddressed issues still ongoing, the discussion shifted over the costs to repair the arena, versus demolition. 

On July 29th, the IDA held a meeting discussing the issues that had not been addressed with First Arena. Problems with the building included: 

  • Changing of the locks on the facility doors - complete at a cost of $1,200 - $1,400 

  • Air Quality 

  • HVAC Maintenance 

  • Roof repairs/replacement 

  • Exterminator (rodents) 

  • Mold 

  • Hiring of a facilities attendant 

  • Fire Alarm system (multiple issues) 

A study conducted by Hunt Engineering in May also revealed the roof has multiple leaks and is in need of replacement. 

Now, TDSE Principal Steve Donner hopes to use his extensive experience in sports management and ownership to bring professional hockey back to Elmira. Before this project, Donner has brought professional soccer, hockey, and lacrosse to his hometown of Rochester, NY.   

His partner, Michael Tadross Jr., plans to use his background in media and film production to revamp First Arena. Since 2013, Tadross Jr. has produced over 50 films and production.  

Donner and Tadross Jr. plan to introduce their full staff alongside the CCIDA next week. Both organizations plan to showcase a timeline for reopening the facility next Wednesday, December 1st.