ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Changes are coming to First Arena after the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) held a meeting on Thursday, August 10th at 9 a.m. On the agenda, two items stuck out; the ratification of First Arena and obtaining materials for the facility.

"The ratification was putting together the management team at First Arena and it was for funds that were spent in advance of the vote. [It was having the discussion with the board]," said Mark Margeson, CCIDA chairman.

In late May, after the CCIDA terminated the lease with Mammoth Sports and Entertainment, the CCIDA is now operating the facility.

The items that were bought included office chairs, desks, calendars, and a brand-new popcorn machine. With the new supplies coming into First Arena, it signals other changes are in the works.

"For the first time ever, the youth program, the junior hockey program, and the professional team will all be combined on the main ice," said Margeson.

According to Margeson, the practice ice rink is being turned into a turf field. He said it's a way for those who don't play hockey to have an opportunity to play their indoor sports, right here in Elmira.

"The board is trying to make this a community facility open to everyone, not just hockey. We feel this will be an important aspect [into] developing this facility for the community," said Margeson. He added, "Many of the indoor teams are going to Binghamton, Endicott, Syracuse, (and) Ithaca to have to play on turf in the wintertime and summertime. Our goal was to be able to bring these people back into the community [and] have a facility that would be available to them."

The CCIDA purchased the turf through the Professional Box Lacrosse Association (PBLA). According to Margeson, the costs associated with the turf and subflooring will be about $85,000. The money will come from Capital Resource Funds.

As for First Arena's professional team, the Elmira River Sharks with the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) are scheduled to begin their season on October 13th. According to Margeson, the team is on a one-year agreement.