ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Back in July, the former First Arena in Downtown Elmira got a brand new name, and it became the LECOM Event Center. With the new name, comes a brand new look.
The original goal was to have a fresh coat of paint and new signs on the building by the Elmira Aviator's first home game, which is October 4th, 2024. Chemung County IDA Chairman Mark Margeson says weather has delayed that from happening. Margeson says he expects some major progress to be made at the event center this week.
"The building is going to be done in black and beige. We think that those colors will stand out, and it kind of melds in with with the brick lower level. We actually talked to the board, and they all agreed it was going to look pretty sharp, so we're looking forward to it," said Margeson.
For now, temporary signage is on the building, which will soon be replaced with permanent ones. Margeson also said with improvements happening on the outside of the building, the inside got a refresh as well.
"Our goal is is a fresh start. That's why we wanted to get the interior painted, all the locker rooms redone and remodeled the back turf, get that completed and then go to the outside," stated Margeson. "A lot of the signage on the outside will change. We're looking at different options as far as signage. We've taken some of the old stuff down, we've got some new things being created and we believe the color scheme will change everything and we're just looking for a brand new start."
Margeson said the painting should start this week, with the permanent signage to follow. The Elmira Aviators will be playing their first home game at the LECOM Event Center Friday, October 4th, 2024.