Rockford's BMO Center is raising its comfort game with even more renovations this fall

Jim Hagerty, Rockford Register Star

It's about get more comfortable at the BMO Center in downtown Rockford as the Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority has agreed to upgrade the arena's 6,300 seats later this year.

"The 100 Level is getting seat and back cushions and cup holders," BMO Center General Manager Gretchen Gilmore said. "The 200 Level is getting a complete seating replacement."

The RAVE Board on Monday voted to spend nearly $1 million for the improvements, awarding the $945,000 contract to Irwin Seating of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The project will begin in September, ahead of the 2024-25 American Hockey League season that kicks off in October for the Rockford IceHogs.

"It will take four weeks for the entire arena," Gilmore said. "So we need all of September."

Rockford's BMO Center, seen on Thursday, May 11, 2023, will be getting new seats throughout the arena later this year. The city's Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority approved the nearly $1 million expense at a meeting Monday, April 29, 2024, in downtown Rockford.
Rockford's BMO Center, seen on Thursday, May 11, 2023, will be getting new seats throughout the arena later this year. The city's Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority approved the nearly $1 million expense at a meeting Monday, April 29, 2024, in downtown Rockford.

More: Photos: The birth and life of BMO Harris Bank Center

If the arena is needed for an event in September, Gilmore said work would not be interrupted because seating can be replaced in sections.

Concourse upgrades, new banners and new curtain walls are also being added this year.

The work is part of $23 million phased renovation that started three years ago after the Chicago Blackhawks purchased the Rockford IceHogs.

Since 2021, the BMO Center has received a new ice floor, boards and cooling system, a new sound system, locker room upgrades and a new upper-deck premium seating area. The box office and Blue Flame Lounge also have been revamped.

Sample stadium seating, similar to what will be installed in the BMO Center, is seen Monday, April 29, inside the RAVE Board Room in downtown Rockford.
Sample stadium seating, similar to what will be installed in the BMO Center, is seen Monday, April 29, inside the RAVE Board Room in downtown Rockford.

Jim Hagerty writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford's BMO Center to get new seats

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