August 22, 2000

Kraham and Libous Begin Replacing Arena Siding

Enhancements inside and out open exciting new era for Veterans Memorial Arena

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham, Senator Thomas W. Libous, and Assemblyman Robert J. Warner were on hand this morning to unveil the first new exterior panel at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

"Today we take a giant step in our ongoing efforts to make Broome County an even better place to live and work. With Senator Libous as our committed partner, we begin giving a much-needed facelift to this community landmark, the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena," said Mr. Kraham.

Improvements to the exterior of the Arena are a major part of an $808,000 enhancement to the inside and outside of the building made possible through the leadership of Senator Libous. Beginning this morning approximately 26,000 square feet of vertical and soffit areas will be retrofitted with a new metal system. The new panel system will be attached with concealed fasteners.

"I'm proud to have been able to secure $700,000 in State funding to renovate the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena," said Mr. Libous. "With a new exterior and interior improvements, we'll be able to attract more sports, concerts, and community events to the Southern Tier - the positive impact to our community is going to be outstanding."

In addition to the new siding, the ongoing Arena renovation project includes: installation of a new professional quality basketball floor; a new synthetic turf system; installation of a portable wheelchair lift near the stage making the arena ADA compliant; and replacement of the current marquees at the Arena and Forum Theater with modern programmable message display systems.

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