Arena celebrates fifth birthday
Published 9:40 pm Friday, September 19, 2008
EVERETT — Comcast Arena today kicks off a series of events to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
The arena, originally known as the Everett Events Center, opened its doors on Sept. 27, 2003, with a community open house. Its first ticketed event — the inaugural game of the Everett Silvertips — took place on Oct. 4 that year.
In addition to hockey games, the $71.5 million multipurpose complex has held numerous events, including concerts, ice skating sessions, weddings and graduation ceremonies. The 2008 Skate America competition from Oct. 24 to 26 is expected to sell about 30,000 tickets.
The arena “has more than exceeded our expectations of acting as a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Everett,” Earl Dutton, president of the Everett Public Facilities District, said in a statement.
The district developed the 10,000-seat venue, which has hosted more than 3 million patrons. The highest-attended show was the sold-out Harlem Globetrotters game on Jan. 23, 2004, attended by 9,007 people.
Multiple events are planned for the arena’s five-year anniversary.
Today, Fifth Anniversary Rock n’ Run 5K is set to start at 9 a.m. Part of the proceeds will benefit United Way of Snohomish County. People can also take part in a one-mile family fun walk.
The arena will also have a block party at 5 p.m. today, featuring live music, prizes, food and nonalcoholic beverages, prior to the Silvertips’ season opening home game.
On Sept. 27, the arena plans to have A Bite of Comcast Arena, which will showcase new and fan-favorite concession offerings with a special $5 sampler menu at the Everett Silvertips’ game. Sampler vouchers will be available for $5 per person at the box office.
From noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 18, Comcast Community Ice Rink is set to hold a free skate event.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
