Potential Arena Sparks Discussion

Politicians in Tonawanda, N.Y., are split on how to use city-owned land, with the mayor opposing a multi-use arena but a challenger still supporting the idea.

TimothyToth.com – Spaulding Commerce Park
Spaulding Commerce Park in Tonawanda, N.Y., lies empty in this photo from Timothy Toth’s website.

Fourth Ward Representative for Tonawanda and former police officer Tim Toth held a press conference with former NHL star Don Luce on the potential site of a 5,000- to- 6,000-capacity arena Oct. 19, trying to generate enthusiasm for the project, which would include ice sheets for hockey, according to the Buffalo News.

Mayor Rick Davis called the conference “smoke and mirrors” and has been working with a marketing firm to find other investment opportunities for the land according to the paper.

At the center of the proposed deal is Rick Kozuback of International Coliseums Co., who has reportedly expressed interest at being involved in the project, though he cannot fund it. Kozuback was the former CEO and president of Global Entertainment, which filed for bankruptcy in 2015 according to The Arizona Republic.

At press time there was still not a plan for how the venue would be funded, though Toth was advocating a feasibility study. Pollstar reached out to International Coliseums Co. for this story.