Construction on the Independence Events Center officially began on September 12, 2008, with a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the arena and community ice rink.

Contractor – JE Dunn
Architect – Sink Combs Dethlefs
Project Manager – Benham Group

September 16, 2008

Ground Breaking

Global Entertainment Corporation executives joined Mayor Don Reimal, City Manager Robert Heacock and other dignitaries for groundbreaking ceremony on September 16, 2008, for a $68 million, 5,800 fixed-seat multi-purpose events center and community skating rink located the nation's heartland for the City of Independence, Missouri. The events center, with its world-class design, will be located in the well-developed Eastland Center that is strategically located just east of Kansas City, Missouri, and easily accessible from two major intersecting interstate highways. The development will include an estimated 25 luxury suites and VIP seating, along with restaurants, lounges and an attached practice facility with a second ice surface, a much-sought-after addition in new arena development. A Central Hockey League (CHL) team is planned to be the facility's primary tenant, with the team license to be awarded by the Western Professional Hockey League, a Global subsidiary.

May 7, 2009

Topping Off Ceremony

The Independence Events Center reached another milestone on Thursday, May 7 when we celebrated our “Topping Off” Ceremony. Over 200 people gathered to celebrate, including JE Dunn construction crew and special guests from near and far. As the tradition holds, an evergreen tree was placed atop the completed structure to symbolize growth and bring luck.  

November 7, 2009

Grand Opening

The Independence Events Center, Eastern Jackson County’s new intimate mid-sized, multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, announced that more than 7,000 people attended the grand opening celebration that took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 7.  The Missouri Mavericks played their home opener the following Friday. The first concert event featured popular country artists the Zac Brown Band on Thursday, November 19.

Rick Kozuback, President and CEO of Global Entertainment Corporation stated, “the efforts and the vision of many people made this project a reality. Without the commitment of the Mayor, members of council and the city staff; the Independence Events Center would not have been possible. We are proud to be partnered with this wonderful city and look forward to many successful years ahead.”

“Great care was given to the design of this facility with the fan in mind, especially families,” Mayor Don Reimal said. “We wanted to create a new home for celebrations, a place where Independence can build community and family memories.

New entertainment opportunities are on tap for the entire region,” Mayor Reimal said. “We hope that everyone will have an opportunity to attend an event this year”.