Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls stands as a testament to the vibrant sports and entertainment scene of upstate New York. Inaugurated in 1979, this state-of-the-art facility has become a cornerstone of the community, hosting an array of thrilling events that cater to diverse tastes.
As a premier sports venue, the arena serves as the home ice for the Adirondack Thunder, a professional hockey team competing in the ECHL. Its spacious seating capacity and cutting-edge amenities provide an electrifying atmosphere for fans to witness the high-octane action on the rink.
Entertainment Hub
Beyond its sporting significance, the Cool Insuring Arena has also emerged as a vibrant entertainment hub. Its versatile design allows it to host a wide range of events, including concerts, family shows, and community gatherings. The arena’s acoustics and lighting systems create an immersive experience, ensuring that every performance captivates the audience.
The arena has welcomed renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga, solidifying its reputation as a destination for world-class entertainment. Its spacious concourses and comfortable seating arrangements further enhance the enjoyment of these unforgettable events.
History
Cool Insuring Arena, initially known as the Glens Falls Civic Center, was conceptualized in the 1960s to provide a multipurpose facility for the Glens Falls community. Its construction commenced in 1973 and was completed in 1979.
Over the years, the arena has undergone several renovations to enhance its facilities and meet the evolving needs of the community. In 1999, a major renovation project expanded the seating capacity to 4,800 and added modern amenities such as luxury suites and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Major Events Hosted
Cool Insuring Arena has played host to a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting events, and family shows. Some notable events include:
- Concerts by renowned artists such as Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen
- Sporting events, including hockey games by the Adirondack Flames (AHL) and the Glens Falls Dragons (ECHL)
- Family shows like Disney on Ice and Monster Jam
Architecture and Design
The Cool Insuring Arena boasts a modern architectural design that combines functionality with aesthetics. Its sleek facade features a glass exterior that allows for ample natural light, creating a spacious and inviting ambiance. The arena’s unique curved roof design, reminiscent of a hockey stick, adds a dynamic element to its exterior.
Inside, the arena offers a seating capacity of approximately 4,700, providing a comfortable and immersive experience for spectators. The seating arrangement is designed to offer unobstructed views of the action from all angles, with premium seating options available for an enhanced experience.
Amenities
The Cool Insuring Arena is equipped with a range of amenities to cater to the needs of attendees. These include:
- Concessions offering a variety of food and beverage options
- Comfortable and spacious restrooms
- Modern lighting and sound systems for optimal entertainment
- Accessible seating areas for individuals with disabilities
Unique Design Elements
The Cool Insuring Arena incorporates several unique design elements that contribute to its distinct character:
- The “Ice House” Club: This exclusive club offers premium seating with panoramic views of the arena and access to a private lounge and bar.
- The “Players’ Lounge”: A dedicated space for athletes to relax and prepare before and after games.
- The “Community Room”: A multi-purpose space that can be used for meetings, events, or community gatherings.
Events and Entertainment
Cool Insuring Arena is a hub for diverse entertainment experiences, hosting a wide range of events that cater to various tastes and interests.
Major concerts by renowned artists, thrilling sporting events, and captivating entertainment shows grace the arena’s stage, attracting large audiences and creating memorable experiences.
Concerts
The arena’s acoustics and spacious layout make it an ideal venue for musical performances. Artists from across genres, including rock, pop, country, and hip-hop, have graced its stage.
- Bruce Springsteen
- Taylor Swift
- Justin Timberlake
- Billy Joel
Sporting Events
Cool Insuring Arena is home to the Adirondack Thunder, a professional hockey team competing in the ECHL. The arena’s electrifying atmosphere and enthusiastic fans create an unforgettable experience for hockey enthusiasts.
Additionally, the arena hosts various other sporting events, including basketball, boxing, and wrestling.
Other Entertainment Offerings
Beyond concerts and sporting events, the arena also hosts a variety of other entertainment options.
- Family-friendly shows, such as Disney on Ice and Monster Jam
- Educational programs and exhibitions
- Private events, such as corporate gatherings and weddings
Economic Impact
The Cool Insuring Arena has had a significant economic impact on Glens Falls. It has helped to boost tourism, create jobs, and support local businesses.
The arena attracts visitors from all over the region to attend concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment events. These visitors spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in Glens Falls. The arena also creates jobs for people who work at the facility and for those who work for the teams that play there.
Tourism
The Cool Insuring Arena has helped to boost tourism in Glens Falls. The arena attracts visitors from all over the region to attend concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment events. These visitors spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in Glens Falls.
- In 2019, the arena hosted over 100 events and attracted over 250,000 visitors.
- These visitors spent an estimated $25 million in Glens Falls.
Job Creation
The Cool Insuring Arena has created jobs for people who work at the facility and for those who work for the teams that play there. The arena employs over 100 full-time and part-time staff members. These employees work in a variety of roles, including management, marketing, operations, and security.
- The arena also creates jobs for people who work for the teams that play there. These teams include the Adirondack Thunder hockey team and the Albany Empire arena football team.
- These teams employ players, coaches, and other staff members who live and work in Glens Falls.
Local Businesses
The Cool Insuring Arena has supported local businesses in Glens Falls. The arena has helped to create a vibrant downtown area, which has attracted new businesses to the city.
- The arena has also helped to increase foot traffic for local businesses. This has led to increased sales and profits for these businesses.
- In 2019, the arena hosted over 100 events and attracted over 250,000 visitors.
- These visitors spent an estimated $25 million in Glens Falls.
Community Involvement
The Cool Insuring Arena is deeply involved in the Glens Falls community, serving as a hub for events and initiatives that enrich the lives of local residents. Through partnerships with local organizations, the arena supports a wide range of programs and activities.
The arena collaborates with local schools to provide educational opportunities, hosting field trips and educational programs. It also partners with community organizations to offer affordable event space for fundraisers, charity events, and community gatherings.
Partnerships with Local Organizations
- Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra: The arena hosts the orchestra’s annual concert series, providing a prestigious venue for classical music performances.
- Crandall Public Library: The arena collaborates with the library to host author readings, book signings, and other literary events.
- Glens Falls Civic Center: The arena partners with the Civic Center to offer discounted event tickets and group packages to local residents.
Future Plans
The Cool Insuring Arena has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to enhance its facilities and expand its offerings to continue serving as a vibrant hub for entertainment and community events in the region.
One of the key initiatives underway is the ongoing renovation project, which involves upgrades to the arena’s infrastructure, amenities, and technology. These enhancements will improve the overall experience for guests, ensuring their comfort and convenience while attending events.
Upcoming Events
The arena’s calendar is packed with exciting upcoming events, including concerts, sporting events, family shows, and more. Fans can anticipate performances by renowned artists, thrilling hockey games, and captivating entertainment that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Expansion Projects
In the long term, the Cool Insuring Arena is exploring expansion projects to increase its capacity and versatility. These plans aim to accommodate larger-scale events, attract more visitors, and further contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
