First Arena in Elmira has new name to go with renewed mission, the LECOM Event Center

Elmira's First Arena is undergoing is third naming since it opened 24 years ago.

The downtown sports and entertainment venue will now be known as the LECOM Events Center.

Officials of the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency , which owns the facility, announced a new agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

"This is an exciting day, and an opportunity to take this facility to the next level," said IDA Chairman Mark Margeson, who also chairs the Chemung County Legislature. "There's a lot of blood, sweat and tears in this building. We're excited about this partnership."

The five-year naming sponsorship deal will bring an extra $500,000 into the arena's coffers, Margeson said.

Naming deal comes under new IDA management

The arena was opened in 2000 as the Coach USA Center before changing to First Arena in 2003, after original naming sponsor Coach USA Transit Services was sold to First Transit.

Since its inception, the arena has been plagued by mismanagement, financial problems and infrastructure issues with the physical facility.

Hockey has been the main attraction over the years, with four different minor league teams calling the arena home before officials this spring announced the Elmira Aviators of the North American Hockey League would take up residence there.

After several management groups failed to make the arena financially sound, the IDA took ownership of the property with a short-range goal of financial stability and a long-term plan to find suitable private owners.

More: Hardinge Inc. may close a division at its Elmira-area facility, lay off employees

Why LECOM was a 'perfect fit' for downtown arena

LECOM, founded in 1962, is based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and opened its Elmira campus in 2020.

Since that time, the local campus has been focused on recruiting and retaining local medical students, and on being an asset for the community at large, said Dr. Richard Terry, LECOM Elmira associate dean of academic affairs.

The partnership with the arena was a perfect fit, Terry said.

"We believe in a healthier, more vibrant community. This partnership with the IDA will enhance the well-being of the community," said Terry, who added LECOM students will be available to do various health screenings at future arena events.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for LECOM and the IDA to improve the quality of life," he said.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: First Arena in Elmira has new name to go with renewed mission, the LECOM Event Center