Grand expansion proposed for the Gateway Ice Center

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno's only year-round ice skating rink was built back in 1995. The Fresno Monsters use the Gateway Ice Center for both practice and games, even though fans have nowhere to sit.

"It's packed," said Fresno Monsters General Manager Bryce Dale. "We have about 600-650 people that we bring in here. We're standing three deep and the barn's rocking."

Bryce says the ultimate goal is to build a $10 million 1800 seat facility. The local Lace'Em Up foundation sees a six acre plot behind the ice rink as the perfect place to build a new arena.

"We're looking for naming rights right now," said Bryce. "Right now we have a couple of people that we've been talking to, a couple of businesses that would get the opportunity to put their name on the building to be able to support youth sports around fresco."

The foundation must first raise enough money to buy Gateway from owner Bob Glassman. Glassman believes the group's plan is feasible.

"I think this facility is imperative for the city of Fresno," said Bryce. "Not only does it fill a void of having a small venue but it also gives kids the opportunity of having a nice, clean, state of the art concrete based recreational center."

This rink would remain open. The new facility would be available for basketball and volleyball games in addition to hockey.