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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority Wednesday voted to have the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza appraised so $1.5 million of the total can be used as matching funds for a state grant.
The Authority, which owns and operates the arena, approved hiring a third-party appraiser and architect at a combined cost not to exceed $10,000. Authority Board Chairman Gary Zingaretti said the funds would apply to a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant awarded the Authority in December.
The arena which opened in 1999 was appraised at $65 million in the countywide assessment that went into affect in 2009. It’s undergone renovations, including a new exterior roof, reinforcement of the roof trusses to support rigging for shows, a new ice floor, paving of the parking lot and WiFi project, since it was built at cost of more than $39 million.
The Board recognized the former Director of Operations Mike Wilczynski who played a critical part in the renovations during his more than 20 years at the arena. Wilczynski recently resigned to take on a similar role at a new facility under construction in Savannah, Georgia.
“As you know he knows this building probably better than anyone else and he leaves some big shoes to fill,” said Will Beekman, general manager for the arena management firm ASM Global.
The Director of Operations position, as well as an HVAC/maintenance spot, will be posted inside the facility and outside, Beekman said.
Beekman welcomed the announcement this week by Gov. Tom Wolf on easing COVID-19 restrictions to increase attendance for indoor events and gatherings to 50 % of maximum capacity on May 17. Except for the mask mandate, restrictions will be lifted on May 31.
“It’s certainly good news for us as we try to get back to business,” Beekman said.
The first concert of the year is still scheduled for July 23 when the musical group Alabama , whose show was postponed several times for a number of reasons, is set to take the stage.
The Board met in a closed-door executive session for approximately 10 minutes. Zingaretti said it dealt with litigation and land acquisition.
The next public meeting is at noon on June 9 at the arena.
Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.