The first major arena built in Rapid City in 31 years was christened by the debut of professional minor league hockey in 2008.
The expansion Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League kicked off its inaugural season in October with 14 consecutive road games while a $24 million Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena received its finishing touches.
The Rush's first home game on Saturday, Nov. 29, drew a sell-out crowd of 5,119 and saw the Rush blank one of the top teams in the CHL, the Colorado Eagles, 4-0.
In Rapid City's first eight home games through Dec. 16, a total of 27,481 fans clicked through the turnstiles at the new Ice Arena for an average of 3,472 per game.
"We're pleased on and off the ice," said Rush general manager Jason Rent. "To be around .500 after a record-breaking road trip, we're happy with that. We think the guys are coming together.
"Being that that building opened so late and the games are so crunched together, especially in December which is traditionally one of the worst months, we've been very happy with the crowds. We expect things to improve coming into January," Rent said.
 Title: Rapid City Rush
Date: November 28th, 2008 Follow the Rush at www.rapidcityjournal.com. |
