Rockford MetroCentre in Rockford, Illinois opened in 1981. The mission of the arena and entertainment venue has been to bring diversity in the way of entertainment and sports to the city. They have had world class artists from a number of musical genres, along with Olympic gold medalists. At one time the center had a life sized robotic prehistoric dinosaur for patrons to see. Since the center has opened they have seen more than a million people come to various events.
The MetroCentre is home to the Rockford IceHogs AHL team, Chicago Blackhawks, Rock River Raptors football team, and Rockford Rampage soccer team. In 2006 the MetroCentre underwent a $23 million renovation to update the technology used for events. They also added places for corporate clientele, and increased other amenities. There are 11 executive suites, a club lounge, club boxes, video scoreboard, and 200 person group terrace.
In 2007 the MetroCentre had one of the best years with 21 sold out performances. These included Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McIntire, Thunder Nationals Monster Truck event, Disney High School Musical on Ice, Toby Keith, Larry the Cable Guy, Motley Crue, Blue Man Group, and Jeff Dunham. It also included 9 IceHogs games.
The robotic dinosaur was part of a show featuring 15 life sized animatronics dinosaurs. It was the most sought out performance with thousands of people coming from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa to witness the extravaganza.
The 2009-2010 season has started off well for Rockford MetroCentre. The IceHogs continue to reign over other teams, drawing attention. The center will also be hosting numerous stage acts that are guaranteed to draw a crowd. For example a few performances coming up for 2009-2010 include Bob Dylan, the Extraordinary Women Conference, Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice, and the Harlem Globetrotters.
Parking is quite affordable at $5-$10 per vehicle depending on the event. There is plenty of parking available around the downtown center. Typically parking opens an hour or two before the event. Tickets are attainable through the box office or online to make it easy for patrons. There are group sales available, as well as individual tickets.
Rockford MetroCentre has concessions by Centerplate. Centerplate provides all the food and beverages available at the different stands. They are one of the leaders in concessions in North America. Hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, soda, popcorn, pizza, nachos, and other menu items are provided by Centerplate.
Some important information regarding the center includes the door opening times. The doors open one hour prior to the events. Children need tickets if they are over 2 years of age. However, any child without a ticket must share their parents' laps. It is possible for advertisers to purchase banners and signs space, but there are specific areas for the signs and banners. There are specific guest conduct rules and hockey etiquette that must be followed. The guidelines are meant to keep all patrons safe during the events and to keep the peace. There is also an on sale lottery system for certain tickets.
