The city’s desire to create a multipurpose event center was fueled by visions of the activities and events it would bring to the community and the additional recreational opportunities it would offer residents. Community leaders also envisioned using the center to supplement the local school systems, as a venue for games, tournaments, large meetings and graduations.
Unlike larger arenas, the Independence Events Center has a lower bowl with only 16 rows (suites start in the 17th row), ensuring everyone has a close-up view of the action. Additionally, the entire seating bowl is compact, bringing spectators even closer. Above the entry concourse, a second floor provides private circulation space for 29 suites and 275 club seats, along with amenity areas, bars and buffets. The concept brings some of the high-end features often found in large-scale buildings to the Independence market.
The arena’s entry features an arch facing east along Interstate 70 that, combined with red brick and limestone-colored precast concrete panels, reflects the traditional nature and character of the community. The attached community ice facility, determined to be a tremendous asset because it opens the door to figure skating, ice hockey, open skating and skating instruction, has a separate entry made of the same materials. Attached to the west side of the event center, it shares ice-making equipment with the arena, a move that reduces the operations costs for both facilities.
Yawkey Sports Training Center
