Perani Arena to Get New Owner, and Possibly a New Hockey Team

A Florida-based manufacturing company is expected to be the next owner of Flint's Perani Arean and the Iceland Arena in Clayton Township.

IMS USA, Inc. announced that it will be making a "significant investment" in the arenas, and expects to finalize the deal next year.

Suggestion: Renaming the facility the 'IMS Sports Arena' would be confusing, since it would be similar to its previous name, the 'IMA Sports Arena'. Its new owners definitely need to consider selling the naming rights for a hefty price, in order to offset some of the costs. Art Van, are you listening? Chasse Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio? Baker College?

At a press conference today (12/9), IMS announced that it is hoping to bring a USHL team to Flint. WEYI reports that the company also plans structural and cosmetic repairs to the facility as well as updates to the front office and player and coaches' areas.

Dr. Khaled Shukairy has owned the arena for 12 years, and named the facility after Bob Perani in 2003. In 2009, the facility went into foreclosure, when it was reported that Shukairy owed almost $9 million for the structure.

- George McIntyre
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