Draft:Hitachi Energy Arena

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Submission declined on 17 June 2024 by Theroadislong (talk). This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are: in-depth (not just passing mentions about the subject) reliable secondary independent of the subject Make sure you add references that meet these criteria before resubmitting. Learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue. If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by Theroadislong 4 months ago.

• Comment: Two copies of this page have been created, in draft space and in article space. It is not necessary to create two copies of the same page, and it annoys the reviewers.
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  You may ask for advice about comparing and combining a draft and an article at the Teahouse. Robert McClenon (talk) 02:25, 21 June 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: The links need to be converted to inline references to even have a chance at being accepted. Take a look at Help:Referencing for beginners. Nobody (talk) 06:57, 20 June 2024 (UTC)

It has been suggested that this page be merged into Hitachi Energy Arena. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2024.

Hitachi Energy Arena (previously known as the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center or APEX Center) is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in Wytheville, Virginia. It is home to the Blue Ridge Bobcats, a Single-A Independent Professional Hockey franchise that competes in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). The arena seats 3,650 for ice hockey, and 5,000 for concerts and other events.

Construction of the 90,000 square-foot facility began in the fall of 2017, and was completed shortly after the turn of the decade. Originally built as a dirt floor, an ice plant was installed in the summer of 2023. The Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) granted an expansion franchise to an ownership group that realized Wythe County's underserved hockey fan population, and ice rink installation was completed in September 2023. The Blue Ridge Bobcats began play as Southwest Virginia's first professional sports franchise in October 2023. The first season was played with 2,200 temporary seats inside the arena.

After the Bobcats finished as one of the top teams in the league in attendance in just their first season, Wythe County approved the construction of expanded seating. Construction began in August 2024 and was completed in September 2024 on 5,000 brand new seats, convertible to 3,650 for ice hockey. Suite seating, a press box and state-of-the-art production room were constructed with the seating. The facility also received upgrades to all locker rooms and arena visuals. The Bobcats began their second season, and first with permanent seating, in October 2024.

On June 19th, 2024, the facility announced a five-year naming rights agreement with Hitachi Energy Corporation to rename the facility "Hitachi Energy Arena".