RoughRiders, city do not have signed lease, yet

CEDAR RAPIDS - Five Seasons Facilities Commission Chairman Patrick DePalma was asked Monday about a rumor concerning the expiring concessions contract at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. His reply had to do with more than concessions.

“I will tell you the RoughRiders have not signed their (lease), yet,” DePalma said, adding he was uncertain if the USHL team would play in Cedar Rapids next season.

Before you start hyperventilating, fans, the first-year owners of the junior hockey franchise said Tuesday they plan to be in Cedar Rapids for many years. It is true, however, that the team and the city do not have a signed lease agreement past this season.

Newco Riders LLC - the six-member ownership group that includes head coach/general manager Mark Carlson and his wife - purchased the club almost 10 months ago from a group of Chicago businessmen.

“We are very confident that on June 1, when our existing lease expires, the new lease assuring that the RoughRiders will be in Cedar Rapids for the next 25 years will be in place,” RoughRiders President and CEO Jeff Jauch said. “And if not, we are acting as if it is. Training camp is scheduled, everything else is scheduled. We're planning everything (for next season). We have notified the league, all of our security deposits are in for next year ... We love Cedar Rapids.”

Newco Riders signed a non-binding letter of intent with the city last May for an amendment of an existing lease that expires June 1. The amended lease included a reduction in annual rent and a 10-percent cut of concessions in exchange for $500,000 in arena improvements.

Improvements have been made: painting, video screens, strobe lights, TVs in the suites, hiring of Metro Studios in Cedar Rapids for in-game entertainment. But a 10-year lease agreement, with additional five-year options, has not been completed.

“Time is running out,” DePalma said.

“We are just going through the process,” Jauch said. “The material items of the initial letter of intent are still in place. And we have agreed upon a significant component that will enhance the fan experience.”

He would not divulge what that component was, though sources outside the RoughRiders said concessions might be a safe bet. National company Sodexho handles concessions at the Arena, though its contract with the city expires this year.

Attendance at RoughRiders games has picked up significantly since January. The club has averaged 3,266 fans in the last 12 games. Its season average of 2,580 is right at last year's pace.