After difficult start, Xtream Arena manager looks to future

CORALVILLE — After facing unprecedented challenges related to opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse general manager Jack Ligon is looking to the future.

“We’re just excited for the opportunity to be able to show off this facility and bring people together to have a great experience,” said Ligon, of Spectra, which manages the arena and fieldhouse.

When the $71.3 million complex opened in September, no one was quite sure what to expect. But Ligon said the Xtream Arena staff made the most of a difficult situation.

“I do feel it’s been a good first year,” he said. “The events we did have I feel were very successful, and we were able to show off the facility to people. It was a good start.”

“Really, in a way, we’re continuing our opening in the coming year as we get to full capacity,” Ligon added.

Despite limitations, the arena and fieldhouse were able to host some events — largely sporting events. Youth sports such as basketball, volleyball and gymnastics were held in the fieldhouse. The arena was home to three USA wrestling events, girls state wrestling and a monster truck event. This past weekend, the arena hosted graduation ceremonies for the three area high schools.

But even more is on the horizon. In April, country musician Toby Keith was revealed as the arena’s first announced live music event. Keith is scheduled to headline the arena on Oct. 14.

The significance of the announcement was not lost on the arena staff, Ligon said. It felt like a “light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“It really was great to show that’s one of the many things that is to come,” he said.

Spectra followed up that announcement by revealing the official name and logo for the arena’s minor-pro hockey team — the Iowa Heartlanders — during a ceremony in May. The team will compete in the ECHL.

“That’s just going to continue that excitement of things to come,” Ligon said.

The momentum built by those announcements should only continue in the coming months. Ligon said they are close to announcing the Iowa women’s volleyball schedule and more events expected to be revealed this fall and early next year.

“There’s more to come,” he said.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com