ESTERO, Fla. — The Hoffmann Family of Companies is proud to announce it has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena, Southwest Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue.
Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multi-purpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
Hertz Arena, originally called Everblades Arena which opened in 1998, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing, trade shows, among many others. The venue offers 25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a restaurant overlooking the arena seating bowl, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
The mockup of the new state-of-the-art scoreboard set to be installed at Hertz Arena for the 2019-20 season.
“We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, the Florida Everblades President and General Manager. “We are thrilled to be acquired by such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.”
“Simply put, without Peter Karmanos, there would be no Hertz Arena,” Brush added. “I speak for everyone in the organization in wishing Pete continued success in all his business ventures and would like to thank him for all his support and guidance over the past 21 years. The Hoffmanns, who own the minority of stake in the Kane County Cougars Class A professional baseball team, have been in search of a professional hockey or soccer franchise for the past several years.”
The head of the Hoffmann Family of Companies is ready to continue on the legacy of winning and entertainment the Everblades have carved out in the ECHL.
“The team and the arena have been run well and provide much excitement for their loyal fan base for hockey as well as a myriad of special events,” said David Hoffmann.
The purchase dovetails very well with other hospitality businesses the Hoffmanns have purchased in Southwest Florida. The Hoffmanns are the largest owners of commercial real estate in Naples and have purchased a dozen operating businesses that employ more than 1,000 people in Southwest Florida. The Hoffmanns recently announced a partnership with Kelly and Aldo Musico and Paul Fleming to expand Tacos & Tequila Cantina restaurants nationally.
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