herbst20
Registered User
- Jul 8, 2011
- 679
- 25
Not much. I believe the owner has proposed building a new small stadium, however I think it's short on funding and traction. If you look at their web page it hasn't been updated much with news on its progress.
Kansas City is moving forward with a new arena. Lamar Hunt Jr owns the ECHL team there and he's made it clear he wants the USHL as well.
Coralville Iowa is also building an ice arena. The developers have mentioned wanting a USHL franchise too, but you don't see much clear info on it. It's very close to other teams, too close in my opinion. I'd rather see University if Iowa start a D1 team since they are right next door. The AD has stated they have no plans though. Still, the arena is the most expensive piece so it's huge to have that in place. Much easier to raise funds for just scholarships and operating costs. They'd need to start a women's program in something too for title IX as well.
I highly doubt you will see Coralville get a USHL franchise. With the proximity of Cedar Rapids (22 Miles), the Roughriders would have to okay the franchise. I do not see that happening with a decent portion of the fan base coming from Coralville, North Liberty, and Iowa City.
I would agree I would like to see Iowa get a D1 team.