B-Sens Ice Arena Deal

6/21/2012 (Updated 11:07:54 PM)

(Source: Travis Eldridge)

BINGHAMTON -- If there were questions before they were answered today as the Broome County Legislature unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Binghamton Senators.

"To keep an AHL team in Broome County is just tremendous," said Legislative Chairman Jerry Marinich.  "I'm glad the Executive, the B-Senators and the legislature was able to come to terms and go through an agreement."

The agreement keeps the Senators at the Arena for the next five years, a weight off the shoulders of team Executive Vice President of Operations Tom Mitchell.

"I think it's a win-win situation for everyone involved, for all the parties," Mitchell said. "And as I said a few weeks ago, I'm more encouraged than ever about the future of the American Hockey League here in Binghamton."

Part of that new lease agreement allows the county to audit the team, and raise the rent of the Arena if the club brings in a lot of revenue.  It was an important consideration according to a few legislators.

"We've always heard the B-Sens are making a ton of money, and that we should be charging them more," said Marinich.  "Well you know, if that's the case were going to get a percentage of it now."

Mitchell said it helps clear up a common misconception.

"A lot of them took the time to look at the situation with the hockey club and the arena, and realize that this is a labor of love, it's not a profitable situation," he said.

With the lease extension in place, it allows the Binghamton Senators to go ahead and sign their affiliation agreement with Ottawa.  Mitchell said that will be done in the very near future, keeping the B-Sens in Broome County.