The Colorado Eagles, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, will move their home ice from Loveland to Greeley for the 2028-29 season under a 40-year lease for a new 8,600-seat arena, the team and city said.
Greeley City Council on Wednesday night approved deal terms and key rezoning, clearing the way for construction to begin on the $246 million venue on the city’s west side near Highway 34 and County Road 17. A groundbreaking is expected before the end of September, with completion targeted for July 2028, according to the city.
The Eagles will continue to play at Blue Arena at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland through the 2027-28 season. Greeley sits roughly 20 miles east of Loveland. Both arenas are about an hour north of the big show in Denver.
“We are extremely excited to partner with the City of Greeley to become the anchor tenant at this world-class facility,” Eagles owner and CEO Martin Lind said in a statement. “As we await the completion of construction, we are pleased to be able to continue to entertain our fans at Blue Arena, which has served as our home since our inaugural season in 2003-04.”
The arena will anchor the Cascadia development and serve as a cornerstone of the larger Catalyst Project entertainment district overseen by Water Valley Company. Plans call for three additional NHL-sized ice sheets for youth and amateur hockey, a hotel and water park, a conference center, restaurants, retail and housing.
Design plans include 32 suites, multiple clubs and lounges, an outdoor terrace with mountain views and a large front plaza. The complex will also feature a 1,500-seat secondary arena and 16 locker rooms. Lake Flato Architects and Norris Design are working on the development; the lead arena designer has not been identified.
CBRE completed a feasibility and market study for the city in late 2024. The city projects the venue will generate $15.7 million in revenue against $10.4 million in expenses in 2030. The arena will be financed through $832 million in revenue-backed bonds, according to the city.
“The Colorado Eagles are more than just a hockey team — they symbolize community pride, perseverance and excellence,” Conor McGrath, managing director of The Ranch, said. “As the Eagles take the ice at The Ranch for the 2025-26 season, we look forward to many more memorable moments together and to continuing the legacy they have created.”
Founded in 2003, the Eagles have been the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate since 2018.
In related minor-league news, the Avs’ ECHL affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, is moving to New Jersey after this season.
