The Family Arena in St. Charles, a beloved venue in St. Charles County, is embarking on a significant $13 million renovation project, promising an upgraded experience for all visitors. After years of hosting countless family events, concerts, and graduations, this refresh will ensure the arena remains a premier destination for entertainment and community gatherings for years to come.
Bob Schnur, Assistant Director of Administration for St. Charles County, highlights the importance of this investment: “The Family Arena has been central to creating cherished memories for our community. This renovation is our commitment to future generations, ensuring the arena continues to be a vibrant and welcoming space.”
Since opening its doors in 1999, the Family Arena in St. Charles has been a hub of activity, welcoming up to 400,000 guests annually without a major overhaul. The upcoming renovations address key areas to modernize the facility and enhance guest comfort. Among the most anticipated improvements are the replacement of lower-level seating at a cost of $3.2 million.
Tom O’Keefe, marketing and booking manager, explains the necessity for new seats: “The current seats are original to the building and show their age. Despite regular cleaning, they appear worn. New seating will dramatically improve the arena’s look and, importantly, offer greater comfort with thicker cushions.” This seating upgrade also includes an automated system for the retractable platforms, streamlining setup and saving both time and labor.
Beyond seating, the renovation includes a $2 million investment in state-of-the-art video boards and $5.6 million for new central heating and cooling systems. These upgrades are essential for ensuring a comfortable and visually engaging environment for all events held at the Family Arena in St. Charles.
Further improvements encompass:
- Guest Wi-Fi throughout the interior
- Updated concourse signage for better navigation
- Communication system enhancements
- Parking lot repaving for improved access
- Roof replacement to maintain the building’s integrity
The addition of Wi-Fi is particularly exciting for event-goers, especially concert attendees, as O’Keefe notes, “In today’s event experience, Wi-Fi is crucial. Guests want to instantly share their moments through photos and videos. Currently, signal strength inside the arena is limited, which this upgrade will resolve.” Now, sharing experiences at events at the Family Arena in St. Charles, whether it’s a thrilling concert or a family show, will be seamless.
O’Keefe summarizes the overall vision: “These improvements are all about elevating the guest experience and modernizing the Family Arena in St. Charles to meet and exceed the expectations of visitors accustomed to top-tier venues.”
Funding for this ambitious project is largely secured through federal ARPA funds and grants, accounting for over $10 million, with St. Charles County contributing approximately $3 million. The renovations are projected to be completed by the fall of 2024, promising a revitalized Family Arena in St. Charles ready to host even more memorable events.
