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Commissioners Approve Cross Insurance Arena 2025–26 Operating and Capital Plans; Budget Shows Narrow Shortfall
Summary
The board approved the Cross Insurance Arena’s 2025–26 operating and capital budgets. Management projects a modest operating deficit for 2025–26 that will require additional event bookings; capital spending of roughly $280,000 is planned to address deferred maintenance and audio‑visual and facility needs.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved the Cross Insurance Arena’s 2025–26 operating, capital and trustees budgets after a presentation by General Manager Mike Locanti and staff.
Locanti told commissioners the arena has operated in the black for four consecutive years but projects a $304,000 operating deficit for 2025–26 as currently booked. He said staff expects to close the shortfall by adding events and diversifying bookings, including conferences and new promoters.
Nut graf: Commissioners approved a capital program of approximately $280,000 for 2025–26 to address deferred items — locker‑room improvements, a Zamboni tunnel door, broadcast‑room cooling, surveillance/alarm upgrades, controls for the arena RGB lighting and other targeted items — while outlining longer‑term capital needs such as an ice deck, HVAC chiller and a future scoreboard replacement.
Locanti said operating costs have risen across staffing, utilities and vendor services; the arena is a roughly 100,000‑square‑foot facility with significant energy and technology needs. Short‑term capital items in the approved plan include $100,000 for locker‑room showers and bathrooms, replacement of a rolling Zamboni tunnel door cited by the fire marshal, upgraded broadcast‑room cooling and surveillance improvements.
Funding for the capital plan will come from reserves and an annual county contribution — Locanti cited roughly $80,000 in ongoing general‑fund support — and staff said larger items will be scheduled as bond capacity or reserves allow.
Commissioners praised arena staff for recent operational performance and approved the budgets by unanimous vote.
Ending: The arena’s management will continue booking efforts to convert the projected operating shortfall into a balanced result and will advance the approved capital projects; staff will report back on booking and financial performance.
