Chemung County announces 90-day management contract for arena with option to buy by Stemmerman Sports

Chemung County officials announced a 90-day management contract with Stemmerman Sports that is to take effect around the 18th of the month and will give the company the option to purchase the arena after the 90-day management term.

Why it matters: the arrangement could change operations at the county arena, create new youth-sports programming and have local economic impacts tied to teams and visiting families.

At the meeting, a county official said the management contract will allow Stemmerman Sports to operate the facility for an initial 90-day period and that, 90 days later, the company will have an option to purchase the facility. The official added that the timing likely aligns with the start of the hockey season.

The official said the program includes youth teams and partnerships with local institutions. He said Mark is leasing significant space from Elmira College to house U18 and U16 players; some players will attend Notre Dame High School and others will live and train in the facilities. The official said those elements could produce “a significant economic impact to the community.”

The board did not vote on a purchase during the meeting; the item was presented as new business and described as moving forward with a management contract followed by an option to purchase.

Named organizations mentioned in the discussion include Stemmerman Sports, Elmira College, Notre Dame High School and the Binghamton Buzz program referenced as a youth team participating in the arena activities. County officials said more details about the management contract and any eventual sale will be provided as the timeline advances.