IMA Sports Arena
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| Former names | IMA Sports Arena Perani Arena and Event Center |
|---|---|
| Location | 3501 Lapeer Road Flint, Michigan 48503 |
| Owner | IMS Hockey Corp. |
| Operator | IMS Hockey Corp. |
| Capacity |
Concerts: 6,469 Ice Hockey: 4,021 Boxing: 5,109 |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1967 |
| Opened | October 1969 |
| Construction cost | $10 million ($65.3 million in 2016 dollars) |
| Tenants | |
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Flint Generals (IHL) (1969–1985) Flint Spirits (IHL) (1985–1990) Flint Bulldogs (CoHL) (1991–1993) Flint Generals (UHL/IHL) (1993–2010) Flint Flames (IFL) (2000) Flint Fuze (CBA) (2000–2001) Michigan Pirates (CIFL) (2007) Flint Phantoms (CIFL) (2008) Michigan Warriors (NAHL) (2010–2015) Flint Firebirds (OHL) (2015–present) Waza Flo (MASL) (2015–present) |
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Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center (originally IMA Sports Arena and formerly Perani Arena and Event Center) is a sports, entertainment and convention venue located in Flint, Michigan. It opened in 1969.
The main arena of the complex, the largest exhibit hall of complex, features 29,280 square feet (2,720 m2) of space and can accommodate 4,021 for ice hockey and 6,069 for concerts, plus 400 in standing room. The second arena in the complex features 27,206 square feet (2,527.5 m2) of space. Both arenas are frequently used for trade shows, hockey games and other sports. In addition, the main arena is used for concerts.
Initially named the IMA an acronym for the Industrial Mutual Association. Being the second such complex in Flint, MI. named the IMA. The original IMA was torn down and replaced at this new location.
The complex was named for Bob Perani, owner of Perani's Hockey World, a sports equipment retailer in Flint. Perani's Hockey World paid for naming rights to the complex. Bob Perani was a goalie for the Flint Generals from 1969 to 1974. His jersey #1 is one of only 5 numbers retired by the team.
On January 13, 2015, the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League announced they would be relocated to Flint and will play at Perani Arena, with OHL approval. That team is now known as the Flint Firebirds.
In September 2015, the Detroit Waza of the Major Arena Soccer League announced their relocation to Flint. The team will operate as simply "Waza Flo" during the 2015–16 Major Arena Soccer League season.
Local high schools and colleges use the arena for their commencement ceremonies. Perani Arena is also usually the first stop for the Shrine Circus every year. The Perani Arena also holds the General RV Show every year.
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