The Neck of the Woods | |
Location | 955 Fourth Street Muskegon, MI 49440 USA |
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Operator | Global Spectrum |
Capacity | Hockey: 5,100 Basketball: 5,178–6,000 Concerts: 5,600–6,300 |
Surface | Multi-surface |
Construction | |
Broke ground | 1958 |
Opened | October 27, 1960 |
Construction cost | $2 million ($8.1 million in 2017 dollars) |
Architect | Ralph Legeman Associates |
Tenants | |
Muskegon Zephyrs/Mohawks/Lumberjacks (IHL) (1960–1992) Muskegon Fury/Lumberjacks (CoHL/UHL/IHL) (1992–2010) Michigan Mayhem (CBA) (2004–2006) Muskegon Thunder (CIFL) (2007–2009) West Michigan Blizzard (AAHL) (2009–2010) Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) (2010–present) West Michigan Ironmen (AIF/CIF) (2016–present) Reeths Puffer Hockey (2015-Present) |
The L. C. Walker Arena is a 5,100-seat multi-purpose arena in Muskegon, Michigan, United States. It was built in 1960 by money from the estate of the late Louis Carlisle Walker at a cost of $1 million, and on October 27, 1960 was given to the City of Muskegon. It is currently home to the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League, Muskegon Risers of the Premier Arena Soccer League, and the West Michigan Ironmen of Champions Indoor Football
The arena was built on a site of a former supermarket, and in addition to sports is also used for concerts, trade shows, conventions and other events. The arena measures 39 feet (12 m) from the arena floor to the ceiling. The arena contains 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of arena floor space, and can seat between 5,178 and 6,000 for basketball, up to 5,600 for concerts, and 5,000 for ice shows and wrestling.The Arena Went through renovation in 2010 and 2011 and expecting another one in 2017
A portion of a former Plumb's grocery store, built in 1936, was actually incorporated into the Arena; it is now known as the LC Walker Arena annex, used for conventions, banquets, meetings and other special events.
Louis Carlisle Walker (1875 - 1963) was a furniture maker, an 1896 graduate of the University of Michigan and founder of the Shaw-Walker company which revolutionized the office furniture industry. His success in business was matched by his generosity to the community, and the arena has borne his name since it first opened.
Coordinates: 43°14′4″N 86°15′20″W / 43.23444°N 86.25556°W