Some exciting news tonight in the city of Erie.
It's the grand reopening of the Erie Insurance Arena, after two years of renovations.

After 2 years and $47 million dollars worth of renovations, the doors are now open at the downtown Erie entertainment complex.

A grand reopening celebration took place Tuesday night with a VIP event for elected officials, community leaders, sponsors, and heads of Erie sports teams. They played a role in making the renovations a reality, and they all got a first glimpse at the new arena.

The very first event at the newly-renovated arena will be the Erie Otters hockey home opener on October 5th.
The first concert is set for October 17th, featuring country favorites Rascal Flatts, and The Band Perry.

Some of the features of the new arena are wider concourses, more restrooms, newer seats. More seats in fact, 1,5000 more than before.

While this was a private event Tuesday night, the Erie County Convention Center Authority wants everybody to get a behind-the-scenes look at the new facility.

They're hosting free tours for the public this week. On Thursday from 2:00-5:00, people with disabilities can get a look inside. On Saturday from 1:00-5:00 the public is welcome to take a tour of the new arena, with the opportunity to wander pretty much everywhere.