Sports Arena East Celebrates 25 Years

SAUK RAPIDS -- A former North Stars coach will be in Sauk Rapids tonight (Tuesday) helping celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sports Arena East.

Glen Sonmor will perform a ceremonial puck drop to start the Sauk Rapids-Rice versus St. Cloud Tech boys hockey game.  Sonmore was the honorary fundraising chairman in the effort that started in 1981 to raise $300,000 to build the facility.

Other individuals who helped in the fundraising efforts will also be recognized - including then Sauk Rapids Mayor and Fundraising Chairman Harold Jesh.

Ground was broken on the building in 1984, and it's first full season of operation was 1985.

Sports Arena East is the home to:
- Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey
- Sauk Rapids-Rice Boys High School Hockey
- Sartell-St. Stephen/Sauk Rapids-Rice Girls High School Hockey
- Granite City Lumberjacks Junior A Hockey Club
- Becker-Big Lake Youth Hockey
- Benton County Fair
- St. Cloud Antique Car Club Car Show & Swap meet