The Hoffman Estates Center will showcase concerts, ice shows,family programs, hockey games, Arena football league games, collegebasketball tournaments, tennis matches and tournaments, boxingmatches and exhibitions. Its closest competitor is the 17,000-seatAllstate Arena east on the Northwest Tollway in Rosemont.

"With the commitment from Sears, the anticipated support of thevillage of Hoffman Estates, and an underserved marketplace, all thepieces are in place to make this a very special and excitingproject," says Jeff Smith, regional president of Ryan Cos. US,Inc., whose company is 75% owner of the project.

Northwest suburban Chicago is the most underserved market forentertainment venues, according to sports and entertainmentfacility and management consultant Galliard, LLC, toppingBaltimore, southwest suburban Detroit and San Diego. "Areas likethis need new venues for service and entertainment and historicallyhave enjoyed considerable success," says Galliard principal SteveHyman.