INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The public gets its first look at the inside of the new Independence Events Center on Saturday.
The center will host a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center at Interstate 70 and Little Blue Parkway.
The first 1,000 in line will get a free souvenir ski cap.
The grand opening will include a hockey demonstration from the Mid-America High School Hockey League and an appearance from the Missouri Maverick's mascot.
The public will participate in a hockey puck shoot in the main arena at 1 p.m.
Public skating will be available on the Centerpoint Community Ice Rink. The rental fees will go to the Truman Heartland Community Foundation and Hope House.
The arena will feature the Missouri Mavericks hockey team.
The team plays in the Central Hockey League.
The team's home opener will be Nov. 13.
There are 2,500 padded floor seats in the arena and 500 V.I.P. style premium floor seats.
The arenas capacity is 7,000.
