Dort Financial Center facts for kids
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| Former names | IMA Sports Arena (1969–2003) Perani Arena (2003–15) |
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| Address | 3501 Lapeer Rd Flint, MI 48503-4500 |
| Owner | IMS Hockey Corp. |
| Operator | IMS Hockey Management, LLC |
| Capacity | 4,421
Concerts
General admission: 6,469
In the round: 4,800 End stage: 4,567 Sports
Boxing: 5,109
Basketball: 4,421 Hockey: 4,365 Other
Circus: 4,821
Ice show: 3,535 Banquet/reception: 2,000 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1967 |
| Opened | October 1969 |
| Construction cost | $10 million ($87.8 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Tenants | |
| Flint Generals (IHL) (1969–85) Flint Spirits (IHL) (1985–90) Flint Bulldogs (CoHL) (1991–93) Flint Generals (CoHL/UHL/IHL) (1993–2010) Flint Flames (IFL) (2000) Flint Fuze (CBA) (2001–02) Flint Phantoms (CIFL) (2008) Michigan Warriors (NAHL) (2010–15) Flint Firebirds (OHL) (2015–present) Waza Flo (MASL) (2015–16) Flint Monarchs (GWBA) (2016–present) Flint United (TBL) (2021–present) |
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The Dort Financial Center is a super cool place in Flint, Michigan. It's a big building where you can watch sports, enjoy concerts, and attend fun events. It first opened its doors in 1969. Today, it's the exciting home of the Flint Firebirds hockey team, who play in the Ontario Hockey League.
Contents
What is the Dort Financial Center?
The Dort Financial Center is a large complex with different areas. The main part is a huge arena. It has enough space for many people to watch ice hockey games or concerts. There's also a second arena, which is a bit smaller.
Both arenas are used for many different things. You can find trade shows, big meetings, and lots of sports games happening here. The main arena is also a popular spot for concerts by famous artists.
How the Arena Got Its Name
When the arena first opened, it was called the IMA Sports Arena. IMA stood for the Industrial Mutual Association. Later, it was known as the Perani Arena and Event Center. This name honored Bob Perani, who owned a sports store called Perani's Hockey World. Bob Perani was also a goalie for the Flint Generals hockey team from 1969 to 1974. His jersey number, 1, was even retired by the team!
In 2015, the arena got its current name, the Dort Financial Center.
Cool Upgrades and Renovations
In 2020, the Dort Financial Center got some awesome new updates. The main arena received brand new, comfy black leather seats. They also added cool LED ribbon panels that wrap all the way around the arena. These panels can show advertisements and sports scores at the same time.
These new seats and LED panels came from another famous sports venue, The Palace of Auburn Hills, before it was taken down. These changes made the arena look even better and more modern for everyone who visits.
Who Plays at the Dort Financial Center?
Current Teams Playing Here
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The most exciting team playing at the Dort Financial Center right now is the Flint Firebirds. They are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The team moved to Flint in 2015 and quickly became a favorite for local fans.
Other teams that currently call the Dort Financial Center home include:
- The Flint Monarchs, a women's basketball team.
- The Flint United, a men's basketball team.
Teams That Used to Play Here
Many different sports teams have played at this arena over the years. Some of the past hockey teams include the Flint Generals, the Flint Spirits, and the Michigan Warriors. There were also basketball teams like the Flint Fuze and indoor football teams like the Flint Flames. The arena has a long history of hosting exciting sports action!
Fun Events at the Center
The Dort Financial Center isn't just for sports! It hosts many other fun events throughout the year.
- Local high schools and colleges use the arena for their graduation ceremonies.
- The famous Shrine Circus often starts its tour here every year.
- You can also find the General RV Show, where you can explore all sorts of recreational vehicles.
- Since 2021, the arena has also hosted the Really Cool Comic Con, a big event for comic book and pop culture fans.
