Hoffmann Happy With Hertz Arena Progress and Everblades

It’s been 5 months since Hertz Arena and the Florida Blades became a part of the Hoffmann Family of Companies. In those 5 months, David Hoffmann jumped in full force with improvements and renovations and is ecstatic with the current status of both the arena and the Everblades. 

We couldn’t be happier with the way the community has responded to the improvements we’ve made, the way the team has responded. I’m really just overwhelmingly thrilled. 

– David Hoffmann

Starting in August of 2019, Hertz Arena went under a series of updates including enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-of-the-art scoreboard – setting the Hoffmann Standard of Excellence. 

The Everblades, however, did not see any of the renovations internally, as General Manager Craig Bush and Head Coach Brad Ralph continue leading the team. Coach Ralph is in his fourth season with the Blades and just got his 300th victory in ECHL in December – 1 of 13 coaches to ever do so. The Blades kicked off the season by winning their home opener in the renovated Hertz Arena, scoring 4-2 against Norfolk. Florida is currently third in the Eastern Conference, and in second place in the South Division. The Blades open the second half at home Friday night against Greenville. 

We’re going to make the playoffs. I think we’ve got a shot at winning the Kelly Cup. I think the coaching staff is exceptional.

– David Hoffmann

More improvements are coming! As internal renovations continue, Hoffmann is excited to work on the exterior part of the arena, including adding more parking. There are over 7,000 seats in the arena with just about 2,000 parking spaces – a frequent issue for fans who are then forced to park in grass medians or Miromar Outlets. To alleviate the issue, Hoffmann is working to have the current parking lots extended as well as additional black tops put in. In addition, Hoffmann is looking to add lighting displays many NHL arenas have and has commissioned a one-of-a-kind 30-foot sculpture of a hockey player that would be visible from I-75.