What new Hoffmann management means for the Everblades, Hertz Arena

The Naples-based Hoffmann Family of Companies is the new management for Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades.

Some people believe ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ David Hoffmann of the Hoffmann family of Companies in Naples is not one of those people.

“It’ll be a wonderful venue for Southwest Florida, and it has been,” Hoffmann said. “You know the stadium is 20-years-old, 21-years-old and it’s in need of some upgrading.”

That is why Hoffmann said he bought Hertz Arena and the Everblades from the long-time owner, Peter Karmanos.

Everblades General Manager Craig Brush, who has worked for the minor league hockey team since it began in 1998, said everything Hoffmann buys, he improves. He points to Hoffmann’s work in Naples.

“Drive down 5th Avenue and you’ll see the number of places that have Hoffmann on them,” Brush said. “He looks for things that he can freshen up and make better.”

In the upcoming months, hockey fans will notice three significant changes. These include a new score clock, costing around $1.75 million. The executive suites are being redone.

“We have a sculpture of a hockey player that is about 20 feet tall,” Brush said, “that we have commissioned to be put in front of the stadium.”

Brush projects the completion of these expenditures by the start of the Everblades 2019-2020 season.

Those who come out to Hertz Arena for performances can expect more big-name acts. Some of these stars will be from the country music scene.

“And then big-time entertainment,” Brush said. “We’re talking like trying to get Maroon 5 and people of that magnitude.”