After about four years and $15 million, the Philadelphia Flyers have completed their renovation and expansion project for the team's training facility at The Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.
"We didn't just set out to refurbish this place; we wanted to create something that's really special," said David Scott, the president and CEO of Flyers owner Comcast Spectacor. "This is where it all starts when you look at the Flyers organization."
Flyers President Paul Holmgren said the impetus for the upgrades at the training facility came when Ron Hextall succeeded him as general manager and brought a game plan of building the team through the draft and player development.
Hextall noted in a "salary cap world its critical for a team to draft well and develop its talent internally." The expanded facility, he said, provided space for the team to provide the latest in sports science and fitness and training equipment in a quality setting. When trying to attract talent to the Flyers, Hextall said the team can now say, "We can offer you more to be the best you can be."
During a media tour of the facility Wednesday afternoon, Assistant General Manager Barry Hanrahan pointed out some of the highlights of the renovation and expansion project. They included:
- A 16,000-square foot "performance center" that includes a variety of weight training and cardio fitness equipment along wit an indoor track,
- A mini-rink used for skills development,
- A shooting room also for skills development, and
- expanded locker room space, meeting rooms and player lounges.
Check out the gallery for a look at the completed project.
