The Colorado Eagles, proud AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, have officially broken ground on their new home in Greeley’s Cascadia district. The groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday marked the start of horizontal development for Catalyst, a 300-acre mixed-use entertainment hub that city leaders are calling one of the most ambitious public-private developments in Greeley’s history.
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The project, located between County Road 17 and Highway 257, is being delivered through a partnership between the City of Greeley, The Water Valley Company, and PCL Construction. Alongside the new professional sports arena, Catalyst will feature a year-round indoor water park, a conference hotel, retail, restaurants, and residential neighborhoods—all designed to create a self-sustaining entertainment and lifestyle district.
“For years, Northern Colorado families have had to leave their community to find world-class entertainment and recreation,” said Martin Lind, CEO of The Water Valley Company and owner of the Colorado Eagles. “Cascadia and Catalyst will change all that. We’re building a district that will keep families here, attract visitors and create opportunities for local businesses. With the City of Greeley’s leadership and this groundbreaking, we are turning that vision into reality. The Eagles are proud to call this future arena our home for at least the next 40 years.”
City officials emphasized the project’s economic and cultural significance. “Today is a historic day for Greeley,” said Mayor John Gates. “We’re laying the foundation for a project that will benefit this community for generations. From new jobs and small business opportunities to youth hockey and entertainment, this is smart growth that will lead to regional competitiveness and economic prosperity for all of Greeley.”
According to city projections, the development will create 2,480 temporary construction jobs and more than 1,200 permanent jobs once operational, ranging from hospitality and entertainment positions to arena and visitor services roles. The anticipated increase in visitors is also expected to bring substantial revenue to local businesses across the region.
City Manager Raymond Lee highlighted the importance of the foundational work now underway. “This is the start of work that often goes unseen, but it’s absolutely critical,” Lee said. “Infrastructure is what makes the rest possible. Roads, utilities and water systems must come first, and we’ve been preparing for decades to make sure Greeley can support this kind of growth responsibly. Our water portfolio, mobility planning and financial strategy put us in a strong position to deliver a project that benefits the entire community while protecting taxpayers.”
The Eagles secured a 40-year lease with the City of Greeley earlier this month, ensuring the team will serve as the anchor tenant of the new arena. Construction on the arena and three-sheet ice center is scheduled to begin in 2026, with doors expected to open for the 2028 hockey season.
Beyond hockey and entertainment, the development is designed as a complete, connected neighborhood. It will feature public plazas, cultural amenities, mixed-use housing, and recreation options, including the new ice center for youth hockey, figure skating, and community programs.
With Greeley projected to add over 100,000 new residents by 2060, city leaders say the project is a critical step in ensuring the city grows sustainably while maintaining its identity as a hub for culture, recreation, and opportunity in Northern Colorado.
For more details and ongoing project updates, residents can visit Speak Up Greeley.
Originally reported by Colorado Eagles.
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