Ducks fans will be "treated to 15,000 square feet of new restaurant, shopping and bar space" at Honda Center as part of the new $20M Grand Terrace, the arena's "single largest improvement project" since opening in '93, according to Art Marroquin of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER. Honda Center President & CEO Tim Ryan said, "It will change the way people feel the minute they walk into the facility." Marroquin notes outside the entrance, visitors will be "greeted by high-definition graphics and team highlights flashing on a pair of 15-by-25-foot screens." There also will be a new Ducks team store. Located above the store, the Grand Terrace "will be open during Ducks games only to season ticket holders." The bar opens "two hours before the puck drops and remains open at least 30 minutes after the third period ends." Honda Center VP/Operations Kevin Starkey said, "I hope it can be a destination point where people will come to eat at the restaurant, shop at the team store and go on to watch a game." Construction of the Grand Terrace was funded by Ducks Owners Henry and Susan Samueli (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 10/10). The Ducks' store is the fifth Reebok-branded NHL team store to open at arenas in recent years, following the Penguins, Flyers, Lightning and Sabres. The new team store is more than three times the size of the store's previous location (Christopher Botta, Staff Writer).
REELING IN THE YEARS: In L.A., Elliott Teaford noted the Ducks franchise will celebrate its 20th anniversary throughout the '13-14 season, starting with Thursday's home opener against the Rangers. The '13-14 club bears "only passing resemblance to the Mighty Ducks of 20 years ago." The Samuelis purchased the team from Disney in '05 and "dropped the 'Mighty' and changed the eggplant and teal uniforms to black and orange in '06." The Ducks today have "achieved respect and credibility" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 10/9).
