Months of Rockford All‑Star Planning Pay Off for IceHogs' Captain Brett Seney

More than a year of planning is about to turn into execution for the Rockford IceHogs." That shorthand captures the weeks of work behind a city primed to host the 2026 AHL All‑Star Classic presented by BMO at the renovated BMO Center on Feb. 10-11. At the center of the push is IceHogs captain Brett Seney, a hometown figure whose leadership and community engagement are threaded through the host organization’s slate of events.

"The hours, weeks and months of work are mostly behind the Rockford front office, and next week will be go-time." Front office investment has not been purely operational. More than $30 million poured into BMO Center renovations has modernized a building that "Open(ed) in 1981, the building barely resembles its former self." New scoreboard and sound systems, LED ribbon boards, digital dasher boards, upgraded office and club spaces, a new bar and a refreshed exterior signal Rockford’s intent to stage a major-league-caliber weekend. The ice itself has a new look, with artwork and advertising applied for the All‑Star event.

Organizers have tied fan activation to the upgrades. "Before the AHL All‑Star Skills Competition on Tuesday, fans can head to a block party outside of the arena. Free and open to the public, the winter‑themed event will feature several activities and food options for fans." That sequence - a public block party, the Skills Competition on Tuesday and All‑Star game activity on Wednesday - is designed to bring casual attendees into the fold and give long-time supporters a concentrated weekend to showcase local pride.

"It’s going to put a spotlight on our region, and I think that’s something for our market to be really proud of." The line reflects the economic and cultural calculus: hosting the All‑Star Classic elevates Rockford on a regional sports map, provides a revenue bump through hospitality and retail spending, and creates earned exposure for the IceHogs brand. "It’s been a lot of work," Peck said, "but we know it’s going to pay off in the end." That payoff will be measured in ticket sales, media attention and the more intangible value of community connection.

For Seney, who anchors community programming tied to the weekend, the All‑Star Classic is an opportunity to convert hometown leadership into broader growth for the IceHogs’ fan base. The team’s return to regular season play will be immediate: the Milwaukee Admirals come to Rockford for a pair of home games the weekend after the All‑Star festivities, a quick transition that tests roster focus and travel logistics.

Beyond the arena, the event underscores industry trends - AHL markets investing in facilities to host showcase events, leveraging star weekends to strengthen regional ties and expand youth hockey pipelines. For Rockford supporters, the immediate benefit is a packed weekend of entertainment and local celebration. For the IceHogs, the test will be sustaining the momentum Seney and the front office are building once the spotlight moves on.