- 1984: Development group submits plans for a 1,100-acre, $1.5 billion development in Hoffman Estates called "International Exposition Park." The site includes land east and west of Beverly Road.
- 1995-1999: Chicago Bears owners discuss building a football stadium in Hoffman Estates during a feud with Chicago leaders. The quarry west of Beverly Road is the preferred site.
- 2003: The Chicago Fire and Anshutz Entertainment Group (AEG) consider a new professional soccer stadium in Hoffman Estates' Prairie Stone Business Park. The stadium was eventually built in Bridgeview.
- November 2004: Sears Holdings Corporation and Ryan Companies US, Inc. approach the Village about continued interest in an arena in the Prairie Stone Business Park.
- November 2004: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) approved between Ryan Companies US, Inc. and the Village that defines requirements for Village and developer to proceed with approvals and financing for an arena.
- February 2005: Sears announces it will pay $10 million over 10 years for naming rights and will hold a 25 percent stake in arena.
- Spring 2005: Economics Research Associates (ERA) undertakes feasibility study for Ryan Companies US, Inc., which indicates that an arena in Hoffman Estates would be successful.
- Spring 2005: A Convention, Sports and Leisure International (CSL) independent feasibility study is completed on behalf of the Village, which shows the benefits to having an arena in Hoffman Estates.
- Summer 2005: Redevelopment financing agreement approved for sale of Village general obligation (G.O.) bonds to finance the project.
- June 2005: Hoffman Estates gives final approval for construction.
- July 2005: Arena groundbreaking.
- Spring 2006: Steve Hyman is hired as arena general manager.
- June 2006: Chicago Storm soccer team announces it's moving home games from UIC Pavilion to Sears Centre.
- September 2006: $54.9 million G.O. bonds issued.
- October 2006: Duran Duran, Bob Dylan and Lionel Ritchie opens Sears Centre. Fans rave about acoustics.
- April 2007: Chicago Slaughter indoor football team plays its first home game on April 28.
- May 2007: Steve Hyman, the first general manager, leaves the arena.
- June 2007: Jeff Bowen, who worked with Indianapolis' Conseco Fieldhouse, is hired as arena general manager.
- September 2007: Hoffman Estates establishes Northwest Suburban Chicago Sports Council in an effort to attract amateur sports events and use of the arena as Olympics venue for the Chicago 2016 bid.
- April 2009: The arena owner/operator informs the Village that they will not continue.
- June 2009: Chicago Slaughter wins league title.
- July 2009: Hoffman Estates announces it's in talks to take over Sears Centre Arena.
- November 2009: Village Board authorizes negotiation of an operating agreement for Global Spectrum, a subsidiary of Comcast Spectacor, to manage the Sears Centre Arena.
- December 2009: The Village acquires title to the Sears Centre Arena building and site via a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure process.
- January 2010: Global Spectrum begins management of the Sears Center Arena under an interim agreement (in anticipation of a long-term agreement to be approved).
- February 2010: Global Spectrum announces Daughtry concert in May 2010; sells out in one day.
- March 2010: Global Spectrum announces Elton John concert at the Sears Centre Arena on April 15, 2010.
- June 2010: Village Board approves a three-year agreement with Global Spectrum to manage and operate the Sears Centre Arena.
Last updated: 8/20/2010 2:16:10 PM