FARGO-A north Fargo hockey arena's renovation means the old wood bleachers will be replaced, but locals will have a couple of options to get their hands on these historic seats.
Fargo-based reclaimed lumber business Dakota Timber Co. has purchased all of the vintage bleachers from the historic John E. Carlson Coliseum, which opened in 1968.
The company, which contracted with another company to remove the bleachers, will manufacture the majority of the wood into tongue-and-groove paneling and about 10,000 square feet of flooring, said Seth Carlson, president of operations.
He said they'll reserve about 1,000 square feet of the bleachers to sell a limited batch of numbered seat boards to local hockey fans and enthusiasts. Dakota Timber Co. will hold two sales for these boards at its north Fargo facility, 3202 7th Ave. N., from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, March 24, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25.
Carlson said he's already taken several calls from parents and fans who want to purchase the boards for memorabilia or to make something out of the reclaimed lumber, such as shelves or benches.
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The Fargo Park Board last December approved a $2.5 million renovation of the Coliseum that's now underway, with project plans that include a new ice plant, new boards and glass, new bleachers, revamped lighting and renovations to restrooms and locker rooms.
