For Bob and Connie Dwyer, the $3 million gift they have made to Niagara University is more than an investment in the future of its hockey program. It is a way to give something back to a community in which they have strong roots and for which they have fond memories.
Nor has their donation, the largest single donation in the history of the university, gone unnoticed in the community, a community that Connie calls her home, a community in which they started their family.
The first and second phases of the expansion are already completed. Phase one included new men and women's locker rooms, training facilities, a player lounge, an equipment storage room and a new athletic treatment room on the south side of the twin-rink facility. The first phase was completed in October of 1999. Phase two consisted of an expanded lobby area, separate entrances for the two rinks, an expanded concession area, a new and larger pro shop and a new ticket office. This phase was completed in September of 2000. The cost of both phases was funded completely by the Dwyer gift.
In the summer of 2007, Dwyer Arena underwent more changes. With the addition of the Premium Seating Section in the area formerly occupied by the "Party Deck", the capacity was increased from 1,600 to 2,100. The Premium Seating Section is a climate-controlled area with its own eatery, bar and private restrooms. It also comes equipped with flat-screen TVs and a personalized sound-system in a gathering area with a view of the entire ice surface.
The playing surface also received some attention, with the addition of new boards and seamless glass.
