Riverside Arena will open for the 2002 and 2003 season on Saturday, Oct. 12. The ice-making equipment has been upgraded and a new cooling tower is in place. The locker rooms will not be ready right away.

Packer Arena is moving ahead on schedule. The floor will be poured within the next two weeks and the equipment will be hooked up. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department hopes that it may be operational by mid-December.

The schedule for both arenas will be on the website at www.ci.austin.mn.us. The schedule may also be heard by dialing (507) 433-1881 and following the prompts.