I wanted to give an updated review based on an event the BMO Center and Rockford IceHogs just hosted: the AHL All-Star Classic. This event was arguably the most fun I've had a hockey game EVER. The IceHogs & BMO staff did a great job managing the sold out crowd both nights of the classic. From opening the doors early to limiting capacity within the team store, I think they ran the event smoothly and professionally. The concessions staff did a great job too with having the lines move quickly. I also need to give a shout-out to all of the promotions and corporate partners tabling at this event. They did great with having staff greeting fans for the event and giving them swag to remember the experience. My favorite part was getting red heart Bubl'r glasses, which matched the event theming so well. There was also a huge table for everyone to make signs to cheer on their favorite all stars. read more

This is a great spot to catch Icehog Hockey! Every view in the house is a good view... except maybe the end zone when the Hogs are shooting on the opposite side. The tickets are affordable and especially if you wait until the day of to grab some discounted tickets. The food is overpriced, like all stadiums, but there are plenty of specials throughout the season to offset some of the costs. I recommend the BBQ counter by the balcony, which has meals with fries for $14. They are also great about having the local hockey clubs bring their kids on the ice. The product isn't the best, but you might catch some future NHLers, so it's worth stopping by. read more

See all

My group of 5 went to see Cirque du Soleil: Crystal at this facility. Interesting lay out, as it was a little small venue than a traditional "center". The staff, both for CDS and police, were very nice. We were an hour early due of our extended drive time, so they allowed us to waiting inside the building in a locked entryway. Seats were larger than the usual CDS seats and that was a joy. Parking was handy and reasonable. The only down side was some burnt the popcorn and the entire building stunk of that nasty smell that never seems to go away. read more

See all

We love the BMO center! Whether it's for the ice hog game or another event, the BMO center does not disappoint! The staff is always professional and affable. They seem to really enjoy working there and it shows the food and beverage is great so selection. It's not crazy expensive like some of the larger areas in the suburbs. seating is fairly comfortable. There's not a seat in the house. We've even attended events on State Street right outside of the BMO. When I grew up, it was the Rockford Metro Center. Excited to share more memories with my family here. read more

See all

Went to an event on June 8, 2025. Absolute worst venue I have ever been to. Parking was horrible and security at event was just as bad. Security at the door we went in made my wife take her cloth purse back to the car. When we finally got into the venue we saw several women with leather purses much larger than my wife had. No traffic direction. I do not recommend this venue. read more

Small town small minded. Venue staff requiring some common sense training on admission to rink, where things are, hours of the box office etc. Actual rink area is small so reasonable views from most places. Not sure why they close off sections but that might be due to trying to limit staff requirements. Parking on street is 2 hours in most and less in other areas. Careful of the panhandlers who are in the area though. There is a garage if so inclined. read more

Did not enjoy standing outside in the cold and wind waiting and waiting for the 'security check'. With all their resorces, they can't figure out a better way than that?? Pitiful... When I picked up my stuff and was walking away, one of the geniuses stopped me and wanted to inspect my car keys for some reason. I guess he wanted to make sure that they weren't a machine gun or a hand grenade, etc. If I was going to perform a mass shooting, that would be a good place to go, since no one would be armed with so much as a tiny pocket knife, so it would be easy to kill many dozens of people.. and the sheep think they're safe in a place like that. This BS is all because of gun grabbing liberals, insurance companies and lawyers. Wake up, America. READ the 2nd amendment to the constitution of these United States. read more

This is a great little arena. Yes, its a bit hard to access because its not near any highways, but who really cares? Its nestled right downtown and has a parking garage right across the street, which is a win-win for me! The arena isn't big, which means all the seats in the building are close to the ice, which is a huge plus. Amenities are plentiful, and each time we went it was clean and tidy. My ONLY complaint about the building is the restrooms could use some updating. If you love ice hockey and the AHL, you'll love attending games here. read more

BMO Harris Bank Center... AKA what was once called the Rockford Metro Centre... AKA The Big Orange Box (because it's Orange. Seriously, it's orange!) Located in downtown Rockford where there is no easy or quick way to get to via any interstate, expressway or bypass. If you are coming from out of town, make sure you schedule extra travel time from the highway to downtown as all the stoplights well pretty much add an extra 20 minute drive time. So be forewarned. Then you get to find parking, which isn't too bad. There are a couple of public parking garages and a regular lot just south of the Center that you can park at. For event parking, be prepared to pay though. Once you finally get there and then get in, the building itself isn't bad. It's just been renovated to add some luxury suits and other high end amenities. However my last visit there for an Icehog's game half of the sinks in the bathroom didn't work. Overall, the rest of the building is your typical Arena. Concessions, booths selling merchandise, and other tables are set up all around the outer ring. There was a section set up in one area that had higher end adult beverages. Hard liquor and even some craft beers... as opposed to the Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud select, Corona and Stella you can get at the various concession stands. Of course these are more expensive than that (at the time of this review) $6.25 Bud aluminum bottle. The staff was friendly, answering questions and helping guide us to our seats and when someone in our area had a medical problem, they were quick to respond. They also were very gracious about helping an elderly gentleman that had problems with the stairs at the game. This is not a Major League sporting arena, but it does a good job for the community it serves. I just wish it was easier to get to and from. read more

BMO Center - Southwest Entrance - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

See all

Location: difficult for out of towners coming from the highway. Not too bad for those that live in the city. Parking garage directly across the street as well as free street parking & paid lots so parking isn't an issue. Best bet for food/drinks nearby before an event is state street (Capri, Social, Kumas, Bamboo, Vintage etc.). Food at facility is standard arena junk food & high priced alcohol. Sound for concerts isn't great. All seats even up high have a pretty good view because it isn't very large. Mostly ice hogs games & county music acts are the big draw here. Occasionally other events turn up. read more

BMO Center - Ice hogs - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

There's everything to like here. BMO is a small arena so every seat puts you close to the ice. We bought $14 tickets and our seats were a dozen rows back of the glass. Parking across the street was $5, and although we didnt eat here, food prices were scant compared to a Hawks game at the UC. The best part about seeing a game here is rooting for the next wave Blackhawks. My son and I had a blast here and will definately be back for more. GO HAWKS! read more

BMO Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

We have been here several times to see Icehogs games. I like the venue because it is big enough, but not so big that it loses a sense of intimacy. The prices are reasonable and we have always had a good view of the game. The employees have always been friendly. The bathrooms, well, they are stadium bathrooms. It is what it is. I like that you can park right across the street (for 5 bucks) and walk across the bridge right into the place. Makes things more convenient. As we do come up from Chicago, I have to agree that once you get off the expressway, it is a long drive through town to get there, but all in all, the Orange Box rocks! read more

This has to be one of my favorite places to go, I love the Rockford Icehogs and it's great that their events are held here, staff is friendly, and prices are average. read more

See all

Sure the place is clean and it's reasonably priced to attend a hockey game, but to spend over 2 hours in the car to get there to attend an event that was marketed as "if you buy tickets to the Ice Hogs/Wolves game, you'll have a chance to see/take pictures with the Cubs World Series Trophy" it was EXTREMELY POORLY CONVEYED that there were wrist bands ONLY for the first 1250 people there. Also, the "guest services" lady who manned the booth on the second level needs to work on her people skills (and that's putting it nicely). To scoff at a child (and the rest of our family) and say "the people in line may not even get to see it" is not only rude but cold hearted as well. We were not told (and nowhere on the website while you're buying tickets) that in order to see the trophy you needed to get a wrist band (and to hear people waited 6+ hours in single digit temperatures is just unsafe). The "wonderful" lady at guest services advised us that "not only was it written on the Ice Hog Facebook page it was also in the local paper". Guess I should've driven 2+ hours last week to get that fancy local paper to read up on it, or join a Facebook page for a team that until the Cubs announced they were going to display the trophy there NO ONE in my party knew existed. Trust me we weren't the only ones who were not aware of this "wristband" thing. There were at least 6 other people we talked to that also drove out from over an hour away for this specific purpose and also were told "sorry" with a shrug and an attitude. I sincerely hope the Cubs organisation takes charge of events like this so that the event space doesn't ruin the experience of seeing the trophy for any other fans. Please, train your rude staff if you want anyone to travel to come here, or is that the goal? If that is the case, PLEASE by all means, continue to be "ho hum" to anyone who doesn't live in the Rockford city limits so you can have your precious Ice Hogs and Arena all to yourselves. read more

Love it when we go to the IceHogs game great seating good food all around good arena for activities

Great atmosphere for IceHogs games. Comfortable seating--and not a bad seat in the whole place. Inexpensive parking is abundant around the BMO (we paid $5). Love the horn and song that follows each goal, and I especially love the "HEY GUESS WHAT YOUR GOALIE SUCKS" chant. Like I said, it's a fun atmosphere and tickets to IceHogs games are fairly inexpensive compared to those to the Hogs' NHL affiliate Chicago Blackhawks (Go Hawks!). Great for all ages. If you like hockey but don't want to spend a fortune, make the trip out to Rockford. read more