The Chicago Wolves hockey team has been a good draw in Rosemont, especially after landing an International Hockey League championship last year.

Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot, is a popluar fixture with fans at the hockey games.

Now the Wolves expect that the opening of the new Allstate Arena is going to make the team an even better draw.

"You take the kind of entertainment we provide and place it in a sparkling new arena, and I think you've really done a lot for the fans," said Buddy Meyers, vice chairman of the Wolves.

To say the effusive Meyers is excited about the new Allstate Arena is an understatement. Improvements to the sight lines, the cushioned seating on the main floor, the larger aisles and concourses and the additional washrooms are amenities that he believes will enhance the experience for fans.

"We're in the business of making things fan friendly," Meyers said. "The improvements to the building makes it more fan friendly."

The focus has been on the fans in the six years that Meyers, and partner Don Levin, have booked Wolves games in Rosemont. Their goal is to attract families with low cost, non-stop entertainment.

It starts with ticket prices. While the lowest priced seat for a NHL game is about $50, fans can enter a Wolves game for as little as $9.

Once inside, fans are treated to wall-to-wall action, starting with an eight minute opening featuring a laser show, video and fireworks. Games, contests and other attractions help fill in the dull spots between periods.

"We want to offer something for everyone, so that the hockey fan and non-hockey fan can enjoy the experience," Meyers said.

The sports fan can appreciate that the Wolves place a good team on the ice. Last year, the Wolves won the IHL championship, taking home the Turner Cup. This spring, it won the Midwest Division but was defeated in the Western Conference finals.

Being a contender means that the arena is humming for each game.

"I think we offer fans a great deal of entertainment for the price of admission," Meyers said. "It costs as much to go to the movies these days."

The Wolves averaged 6,676 fans to their home playoff games this year, fourth best behind Manitoba, Houston and Orlando. The team averaged 9,292 in the regular season, ranking third behind Detroit and Grand Rapids.

The Wolves enjoy playing in Rosemont because of its central location in the Chicago market and its close access to the team's fan base, Meyers said.

"Our fans live in the area. And there are a lot of junior hockey players in the suburbs who come to the games. It is a place for parents to bring their children and feel safe and comfortable," Meyers said.

When the new season starts in October, Meyers hopes the Wolves will once again compete for the Turner Cup. He would like to christen the new Allstate Arena with a championship. He also wants to make the opening show even more entertaining. In short, he wants to raise the level of excitement to fever pitch.

"The Allstate Arena is a building for the new millennium, and we want to do something to make the opening a wonderful experience," Meyers said. "My advice to people who haven't been to one of our games: Don't miss out on this year."