For better or worse, activity swirls around Sears Centre

Hoffman Estates officials sat down on Monday at the Daily Herald offices in Arlington Heights, not entirely excited to be there.

Despite knowing that taking over the arena was a future possibility when the Sears Centre was proposed 2005, Mayor William McLeod, Trustee Karen Mills, Village Manager James Norris and Village Attorney Art Janura didn't want to be in this position.

It's been a whirlwind two weeks for the Sears Centre. The Chicago Slaughter won its league championship June 27. I was prepping to do a story on how the Slaughter was going to respond next season after winning it all. I even spoke with Brooks Boyer, vice president and chief operating officer for the White Sox, to get his take. After all, the Sox were the last team before the Slaughter to win a Chicago championship. Boyer had one suggestion to the team, which includes head coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a former Bear.

"Enjoy it, party hard," Boyer said.

But before Mongo could even wipe the victory champagne from his trademark locks, village officials announced they're in talks to take over the Slaughter's home arena.

The roller coaster isn't over yet, as the village's deal could take time. The Sears Centre continues business. Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, USA Volleyball will face Italy. The winner travels next month to Serbia to advance in the World League tournament.

But other than that, not much has been going on lately.