Health network to be part of hockey arena complex

A major name is making the move to downtown Allentown and the city's new hockey arena complex.

Lehigh Valley Health Network announced Tuesday afternoon it will locate a new sports medicine and fitness center on the site.

LVHN will also be a major sponsor at the arena, with highly visible advertising inside and out.

The move could potentially create hundreds of new jobs, but overhanging the announcement was a lawsuit that could delay the arena project.

"It is a real, real exciting day, I think, for the city of Allentown," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski, D-Allentown.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is signing on as sponsors and the minor league Phantoms' official team doctors, but the big announcement is the new sports medicine center that will occupy five floors of an adjoining office tower.

The facility is slated to offer outpatient rehab for sports injuries, screening programs for concussions, and fitness facilties for adults and youth athletes.

"You have to believe, and when you see that big gap down here, you begin to believe," said Dr. Ronald Swinfard, LVHN president and CEO.

Swinfard suggested the new venture could create hundreds of new jobs, although an exact number is not yet known.

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Health network to be part of hockey arena complex