NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As the Norfolk Admirals set off on their second consecutive playoff run, the team’s owner said he wants a new arena for his team and is actively working to make that goal a reality.

“This is probably, other than winning a championship, … the highest priority that I have for the organization,” said Patrick Cavanagh, owner and CEO of the Admirals. “I think that our fans deserve a new arena. I think that the team deserves a new arena. I think that the community would just — it would change the trajectory of entertainment, through my lifespan into the next.”

Cavanagh, who is also a former Admirals player, made the comments as part of an interview with team broadcaster Weston DeWitt posted on the team’s YouTube page over the weekend.

Since 1989, the Admirals have played their games at Scope in downtown Norfolk. The nearly 55-year-old facility seats 8,700 for hockey games. The Admirals sold out the venue twice this past season. Games average 5,000 fans, according to DeWitt.

Cavanagh didn’t go into details on issues he has with Scope. He also didn’t return calls from a reporter seeking additional comment.

The team’s current lease runs through the June 30, 2027, according to the city of Norfolk. That fall, the city is scheduled to start on a $63 million renovation project for the arena.

In 2021, two teams submitted proposals to develop a new arena at the site of Military Circle Mall. However, the plans were shelved.

Norfolk’s Economic Development Authority is currently exploring if ice hockey could spur sports tourism at the site.

“I can’t tell you too much,” Cavanagh said. “We’re making progress. There’s a lot of people on the same page of the new arena for the Admirals. There’s a lot of support for that. And I’m very hopeful that I will be in a position to make a statement in the future announcing that bit of news, because I do believe [a new arena] changes the entire trajectory for the Norfolk Admirals, for our community, and for a new level of fan entertainment.”