Joe Ilardi at WBAL-TV reports Baltimore-based U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486 is planning to spend almost $30 million to transform a shuttered sports arena in White Marsh into a Training Center as its Apprenticeship enrollment grows. Local 486 will soon start work to convert the former Freestate Sports Arena on Allender Road. A holding company tied to the Union acquired the nearly eight-acre property for $7.45 million in February 2025. The Union says it plans to pour another $22 million or so into the conversion, according to Charlie Petrovia, who serves as the Training Director for Local 486's Apprenticeship Program. The converted arena will be used to pump out future generations of HVAC Technicians, Plumbers and Steamfitters, welders and more. Local 486 represents 2,800 Members and Retirees in Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

To Directly Access This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: Sports arena to be converted into $30M union training center