Lloydminster media got a look inside the build for the new Cenovus Energy Hub scheduled to open this fall.
The City of Lloydminster and PCL Construction led a tour of the $101 million facility on Tuesday, May 27. Media got to see both the main arena and the adjacent community rink, the concession area that is located between both rinks and able to service both arenas, the media and corporate boxes, the concourse area, lobby and main entrance.
“They are really excited about the opportunity to bring sledge hockey to a new community. They are just really impressed with the design. The functionality and the ability to host events like the Esso Cup where they need so many individual dressing rooms for the teams – where they have to make that dressing room home for 10 days,” says Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services.
The new arena has 19 dressing rooms, 10 corporate boxes, and the large concession area serving both rinks.
“The synergies of having two ice surfaces adjacent puts us into a whole different league we have never been at. We are able to host events while still having two ice surfaces available for the community. I think we are going to be looked at from Hockey Canada and other sports groups,” says Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
The mayor adds they are aiming for a “360-day use of the Cenovus Energy Hub.”
The city notes that local suppliers account for about 25 per cent of the funds spent on the project.Â
The Cenovus Energy Hub, when fully complete will encompass:
- Primary arena with seating for 2,500, expandable up to 4,500 for concerts and events with floor seating
- NHL-sized indoor ice surface with seating for up to 500
- A third outdoor ice surface adjacent to the building, which functions as a basketball court in the summer
