Progress continues on the new arena and entertainment venue in Lloydminster. The Cenovus Energy Hub could see its grand opening on Oct. 1.
At the Monday, July 14, Governance and Priorities Committee, the update report presented to Lloydminster councillors shows that the ice installation is carded for Aug 18, for both the Co-op Community Arena and the main rink. That task should take about seven to ten days.
For the grand opening, many details are still in the planning stages, states the GPC update.
Several events are being discussed for the first year of operation of the events facility, including Lloydminster Athletics Showcase, Lloydminster Skating Club Ice Show and Year End Carnival, a community concert, sledge hockey, Powwow, Alberta Speed Skating Championships, and Hockey Alberta Junior “B” Provincials.
The budget, as of May 2025, shows that $80,894,172.00 has been spent, and $20,412,004.00 remains of the $101,306,176.00 build.
User groups, including the Lloydminster Bobcats and the Lakeland College Rustlers already have lease agreements with the city. The Rustlers will play their first game on Sep. 7 against the Lloydminster Steelers. Their local season opener in the ACAC will be on Oct. 3 versus Red Deer Polytechnic. The Bobcats will play their first AJHL 2025-26 game on Sep. 19 against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
Roadworks on 40 Avenue will ramp up on Tuesday, July 15, as city crews begin renos in the area to accommodate traffic at events.
