By Jeff Henson

arena improvements

Improving hockey game experience for fans motive behind Bonnett’s Energy Centre renovations

Apr 20, 2022 | 12:05 PM

The next few months will be busy ones at the Bonnett’s Energy Centre as a number of renovations are planned for the facility.

Catherine Ridgeway – the city’s Events and Entertainment Manager – says one area being worked on is a general upgrade to the main concession in the lobby.

“We have extended (the concession) out into the lobby a little bit and given them a bit more space to move around in the concession. And we will have new signage and header,” she explained.

“Better Than Fred’s is coming into that concession space so you will see a new look and new food. It will be very cool to see.”

Those renovations have already started, with Ridgeway saying they expect that work to be done by the end of June.

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Inside the arena portion of the facility, Ridgeway says a new board and glass system will be installed during the month of June.

“It is going to be NHL-quality. It will move from the tempered glass to plexiglass, so it will have a little more give and be better for the athletes, and also better for viewing,” Ridgeway stated.

Leduc-based Global Sports Resources are installing the new board system, while also buying the old system as part of the tender.

Ridgeway adds they are also currently working through the tender process for an NHL-style video scoreboard, which they plan to have installed in August.

“It will be all digital. The (Grande Prairie) Storm have done such a great job with their video playback and their broadcasting piece of the game, so we want to bring that to the fans in the arena. So there will be playbacks, in-crowd experiences.”

Ridgeway says despite prices for parts and supplies going up, they have been able to keep the scoreboard project within budget.

She says the goal of the renovations is to elevate the in-game hockey experience for fans.