A new entertainment district in Regina could be on the horizon

The future of Regina Arenas may look very different in the next few years.

A detailed report will be presented to the city board on Wednesday, outlining how the Brandt Center might move forward and what the options are if the city decides to replace the arena with a new facility.

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) is exploring a new 10,000 seat events center in Regina.

“There is a real opportunity for growth and a real opportunity to revitalize downtown with any type of new structure going downtown, be it a new water sports center, library or arena,” Tony Playter, the CEO of Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, said.

The proposed center would cost over $100 million to build.

Five locations were explored for a new multi-purpose event center, including three downtown locations, the REAL district and the train stations on Dewdney Ave.

The committee has determined that one of those downtown locations has the most potential, but it hasn’t been announced yet.

“We believe this is probably where we are best placed to build a true entertainment district in the heart of our city,” said Tim Reid, President and CEO of REAL.

Plans for use of the new facility also accommodate new sports teams in Regina, such as the addition of National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) teams.

The report estimates that the new facilities are used around 100 days a year between the Regina Pats, an NLL and CEBL team, and concerts and events.

2:01
Regina Riot players raise funds to represent Team Canada

As for the Brandt Center, the report suggests repurposing it for other purposes, primarily in the agriculture industry to showcase equipment or work on startups.

The center could also be used for recreation, with Reid saying sports like basketball and volleyball could be great additions to the facility.

The plan will be presented to City Council on Wednesday morning.