The VisitLethbridge.com Arena (formerly Canada Games Sportsplex and ENMAX Centre) is a 5,479-seat multi-purpose arena, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Lethbridge Sportsplex | |
 | |
  ENMAX Centre Location within Alberta  ENMAX Centre Location within Canada | |
| Former names | Canada Games Sportsplex (1974-2000) ENMAX Centre (2000-2024) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2510 Scenic Drive South Lethbridge, Alberta |
| Location | Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada |
| Owner | City of Lethbridge |
| Operator | City of Lethbridge |
| Capacity | 1,100 in small theatre 5,479 (Hockey) 6,500 in reserve seating 7,100 in festival seating |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1972 |
| Opened | September 1974 |
| Construction cost | C$4.25 million ($25.5 million in 2023 dollars[1]) |
| Architect | Phillips, Barratt, Hillier, Jones and Partners[2] |
| General contractor | Wesbridge/Gillett[2] |
| Tenants | |
| Lethbridge Broncos (WHL) (1974–1986) Alberta Dusters (CBA) (1980–1982) Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) (1987–present) | |
| Website | |
| visitlethbridgearena.ca | |
It was built to host the 1975 Canada Games and is home to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, of the WHL.
In the early days the facility also included a speedskating rink[3] before it was converted into an outdoor sports field with capacity for 2,000 people. It has since been converted into parking.
In 1997, the 58,000-square-foot (5,400 m2) Servus Sports Centre (formerly the Lethbridge Soccer Centre) was built directly to the south.
The facility has hosted concerts, three-ring circuses, multicultural events, national and international curling championships, basketball events, banquets and skating events. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld performed to a sold-out crowd in 2011. Elton John also performed here in April 2012.
As of August 6, 2024, the naming rights were acquired by the Lethbrige Lodging Association and will be called the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.[4]
Building enhancements
editRenovations to upgrade the facility began in May 2009 and were completed in spring 2012. Among the improvements are an expansion of 40,809 square feet (3,791.3 m2), the addition of 18 luxury suites, improved concessions and washrooms, a new press box, and a restaurant/lounge overlooking the ice. The total budget for the building enhancement was $33.722 million and was to be shared by the City of Lethbridge, a Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant, and a Major Community Facilities Grant.[5]
A $1,216,500 video scoreboard was installed and was funded by the City of Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and savings to the original project budget.[6]
References
edit- ^ 1688 to 1923: Geloso, Vincent, A Price Index for Canada, 1688 to 1850 (December 6, 2016). Afterwards, Canadian inflation numbers based on Statistics Canada tables 18-10-0005-01 (formerly CANSIM 326-0021) "Consumer Price Index, annual average, not seasonally adjusted". Statistics Canada. Retrieved April 17, 2021. and table 18-10-0004-13 "Consumer Price Index by product group, monthly, percentage change, not seasonally adjusted, Canada, provinces, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit". Statistics Canada. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "Portfolio - City of Lethbridge Sportsplex". Archived from the original on February 9, 2013.
- ^ Herald, Lethbridge (October 24, 2024). "Tours give look at 50 years of arena history". The Lethbridge Herald - News and Sports from around Lethbridge. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ "VisitLethbridge.com Arena new name for City's Sportsplex". City of Lethbridge. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ "ENMAX Centre Renovation & Expansion". Retrieved October 7, 2011.
- ^ "City of Lethbridge Council Minutes. Monday, August 30, 2010" (PDF). Retrieved October 7, 2011.