City asked to help fund Brandt Centre improvement

In order to get Regina’s Brandt Centre ready for the 2018 Memorial Cup, more than $4-million worth of renovations are set to take place — and the city is being asked to help.

Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), the company running the centre’s day-to-day operations, put in a joint request with the 2018 Memorial Cup committee for $1.3 million in funding from the City of Regina.

“We’ve worked closely with the Memorial Cup Committee to determine the necessary upgrades to the Brandt Centre,” said REAL president and CEO Mark Allan in a news release Friday.

The total price tag of the renovations is $4.06 million. REAL is committing $1.5 million, while $1.23 million will come from the planning committee.

The money would go towards upgrades to the 40-year-old facility, including:

• New boards and glass
• Improvements to the lighting and sound system
• Additions and improvements to VIP, media and fan seating and hospitality spaces
• Dressing room improvements and supporting team amenities
• Washroom improvements
• Upgrades for on-ice and off-ice officials.

The renovations would ensure the Brandt Centre meets requirements established by the Canadian Hockey League. It would also improve the facility for future events.

The planning committee is made up of members from Queen City Sports and Entertainment Group that own the Regina Pats.

The Pats will host the tournament in a year when both the team and the Memorial Cup celebrate their centennials.