Blades and Rush ownership group excited about downtown arena options

There’s lots of buzz around the two potential locations for a downtown arena presented by the City of Saskatoon this week.

One possibility is a parking lot across the street from Midtown, and the other is next to police headquarters on 25th Street East.

But how do two of SaskTel Centre’s major tenants, the Saskatoon Blades and Saskatchewan Rush, feel about the locations?

Tyler Wawryk — director of team business operations with Saskatoon Entertainment Group, the entity behind both teams – said he supports both options for the downtown venue.

“The opportunity to be moving our two teams downtown to a brand-new facility, and just enhance the overall experience for our fans and being surrounded by more amenities in either of the downtown locations presented, you know it’s an exciting time for us and our fans of both teams,” Wawryk said.

Wawryk said his group has not yet been involved in the arena planning, but would like to be part of the process later on.

“We would hope to be involved (with) the interior, and some of the spaces our teams would be occupying, and any of those amenities within the building that we will be offering as part of our in-game presentation,” Wawryk explained.

There was lots of positive reaction from residents about the possibility of having a downtown arena and events centre.

Adrin Stanciu, who recently moved to the city, said the arena is a good idea because it would attract more concerts to Saskatoon. He said he would prefer the site across from Midtown.

“I think I’d like to be closer to the amenities,” Stanciu said.

Others raised concerns about parking at the Midtown location and questioned whether there would be enough spaces or enough room on transit buses for thousands of people.

The two locations will go before council for approval on Monday, with public consultations to follow.