While this may be hard to believe, I am a fan of the soon-to-open Cenovus Energy Hub and hope the idea of expanding sports and entertainment in Lloyd is fruitful.
It’s a truly controversial take in our current climate, I know.
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It’s tough to grasp the things we can only imagine, like the benefit of the new arena. We don’t have definitive numbers of how many people will go daily or weekly, or how many events we’ll get.
The assumption is, build it and they will come.
What we can hold onto right now is the funding side of it, something that’s drawn heavy scrutiny. People get a real idea of how much money the city is spending on it and how it’s being paid for, a benefit of an open forum like a regular council meeting.
My excitement in the new arena is the new beginnings it offers the Border City.
I do still have some gripes with some of the proposed ideas, but I trust they’ll be sorted out in due time.
The new arena offers a new beginning for events and hockey in Lloydminster.
I think the current intangibles will become very real soon enough.
Bigger and better events will be held at the new arena, and Lloydminster will be packed.
Thinking back, even as recently as the Esso Cup, the town was booming. Parking lots were full and my morning Tims’ runs were slower as the lines were much longer. Packed with competitors and families alike.
I can’t wait to take photos in the new arena. We’re promised a more media-friendly facility, better lighting and a media booth.
The hope is to develop that area with a hotel and some commercial
properties nearby, making it an entertainment district.
The real benefit, for me, is the fact I live about a minute from the property by car.
While it’s appropriate to hold the city accountable for their spending, I think it’s also appropriate to have some faith in a decision made by professionals looking at the bigger picture.
What will come of the new arena? Only time will tell. I am hopeful, and I believe this is a step in the right direction.
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