CBC Asks: Should Saskatoon build its next arena downtown?

Should Saskatoon build its next multi-purpose arena in the city's downtown core? That's the question CBC Saskatoon asked during a public event Tuesday tonight.

The sold-out event, taking place at the Remai Modern Art Museum, came six months after consultants hired by SaskTel Centre said the 30-year-old facility is past its prime and in danger of losing out on future concerts.

Renovate or build from scratch

The consultants have laid out two high-cost choices: renovate the building at a cost of $101 million or spend $350 on a new downtown arena-convention centre.

• A downtown arena? Saskatoon voted 'No' 33 years ago

• Is a new downtown arena worth an extra $250 million?

"Current thinking would be that if we build a new arena it should be downtown," said city councillor Randy Donauer of the consultants' report.

CBC hosted panel discusses pros and cons of a downtown arena in Saskatoon

6 years ago

Duration 1:44:06

Should Saskatoon build its next multi-purpose arena in the city's downtown core? That's the question CBC Saskatoon asked during a public event Tuesday tonight.

"I would qualify that by saying that, to do so, we would first need to enhance our transit system. Yes, new arenas in North America are predominantly in downtown locations, but those cities also usually have subways or LRT's."  

Event details

Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski interviewed Will Lofdahl, the chief executive officer of SaskTel Centre, about refurbishing or rebuilding the facility.

A panel made up of the following guests also weighed in:

• Alan Wallace, planning consultant of V3 Companies of Canada Ltd. and former director of planning and development for the City of Saskatoon.
• Janice Braden, community commentator.
• Marcel Petit, executive director Core Neighbourhood Youth CO-OP.
• Victor Matheson, sports economist, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass.