Rogers Place arena sneak peek builds excitement for fall opening
'This will be a very, very special facility'
Rogers Place is just a few months away from opening its doors, and officials say construction is on time and on budget.
The arena features a massive HD viewing screen and scoreboard. It's the largest of its kind in North America — so big, in fact, that people sitting in the first three rows will barely be able to see what's on it.
But that shouldn't be a problem, because there will also be 1,250 more HD monitors throughout the building. That means you'll never miss a moment of the game, even if you're waiting in line for popcorn.
- Keith Urban announced as first act at Edmonton's Rogers Place arena
- Rogers Place sneak peek attracts thousands
Speaking of popcorn, concession stands have views of the ice. Other features include a community arena, a winter garden walkway and 27 separate heating and cooling units to regulate temperatures in different areas of the building.
Ice slabs are expected to be installed in mid-June.
The arena has been under construction for 30 months, and is expected to open on Sept. 10.
"There were times in this project where we didn't know for sure that this project was going to happen," said Bob Black, Katz Group executive vice-president.
"So it's incredibly gratifying to see it actually now emerging before our eyes. This will be a very, very special facility."