MTS Centre scores $12M in upgrades

Winnipeg's MTS Centre is getting a whole lot flashier with $12 million in enhancements, including a new high-definition scoreboard 2½ times bigger than the current one.

The new board will feature four large screens, offering three times the resolution of the screens on the existing one.

True North Sports & Entertainment unveiled the planned improvements on Monday. They also include:

• Installation of a new 360-degree power ring presenting two times the resolution of the existing power ring.
• Installation of a new state-of-the-art control room that will allow the production of high-definition images throughout the MTS Centre and improve audio in the existing sound system, and allow for additional cameras which will bring an enhanced scoreboard experience.
• Installation of 278 new premium loge seats, accessed through the upper concourse and initially made available to patrons currently sitting in Row 1 of the 300 Level.
• Installation of new seamless glass in the front row of the 300 Level, replacing the existing mesh railing, for improved sightlines for 300-level patrons.

The upgrades will be undertaken this summer.

MTS Centre, which opened Nov. 16, 2004, has hosted almost 1,400 events, including hockey games, concerts and other entertainment events.