Canucks Sports and Entertainment (CSE), owner and operator of NHL franchise the Vancouver Canucks and its Rogers Arena home, has unveiled plans to make the venue one of the most digitally-advanced facilities of its kind, along with adding a new premium hospitality offering which players will walk through to take to the ice.
Yesterday’s (Thursday’s) announcement concerns phases two and three of a long-term venture. Phase I of the renovation project started last year with a focus on the player experience through renovations to the team dressing room, exercise facilities, coaches’ offices, and multi-purpose media room. These renovations continued this summer with additional work on the dressing room and the enhancement of medical treatment and recovery spaces.
CSE said the highlight of Phase II, renderings for which can be found here, is the installation of a new state-of-the-art video board. This will be almost four times larger (1300 SF per side vs 350 SF) than the previous screen. A high refresh rate of 3840Hz and stronger contrast ratio will also result in a clearer image and more vibrant colours. Lastly, the video board is engineered with a modern seamless curve, allowing viewing angles from all areas in the arena.
Along with the video board, a new video ‘ring beam’ will extend around the entire bowl, delivering game information, messages, and animations. There will also be 64 new digital screens installed above every bowl entrance. At ice-level, boards, glass, dashers, penalty boxes and benches will also be replaced for the upcoming hockey season.
“We believe these investments will enhance the potential for the Province of British Columbia, City of Vancouver and Canucks Sports and Entertainment to attract future events to Vancouver,” said Michael Doyle, president of business operations for Canucks Sports and Entertainment.
An exclusive event level club and restaurant is under construction at ice level between the home and visiting dressing rooms, adding to Rogers Arena’s premium dining and entertainment options. In addition to enjoying an a la carte dining menu, fans within the club will be able to watch the Canucks and visiting teams make their way from their dressing rooms to the ice.
With VIP entry from a dedicated parking spot and a private entrance to and from the bowl seating, members will be granted enhanced access to and from the club for hockey, lacrosse and concert events.
“Worldclass venues deliver hospitality experiences for a wide range of audiences, and we believe this new centre-ice club will be one of the most sought-after spaces for guests looking for a once-in-a-lifetime hosting experience,” said Doyle.
Construction is underway on many of the projects with the intention to be completed before the start of the 2023-24 NHL season. The Canucks are due to open their regular season campaign by welcoming the Edmonton Oilers to Rogers Arena on October 12.
Phase III of the multi-year commitment – beginning summer 2024 – will include the replacement of all seats in the upper and lower bowl, and the redesign of the North Plaza entry.
Doyle added: “Our fans and guests expect an outstanding experience when they step inside Rogers Arena and these investments by ownership in digital and hospitality innovation reinforce our commitment to ensuring our facilities rank among the best in the entertainment industry.
“We are fortunate to have a fantastic location in the heart of our city and the continued investment in the facility will ensure it remains an entertainment centre all of British Columbia can be proud to call home.”
Communications and media company Rogers in October extended its naming rights deal for the arena until the end of the 2032-33 season. Rogers has sponsored the arena since 2010 and its previous deal had been due to expire this summer.
