Krista Shortridge stares the rock down at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge on Sept. 30.
Lethbridge is officially ready for hockey season with the introduction of their new multi-purpose complex.
Dubbed the ATB Centre, the ice rinks are capable of seating over 900 people, 600 on the east arena and 300 in the west arena.
Like everywhere else in Canada, hockey is hugely popular with hundreds of players playing in Lethbridge.
That’s why a new multiplex was built on the west side with twin NHL sized ice surfaces.
The twin arenas opened in June of this year as part of phase one and Lethbridge teams are now getting to experience the newest ice in Lethbridge.
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With the hockey season just getting started, the ATB Centre is being used as one of the main rinks in Lethbridge along with the several other rinks located around Lethbridge.
The others are in various conditions but will continue to be used according to Ashley Matthews, the project coordinator for the ATB Centre.
“The fleet of arenas we have right now will continue to operate as they are.”
Labour Club Ice Centre and Adams Ice Centre have both been given a financial boost in order to extend their life expectancy.
The Civic Ice Centre however is on its last legs, as a new building is in development for 2022.
“By 2022 you never know what we could be looking at but right now it’s going to be a twin arena.” Matthews says.
It’s not just a place for hockey though.
“It’s not actually just a rink, it’s a leisure complex. It’s a 350,000 square foot facility.” Matthews says.
Krista Shortridge who has been curling for six years, says the new complex is one of the more impressive ones in the province.
The availability of ice was also a reason for including the 10 curling sheets.
“Curling ice is pretty hard to find in Southern Alberta so this will help grow the sport.” Shortridge says.
Phase two will include an aquatics centre, indoor track, gymnasium and a fitness centre, among other amenities.
Construction began in May 2016 and completion is expected for some time in 2019.
