Four plans for a renovation of Yardman Arena, home of the Belleville Bulls (OHL), range between $13 million and $27.5 million.Four plans for a renovation of Yardman Arena, home of the Belleville Bulls (OHL), range between $13 million and $27.5 million.
The proposals from consultant Stadium Consultants International Inc. cover upgrades in the fan experience, including more seating (the arena currently holds 3,200, but upwards of 4,100 to 5,100 capacity has been discussed), suites, a bar/restaurant and improvements to the concourse. For Bulls owner Gord Simmonds, upgrades to Yardman Arena are a must if he’s going to keep the team in Belleville for the long haul.
"I’m optimistic and excited about anything that would help this facility host events," Simmonds told the Whig Standard. "The natural fear is that at the lower end of the [price] scale, things would be missed that would be really regretted and missed in the not so distant future. You’re talking about money that Peterborough invested six or seven years ago. But we’re not looking for a Cadillac, either."
The next step is for city officials to closely review the report and discuss funding options.
