The Vancouver Giants have found a new home within Metro Vancouver, as the team is relocating to the Langley Events Centre for the 2016/2017 WHL season. This decision pulls the Giants out of the Pacific Coliseum, which had been their home since 2001.
For the Giants, the move appears to be based on a few factors. With seating for a little more than 5,000 spectators, the Langley Events Centre is far smaller and more conducive to the team’s typical attendance numbers than the Pacific Coliseum, which has room for upwards of 16,000 fans. Furthermore, the move to Langley gives the Giants a better chance of drawing fans from suburban Vancouver.
“This is a decision that allows us to relocate to an area where a very high percentage of our core demographic live,” said Giants majority owner Ron Toigo. “It also allows us to have a home venue whose size will enable us to sell out games, create a fun game night atmosphere and give the team some real home ice advantage. This decision is not a reflection on the PNE or its staff. This is a business decision based on creating the best environment for success for the Giants. We’ve enjoyed our time at the Pacific Coliseum – it’s the original home of the Vancouver Giants and a big part of our history.”
The Langley Events Centre opened in 2009 and is located in the Township of Langley on 200th street at 80th avenue. The 322,312 square foot facility has played host to hockey, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and gymnastics as well as many other special events. The Giants played six games at the LEC during the 2009/10 season because of the 2010 Winter Olympics while Vancouver also hosted a pre-season game at the facility on September 18, 2015. The current capacity for hockey at the LEC is 5,276.
“The Township of Langley is a hockey town and an exceptional sports destination; we are thrilled that the Giants are making the Langley Events Centre their new home,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “The Giants and the Western Hockey League will bring fans from throughout the entire region to the LEC, and we look forward to seeing sell-out crowds cheering them on.”
Despite the move, the Giants have said that they are not changing their name.