Saskatoon officials have yet to zero in on a preferred site for a potential downtown arena project, as the city continues to explore its options.
Discussion has been taking place in Saskatoon about building a new arena in the city’s downtown, part of a vision that could include an entertainment district. While a downtown event and entertainment project is something that the city continues to be interested in, officials have not yet settled on a leading site.
For now, work continues on what city officials describe as a thorough process of exploring potential downtown Saskatoon arena sites. More from Global News:
Officials said one reason required for the additional time is the need to negotiate with the owners of potential sites along with assessing whether any city-owned property could be a feasible location.
“As one of the most significant projects the city is likely to undertake in the next decade, we are investing significant efforts to ensure pre-planning and site analysis is thoroughly completed,” Dan Willems, the city’s director of technical services, said Wednesday.
“This file is extremely active and we are currently working with landowners and key stakeholders.”
Officials said they are not yet prepared to release details of any potential sites as they continue to negotiate with landowners and reach “an agreeable outcome for all parties.”
Saskatoon’s main indoor sports and entertainment venue is the aging SaskTel Centre, which is located on the city’s outskirts. SaskTel Centre originally opened as Saskatchewan Place in 1988, and currently hosts hockey in the form of the Saskatoon Blades (WHL).
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