Air Canada Centre Undergoing Renovations, Addition For 2010

Air Canada Centre In Early Stages Of $50M Renovations

The Air Canada Centre (ACC) is "in the early stages of a $50[M] facelift, and the most noticeable change for this season is the addition of [HD] video screens to the scoreboard," according to David Shoalts of the GLOBE & MAIL. The rest of the ACC renovations and the addition of a 20,000-square-foot atrium will be finished in time for the start of the '09-2010 NHL season. The atrium will cost $25M and "will have a 50-by-80-foot video screen on its outside wall, which will overlook a plaza that will be used for parties and other celebrations." The interior will include a "walkway to the hotel and condominium project going up a few feet away, a television studio and lots more food and beverage outlets." The renovations and addition are "all part of a $500[M] venture" between MLSE, Cadillac-Fairview Corp. and Lanterra Developments that will be done by spring 2010. MLSE President & CEO Richard Peddie and MLSE Exec VP/Venues & Entertainment and ACC GM Bob Hunter said that the "inspiration for the giant video screen overlooking a plaza" came from the Stars, as well as the L.A. Live development across the street from Staples Center. Hunter: "We're obviously trying to mimic that and even Times Square in [N.Y.], which has one or two LED displays. We want to create a plaza atmosphere" (GLOBE & MAIL, 9/10).

BANKATLANTIC CENTER: As part of the BankAtlantic Center’s 10-year anniversary, the venue will undergo a series of major capital improvements during the next few months. The facility will install two new LED outdoor marquees -- one 53-foot sign will be installed overlooking the Sawgrass Expressway, while another 37-foot marquee will be located at the entrance to Gate 5. In addition, two high-resolution indoor lobby video boards will be installed and located above the main entrance of the venue just inside the building (BankAtlantic Center).