True North Sports & Entertainment will "embark on a multi-million-dollar upgrade to the upper bowl concourse of the MTS Centre this summer, part of the biggest renovation" to the home of the NHL Jets since it opened in '04, according to Geoff Kirbyson of the WINNIPEG FREE PRESS. The first moves will be "adding 4,000 square feet of space at the northeast, southeast and southwest corners by knocking down some walls and 'infilling' the balconies all the way to the outer walls of the 300 level, increasing the washroom facilities and improving the food and beverage services." The timing "is no accident," as the "three-year commitment for the slightly more than 6,000 seats in the P6 and P7 sections expire at the end of this season." The renovation is "expected to cost" between C$20-30M and be "completed over six years." The number of men's toilets and urinals in the upper concourse "will more than double from 36 to 75 and increase from 44 to 57 for women" (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 1/15). True North President & CEO Jim Ludlow said that construction "will last for 90 days" (CTVNEWS.ca, 1/14).
The CBC reported the Jets today are "set to launch" a six-week campaign to encourage fans to "renew their seats." Fans with seats at the 300 level are the "first ones being targeted for renewal" ahead of the "multi-million dollar construction plan to improve the level." Restaurants and washrooms are "expected to be improved in the MTS Centre, as well as an extension to the floors to overlook the atrium to give fans more space." Ludlow said, "I think the Jet brand is still obviously very strong. ... We're re-investing in the building. The strength and demand for tickets is as high as it's ever been" (
CBC.ca, 1/14).
