The new downtown arena in Moncton seems to be coming along nicely.
Ground was broken on the $100-million facility this spring. Project director Rick Leger says everything is on time and on budget.
But with stormy weather well underway, Leger says some aspects of the construction become a little more difficult.
“Doing roofing is obviously more complicated once the snow starts,” said Leger. “Getting the exterior masonry walls, you've got to hoard them in and heat them. Getting the roof done you've got to pick your days from now on.”
Isabelle Leblanc of the City of Moncton says since the project was announced, there has been no shortage of interest.
“Since we announced the facility the phones started ringing and emails started coming from promoters who are interested in bringing in acts and shows into the facility as of 2018. We're even getting inquiries about 2021,” Leblanc said.
And unlike the Moncton Coliseum with its low roof, there's no act the new arena can't accommodate.
“There's 60 feet clear from the ice surface to the underside of the low steel and that’s been co-ordinated with the building operator to ensure any touring act has the ceiling height needed to have their show (at the arena),” said Leger.
There are 15 suites going up inside the arena and there are already calls coming in from people interested in buying one of the luxury boxes.
There's also been a lot of interest in the city's downtown core
“A lot of buildings are being revamped, repurposed, and we're seeing groundbreaking on a number of properties with new buildings coming up,” said Leblanc.
Bird Construction turns the keys over to the city and arena operator and SMG Canada. The official opening is set for September 2018.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis.
