Article content continued

SaskTel Centre and TCU Place, two city-owned facilities run by boards, are combining to study the market for a possible new arena and potential sites.

The study will include considering the future of the downtown TCU Place theatre and convention centre, which was built in 1967.

The options to be studied include a downtown arena, a combined or nearby arena and convention centre downtown as well as a renovated or expanded SaskTel Centre at its current north Saskatoon location.

“The city’s growing and there’s an opportunity to hold bigger events,” said Bob Korol, chief executive officer of TCU Place. “As the city grows, the convention business will continue to develop.”

The document outlining the requirements for the study cites two city planning initiatives: The growth plan to guide the city to half a million people and the city centre plan, which focuses on improving the downtown.

While various locations for a possible new arena will be explored, including outside the downtown, the study will only explore downtown sites for the convention centre.

The final report could include numerous options, but at least two must examine expanding TCU Place at its current location on 22nd Street East.

At least one option must look at combining a convention centre with an event facility, either at the current TCU Place location or elsewhere downtown.

The study must include at least two options for a downtown arena and one option for a refurbished SaskTel Centre at its current location.