MTS Centre upgrades

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

The Portage Place mall itself isn't a big enough site for a new arena. You'd have to tear down a lot of other stuff - like the old Winnipeg Free Press building (now MB Health), the Place Promenade apartment towers, the former IBM building on Ellice, or the YMCA if you were going to build on the west side of the lot.

If you demolished 1) the mall, 2) the WFP/MB Health building, 3) the IBM building, 4) the easternmost Place Promenade tower, then you'd have an ok spot...

I think they'd close most of that, just maybe move the Promenade tower. The old Isbister School will probably get torn down as some schools it could move into a different location.

Would also be cool to see the arena be near Portage and Osbourne. Would say the Bay, but that is a landmark of Winnipeg.

 

[YWGinYYZ]

MTS Centre is in a great location, the low seat count creates great demand, and TNSE is adding appropriate "premium" seating. I don't think the arena is too small at all.

The only thing I prefer about the ACC are the concourses - otherwise, the games I've attended at the MTS Centre were great fun - the sound, the atmosphere, the crowds - all good. I seriously doubt that TNSE is looking at doing anything about the arena anytime soon (beyond continuous improvements, as they've been doing recently), nor do I think they have to.

 

[Thorburnt]

If they were to start building a new rink right now, I'd like for it to be built at Lombard at Westbrook, which is just off Portage+Main, next to the Fairmont and right across from Shaw Park. The location is mostly parking lots, but one smaller building would need to be knocked down. Katz might be against it because he would have to share parking, but meh.

 

[Oilkountry]

you guy's are delusional. why would tru north be investing 400M into true north sqaure if they were going to build a new arena? The MTS Centre is what will make them that money back they would be shooting themselves in the foot.

Secondly Console energy centre built in 2010 has 66 suites. MTS has 57. 9 suites Isn't gonna make THAT big of a difference. The 278 loge seats bring in the same revenue as 1100 upper bowl seats. Not to mention The Jets Tickets are quite expensive on a league wide basis. I really think you guys are looking too far into this and not giving the MTS Centre the respect it deserves as a revenue generator.

Thirdly let's look at true north as a business. No mortgage on the Building, No rent, They keep 100% of all profits. They own the practise rink..they pay no affiliate fees and pay one light bill for both teams. Why in gods name would they build a 400+ million dollar building? To gain the equivalent revenue from 1000 seats and a few suites that can be just as easily added at MTS? How long is that extra revenue going to take to pay off the new building?

Half the NHL would kill to be in Winnipeg's position right now. They built the arena for 123M. They literally saved 300M. So if they are leaving 3 million a year on the table in lost revenue from the missing seats, they can play in the MTS for 30 years without losing a dime. 10/12 years is a pipe dream bud. If arenas have a 20 year shelf life than over half the league should be looking at replacing the arenas they built in the mid 90s. including the ACC,Rogers arena,Bell centre and Canadian tire centre.

 

[wpgsilver]

MTS Centre is in a great location, the low seat count creates great demand, and TNSE is adding appropriate "premium" seating. I don't think the arena is too small at all.

The only thing I prefer about the ACC are the concourses - otherwise, the games I've attended at the MTS Centre were great fun - the sound, the atmosphere, the crowds - all good. I seriously doubt that TNSE is looking at doing anything about the arena anytime soon (beyond continuous improvements, as they've been doing recently), nor do I think they have to.

100% agree.
I went to 40 plus games last year (if you include preseason and playoffs) and I have ZERO issue with the rink. Maybe I'm not particularly picky but it has everything I need.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

100% agree.
I went to 40 plus games last year (if you include preseason and playoffs) and I have ZERO issue with the rink. Maybe I'm not particularly picky but it has everything I need.

To a large degree they've fixed the two biggest complaints I had about MTSC in the past, namely concourse flow and washroom lines. The old scoreboard is being replaced, which was another big complaint of mine.

It's definitely not the most aesthetically pleasing arena, but it does the job.

 

[sting13]

100% agree.
I went to 40 plus games last year (if you include preseason and playoffs) and I have ZERO issue with the rink. Maybe I'm not particularly picky but it has everything I need.

I would agree, sure I wish it would have more washrooms and the seats bigger
but I can live with it. Although after 4 years, I would really like to have cup holders
in my row by now.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

I'd also add that any talk of a new facility will be moot until Anaheim, San Jose, St. Louis, etc. (the first facilities built in the mid/late-90s boom) start getting serious with their talks of new facilities. When that happens, it will probably be another 8-10 years before TNSE starts getting serious with talks of a new arena.

Keep in mind that when it comes to sports facilities, necessity is all relative. It's mostly about what other teams have, and staying on a level playing field in terms of new revenue streams.

 

[Oilkountry]

I was at the MTS Center last night for Marvel Universe.

I don't if its me but the suites looked like they had fresh paint and new brighter lightning. Can't really see from this pic, but I snapped anyway:

The suites at the MTSC have to be worst in the league. They remind me of the directors office at Harvard more than a suite for a pro sports team. Brown couches and beige walls

 

[YWGinYYZ]

The suites at the MTSC have to be worst in the league. They remind me of the directors office at Harvard more than a suite for a pro sports team. Brown couches and beige walls

They have a great view of an NHL team. Priorities, I guess. Personally, I've never been one to worry about keeping up with the Jones - the most important thing is the entertainment product on ice.

 

[allan5oh]

Tnse is definitely going to milk the current arena for all its worth. Fit and finish certainly isn't up to any other modern arena I've been to, Mts almost has an unfinished industrial look. But that can be changed. The core arena product can last a long time. Good acoustics, sight lines, the concourses are certainly acceptable.

 

[Oilkountry]

Tnse is definitely going to milk the current arena for all its worth. Fit and finish certainly isn't up to any other modern arena I've been to, Mts almost has an unfinished industrial look. But that can be changed. The core arena product can last a long time. Good acoustics, sight lines, the concourses are certainly acceptable.

Well they are only 20ish million into a 40M renovation project (truenorth2020) so Obviously they still have a ways to go. I read something that said a full concourse reno is planned for both levels. Honestly if True North takes the foot off the gas then I can see the need to Complain about the Building but so far they have been amazing when it comes to off season renovations. Not one year since the Jets came back have they not invested millions into the place and so far their is no sign of that slowing down, If anything The reno's get better every year.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

To a large degree they've fixed the two biggest complaints I had about MTSC in the past, namely concourse flow and washroom lines. The old scoreboard is being replaced, which was another big complaint of mine.

It's definitely not the most aesthetically pleasing arena, but it does the job.

I'm a small man and I find the seats too small. Not small. Too small. I can't be the only one. Worse than airplanes. They crammed 15k seats into a 14k arena. JMO, others are free to disagree.

 

[allan5oh]

Concourse flow could still be improved with "no standing" areas painted on the floor.

 

[Bob E]

I'm a small man and I find the seats too small. Not small. Too small. I can't be the only one. Worse than airplanes. They crammed 15k seats into a 14k arena. JMO, others are free to disagree.

Agree. I'm 6'3. I expect very little leg room. My wife and kids are much shorter, and they complain about the leg room.

 

[Oilkountry]

Agree. I'm 6'3. I expect very little leg room. My wife and kids are much shorter, and they complain about the leg room.

That's really common in Arena in general.

As for the concourse issues Ive always wondered why they don't utilize the massive atrium more. Their is so much air space in it that they could fill in. they expanded a little bit but why not really try utilize the space the have. Throw a few more gathering places like heros in the corners.

 

[nobody important]

I'm a small man and I find the seats too small. Not small. Too small. I can't be the only one. Worse than airplanes. They crammed 15k seats into a 14k arena. JMO, others are free to disagree.

I'm in complete agreement, my previous posting being an "it's all about me" jest. Sure, I expect our loge seats are going to be awesome, but for many patrons, sitting in MTSC seats is not an enjoyable experience. Our first 4 years were spent in the lowest row of permanent seats. So, in addition to the normal compactness, we also had to deal with cup holders on the arms. If my neighbor had a beverage in there, I had to be especially conscious of how celebratory I was in a goal being scored.

One of my staff went to a game and sat in a seat where things are even more constricted because the rows are curving. He's not an overly large man but he had great difficulty getting out of his seat. The seating really is not major league.

I would love to see a larger (17-18K I think is a good size for Winnipeg) arena sooner than later. Unfortunately, I expect that we could still be a couple of decades before TN decides that is a necessity.

 

[Toomuts]

The suites at the MTSC have to be worst in the league. They remind me of the directors office at Harvard more than a suite for a pro sports team. Brown couches and beige walls

I feel so bad for all thoughts watching events in the boxes with those brown couches and beigh walls. Check your head...

Never noticed the brown coaches since I was way too into tne game or concert I was watching.

 

[ComplexChris]

http://seasonswinnipeg.ca/

Going to be quite the project. Right behind my house haha.

Interesting! Good to know I'll have shops right near my house too. No need to go all the way to Polo or St. Vital. Wish they still built that IHOP that was rumored a long time ago. I heard they're building the first Nike store in Winnipeg on that new outlet mall.

 

[blues10]

you guy's are delusional. why would tru north be investing 400M into true north sqaure if they were going to build a new arena? The MTS Centre is what will make them that money back they would be shooting themselves in the foot.

Secondly Console energy centre built in 2010 has 66 suites. MTS has 57. 9 suites Isn't gonna make THAT big of a difference. The 278 loge seats bring in the same revenue as 1100 upper bowl seats. Not to mention The Jets Tickets are quite expensive on a league wide basis. I really think you guys are looking too far into this and not giving the MTS Centre the respect it deserves as a revenue generator.

Thirdly let's look at true north as a business. No mortgage on the Building, No rent, They keep 100% of all profits. They own the practise rink..they pay no affiliate fees and pay one light bill for both teams. Why in gods name would they build a 400+ million dollar building? To gain the equivalent revenue from 1000 seats and a few suites that can be just as easily added at MTS? How long is that extra revenue going to take to pay off the new building?

Half the NHL would kill to be in Winnipeg's position right now. They built the arena for 123M. They literally saved 300M. So if they are leaving 3 million a year on the table in lost revenue from the missing seats, they can play in the MTS for 30 years without losing a dime. 10/12 years is a pipe dream bud. If arenas have a 20 year shelf life than over half the league should be looking at replacing the arenas they built in the mid 90s. including the ACC,Rogers arena,Bell centre and Canadian tire centre.

This is pretty much bang on.

However, I do not believe the mortgage is clear on MTSC. It is important to note that gaming revenue proceeds from the Shark Club are solely intended for building improvements as per TNSE's agreement with the province. This is also important revenue for TNSE.

Yes, concourse flow needs to be improved. Sure the seats are narrow and washrooms still need improvements. I like the changes that I have seen thus far.

For those complaining about food choice and beer and wine selection take a walk around the entire building. This includes the lower and upper bowl and atrium. You will be surprised with what you may find.

Centreplate has a 10 year agreement for MTSC.

http://www.centerplate.com/centerplate-renews-partnership-with-mts-centre/


Here is a food and beverage guide MTSC. I have no complaints and there are certainly more than Jet dogs and draft beer available for consumption.

http://www.mtscentre.ca/food-shop/food-beverage/

 

[scelaton]

you guy's are delusional. why would tru north be investing 400M into true north sqaure if they were going to build a new arena? The MTS Centre is what will make them that money back they would be shooting themselves in the foot......

Yup TNSE is sitting pretty for the next 20 years and good for them.

Cost of MTSC- ~ $134M
Estimated cost of new "premium" arena in Edmonton-- $500M+
Estimated cost of "premium" arena in 10 years--likely $600M+
Average useful lifespan of a major league arena: 35-40 years
Why on earth would Chipman and Co pay half a billion dollars for a new arena when they could make that in profit instead?

Also...the world is changing.
I suspect that technology is going to change the way we view pro sports over the next decade. For example, it's conceivable that smaller arenas with better seats throughout could actually replace 20,000+ seat barns and, instead of faraway cheap seats, fans may be seated in satellite theatre-arenas, with HUGE HD-3D screens, great food, abundant beer and washrooms, and attractive servers.
And those theatre seats will be much more comfy than the ones those poor suckers in the MTSC will still be sitting in in 2035...

 

[Oilkountry]

Yup they are also building a hotel in the true north square which undoubtedly will be the visiting NHL/AHL teams new hotel with it's close proximity to The arena and affiliation with true north. The players will most likely eat at the restaurant In the hotel or others being built at True North square. That's an addition to the main business model which revolves around the MTSC. They will most likely add more suites or loge seating or both the same way the added the press box expansion and MTS will generate more revenue than most 18,000 seat buildings in the league.

Barclays centre in brooklyn is The best basketball venue in the NBA but will by far be the worst in the NHL. If the islanders can survive there with 15k seats and 55 usable suites than the jet's will be just fine in MTS

 

[drumzan]

Yup they are also building a hotel in the true north square which undoubtedly will be the visiting NHL/AHL teams new hotel with it's close proximity to The arena and affiliation with true north. The players will most likely eat at the restaurant In the hotel or others being built at True North square. That's an addition to the main business model which revolves around the MTSC. They will most likely add more suites or loge seating or both the same way the added the press box expansion and MTS will generate more revenue than most 18,000 seat buildings in the league.

Barclays centre in brooklyn is The best basketball venue in the NBA but will by far be the worst in the NHL. If the islanders can survive there with 15k seats and 55 usable suites than the jet's will be just fine in MTS

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Chipman's is associated with the Alt Hotel across the street from MTS. He owns the property and/or building, or something along those lines. And also, doesn't the NHL have a contract with Fairmont?

 

[ps241]

Yea I agree with those saying there is zero chance TNSE build a new arena within the next 30 to 40 years? Great posts about reasons why but I for one love our facility. Just continue to upgrade and don't worry about the new $500 million bright shinny objects in Alberta.

Yea there could be more elbow room in the seats but its workable and there is no inconvenience great enough to justify blowing it up for a long long time. The location is amazing and we are truely blessed. I drop down and kiss the ground still that I get to watch NHL Hockey in downtown Winnipeg in our ever improving building.

Not many (if any) cities are as lucky as we are where an arena is built in the heart of the downtown core connected to all the pathways so that during the dead of winter you don't need to wear a coat and for about $12 bucks you can park in heated facilities that are connected in a climate controlled enviorment to the arena.

Our glass is not half full its overflowing warts and all IMO.

 

[SCP Guy]

Yea I agree with those saying there is zero chance TNSE build a new arena within the next 30 to 40 years? Great posts about reasons why but I for one love our facility. Just continue to upgrade and don't worry about the new $500 million bright shinny objects in Alberta.

Yea there could be more elbow room in the seats but its workable and there is no inconvenience great enough to justify blowing it up for a long long time. The location is amazing and we are truely blessed. I drop down and kiss the ground still that I get to watch NHL Hockey in downtown Winnipeg in our ever improving building.

Not many (if any) cities are as lucky as we are where an arena is built in the heart of the downtown core connected to all the pathways so that during the dead of winter you don't need to wear a coat and for about $12 bucks you can park in heated facilities that are connected in a climate controlled enviorment to the arena.

Our glass is not half full its overflowing warts and all IMO.

Best post hands down!