Two hockey teams may anchor Thunder Bay event centre

The City ofThunder Bay has provided more detail about a partnership with the private sector, including anchor tenants, for the proposed event centre.

The city has selected a partner for the project that represents a lot of interests.

The partner, known as Thunder Bay LIVE!, is a consortium of Global Spectrum Facility Management, Stadium Consultants International, the Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey club, PCL Constructors Canada Inc., BBB Architects Toronto Inc.and True North Sports and Entertainment.The group is headed by former NHL coach Gary Green.

The partners propose to bring an American Hockey League team to the new arena, while keeping the Thunderwolves hockey team as a tenant. The Thunderwolves currently play their home games at the Fort William Gardens.

The event centre is still far from a done deal, however, as the city needs to secure funding from other levels of government.

'Attractive market'

The next update on the project will take place when city council will look at a completed letter of intent from the group onApril 14.

The proposed event centre includes a 5,700-seat spectator facility and 50,000-square foot convention centre.

From day one I have stated we are going to do our homework on this project, said Mayor Keith Hobbs in a press release Tuesday.

We reviewed five great proposals through our extensive process, which allowed us to identify our recommended partner. Thunder Bay LIVE!has the complete package to realize our vision for a world-class multi-purposeevent centre.

The spokesperson for Thunder Bay LIVE! said the group is extremely excited about being selected to help further the vision of the City of Thunder Bay for a multi-purpose entertainment, sports and convention centre.

Our experienced team of experts is committed to working closely with the city and the residents of Thunder Bay to help realize your vision, stated Green in the same press release.

Thunder Bay is a very attractive market with real economic development opportunities and we are pleased to be a part of the ongoing transformation of the city.

True North Sports and Entertainment owns the NHLs Winnipeg Jets. Stadium Consultants International isa subsidiary of BBB Architects Toronto Inc.