MTS Centre will get aviation-themed upgrade

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This article was published 24/02/2017 (3158 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Renovations at the MTS Centre are about to take flight using the Winnipeg Jets’ colours and an aviation theme of glass, steel and rivets.

Work will soon begin on building upgrades such as new lighting, flooring, ceiling and signage, as well as the future addition of new food and beverage options. The renovation carries a fully ownership-funded price tag estimated at $12 million, True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd. said Friday.

“It is going to be a complete overhaul of the look and feel” of the MTS Centre, said Norva Riddell, True North senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

“Over the last several years, we have be upgrading the in-arena experience… the scoreclock, the seating… and now we are moving our attention to the concourses. This is very significant because it is a real emphasis on how we can continue to enhance the fan experience by adding additional amenities.

“The fan is a very important part of what we do.”

The project, described as a “complete facelift of the concourses” and the Portage Avenue atrium of the downtown facility, will take place over the next several months and be completed in a series of phases.

“We’re going to be in full renovation mode this summer,” Riddell said. “We need time to complete this project. The end goal would be to finish this for the start of the 2017-18 NHL season… in order to do so, we need to start now.

“It’s our intention to make this as seamless as possible. The fan may see signs that work is underway… but we will try not to inconvenience their experience in the building.”

The home arena of the Jets and AHL’s Manitoba Moose opened in November 2004, and “lots has changed since that time, especially with the return of the NHL,” Riddell said.

“People are making a significant investment with us and we really value that and we’ve got to continue to show our commitment.”