Showing that plans to purchase and relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton, Ontario Canada co-CEO of Research in Motion, Jim Balsillie unveiled plans to renovate Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum to current NHL standards.
The new Copps Coliseum would feature a soaring atrium-style entrance lobby, a range of luxury boxes, new lounges and restaurants, food and bar amenities throughout and capacity for more than 18,000 spectators. The design also fully addresses requirements the NHL has previously communicated for Copps Coliseum.
The design is by BBB Architects and its subsidiary group, Stadium Consultants International (SCI), which is also currently working on renovations at Madison Square Garden in New York (home of the New York Rangers) and Nassau County Coliseum (home of the New York Islanders). The design for Copps Coliseum is aimed at improving the fan experience, from proximity to players, to viewing positions and entertainment options. Full details will be posted at www.makeitseven.ca.
“A new team for the best new hockey market deserves spectacular new home ice, and that’s exactly what the upgraded Copps Coliseum would offer,” said Balsillie. “This facility will deliver unparalleled excitement and bring fans closer than ever to the action.”
The revitalized Copps Coliseum would also offer a year-round state-of-the-art venue for concerts, conferences, and trade shows, adding to Hamilton’s already impressive conference hosting capabilities through its Hamilton Place facilities.
The estimated cost for the long-term renovation of Copps Coliseum is $150 million in 2007 dollars (the year the last detailed construction estimate was calculated). The estimate could vary significantly based on timelines, approvals and access to the facility for construction purposes.
Highlights include: - New atrium-style lobby with major ticketing area and new street-level retail
- New main concourse with new finishes throughout and direct access to lower seating bowl
- New Club Lounge and Club Seating Section
- 50 Mid-Level Private Suites, 20 new “Bunker Suites” with prime seats in first six rows “between the blue lines”
- 4 Group Suites at mid-level plus Group Sales/Party Deck in upper seating bowl
- New Home & Visitor Hockey Club Locker Rooms
- All new rink surface, ice plant and climate control systems
- All new upholstered seating throughout
(*See backgrounder for full details)
“When completed, the BBB Renovation Plan will transform Copps Coliseum into a first class professional sports and entertainment facility, which will in turn promote a first class experience for visitors through the redesign and transformation of the building,” said Chris O’Reilly, Principal with BBB Architects.
“This would be a jaw-dropper of an attraction for Hamilton,” said the City’s mayor, Fred Eisenberger. “What I’ve seen would make the new Copps Coliseum a magnet for sports fans and concert-goers across Ontario and North America. It would be a tremendous new asset for our city, and a major part of the revitalization of downtown Hamilton.” Click on the images below to see details of the renovation in high-resolution: Existing Exterior - Copps Coliseum
| Renovated Exterior
| Interior View of Club Lounge
| Interior View of Seating Bowl
| Interior View of Main Lobby Atrium
|  Interior View of Party Deck | Interior View of Main Lobby Atrium
| Source: BBB Architects
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