Big Opening For New Arena

Plans have been announced for the opening weekend for Greater Vernon’s new arena called Kal Tire Place North.

An event called ‘A Community, Working For The Weekend,’ will be held Sept 7 to 9.

Three events will be held in the complex.

The BCHL Vernon Vipers will take on the Wenatchee Wild in the season opener Friday Sept. 7, followed by Loverboy and Platinum Blonde performing Saturday night.

Arena operations coordinator Stan Mitchell says Sunday will showcase a free music festival at Kal Tire Place, while in the North building will be an open public market.

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“All sorts of vendors, everything from a farmer’s market to artisans,” says Mitchell.

Mitchell says the weekend event will allow people to visit the new arena which will have ice and be ready for use by then.

“It should be a big event. It should showcase this facility, and hopefully we’ll get tons of traffic, you know, five or ten thousand people coming through the building for the weekend.”

Mitchell says ticket sales for Loverboy and Platinum Blonde have been strong.

“It’s a sample for what we can do, and who knows moving forward, what’s going to happen.”

Mitchell says the main arena can hold 4,500 for music concerts.

Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund says it’s a good way for people to check out the new facility.

“They can enjoy different types of entertainment. We’re always looking to add new events for the arenas, and I think this will be a great kick off,” says Mund.