Abbotsford Centre


The Abbotsford Centre is a 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The arena was expected to cost $64.7-million. Construction began on September 24, 2007. From 2009 to 2014, it was the home of the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League.

History

On September 25, 2006, Abbotsford council voted unanimously to hold a referendum asking voters to borrow $85-million to fund three community projects, including a new entertainment and sports centre. The arena was approved by Abbotsford voters on November 25, 2006 with a 54.8% majority.
With the loss of the Heat, Abbotsford Centre announced it would start a recreational ice hockey league to help fill open dates left at the arena. Each team in the Abbotsford Centre Hockey League is to play 20 games per team during the 2014-15 hockey season. It is unknown if there will be paid admission for each game.
On May 2, 2018, the Canadian Elite Basketball League announced that a professional basketball team called the Fraser Valley Bandits will be coming to the Abbotsford Centre in 2019, with the basketball season to be from May to August.

Arena amenities

The arena has a capacity of 7,000 seats for hockey with room for expansion to 8,500. There are 300 club seats, 15 boxes, 20 private suites, and 2 party suites.