QUEBEC CITY – Quebecor’s plans to attract an NHL hockey team back to Quebec City took “a decisive step forward” over the weekend with the completion of the new arena’s technical and function plan, the company said.
Construction will begin in September on “a modern and functional” 18,000-seat facility worth $400 million that is scheduled to open its doors late in 2015. The new arena, located on the site of the city’s old Hippodrome, will also include a 350 square metre television production studio in addition to “all the necessary features” to make it a choice venue for shows, sports and cultural events, reads a company statement.
“There are no more obstacles, no more way out and no more uncertainty. What was once only a project today really starts to take form,” said Quebecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau, in the statement that did not directly reference the NHL (Ed note: though Péladeau has made no secret that this is his ultimate goal).
“Throughout construction and for the next twenty-five years, Quebecor Media intends to work with Quebec City residents and businesses, along with municipal and provincial governments to make sure this arena is an economic, cultural and sport success that will help Quebec City and the talents of its citizens shine for many years to come.”
