On Monday the City of Red Deer announced that Servus Credit Union will be the name sponsor for the new downtown Arena. The facility’s name will now be the Servus Arena.
“Today we mark the next milestone in the arena’s proud history as we recognize a community partner who is committed to our shared values of community, family, health and sport,” said Mayor Tara Veer.
Through its history, she said, the arena has been the backdrop to several major community and sporting events.
“It has been the official home of Red Deer minor hockey, RDC Kings and Queens Hockey and Remembrance Day ceremonies among many others,” said Veer.
She said although the building is changing, its foundation is not, positioning them for new opportunities to come together as a community to create new memories and new community history.
Among City councillors and representatives of the community, was President and CEO of Servus Credit Union Garth Warner who couldn’t be happier about the opportunity.
“I can tell you that we believe it will be a real source of pride for our local owners and for our employees as well as the citizens of Red Deer,” said Warner.
The Servus Arena, he said, will provide affordable access and first class recreational amenities for youth, families and seniors.
It will also serve as one of the venues for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
“This is the latest example of Servus’ continuing commitment to Red Deer where we employ nearly 500 people and last year contributed $200,000 to a variety of community projects and initiatives,” said Warner.
Pat Quesnel, one of Servus’ senior executives, added in his comments of excitement.
Born and raised in Red Deer, Quesnel told some of his personal stories and history with the arena, as it was key in terms of his family.
“Through the years as kids, this was the meeting place,” he said.
This was the gathering place, he added, for events in the community, and now it’s the next generation’s turn to enjoy it.
“Personally I’m looking forward to the walking track, particularly in the wintertime. It’s certainly going to be a lot warmer.”
He added, the new Servus Arena will be a source of pride for Red Deer Minor Hockey, the community Servus members and employees.
The sponsorship and naming rights of the facility is worth $1 million over 15 years.
The Servus Arena is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.
For more information about the project, visit redder.ca/servusarena.
carlie.connolly@reddeerexpress.com
