Brantford Sports and Entertainment Centre Coming for the Bulldogs?

The OHL’s Bulldogs have found a new home here in Brantford, but what is needed to keep them here long term? After a standing-room only home opener in the newly renovated Brantford Civic Centre, the city clearly has Bulldogs Fever. Yet, plans are already underway to ensure their permanent presence with a new arena in Brantford.

UPDATE HERE:
https://mattallman.com/new-arena-in-brantford-proposal-update/

Apart from providing the Brantford Bulldogs with an OHL-worthy home, a new sports and entertainment venue would solidify the city’s status as a sports destination.

Wheels Already in Motion for New Arena in Brantford

On February 28, 2023, the Brantford City Council approved a comprehensive plan including:

• Selecting the ideal location
• Estimating costs (both capital and operating)
• Developing a financing strategy
• Timelines for the construction

Fast forward to September 7, 2023, when City Council received an illuminating report from Consultant KKR Advisors Ltd., including a market overview and analysis of prospective operations.

Impact of a New Arena in Brantford

One thing’s clear: Brantford is on the rise, and the statistics are backing it up. Here’s a snapshot of what makes our city a prime candidate for a sports and entertainment facility:

Economic Potential: Brantford has witnessed significant growth in population, household income, and economic activity. Since 2000, average household income has increased faster in Brantford compared to any other Ontario OHL city.

Population Growth: By 2046, Brantford is poised to become the 11th largest OHL city by population.

Income Ranking: Brantford currently holds the eighth position in median household income among OHL cities.

Business Boom: The number of businesses, total employment, and the total value of building permits issued in Brantford have all seen substantial year-over-year growth.

Now, let’s talk about the potential benefits that the new sports and entertainment facility can bring:

OHL Attendance: New OHL teams that have relocated to modern facilities experienced attendance increases ranging from 34% to a staggering 133%.

Key to Success: Modern facilities have consistently driven higher attendance, pivotal for the success of sports franchises.

Economic Boost: Surrounding restaurants and hospitality businesses would definitely see a boost in customer base. There would also be an increase in employment opportunities for staffing the day-to-day operation of the building.

The Potential Costs of Building a New Arena in Brantford

The proposed facility will have around 5,000 seats, with an estimated cost of $115-140 million. Those projected costs do not include land, parking, and infrastructure expenses. The already completed improvements at the Civic Centre may not be sufficient to keep an OHL team long term.

The report projected $3.506 million in annual operating revenues and direct expenses of $4.175 million. This would result in an initial net operating deficit of around $669,000, which is consistent with other City facilities of similar size.

The growth Brantford has been experiencing is a critical factor in making us a feasible and attractive city for an OHL team. … This venue will benefit our residents and draw visitors from other areas, elevating our city’s recognition on a provincial and national scale while fostering civic pride.

Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis (aka #BigKev)

Making the Most of the Opportunity

Mayor Davis (aka #BigKev) enthusiastically endorsed the proposal, stating, “The growth Brantford has been experiencing is a critical factor in making us a feasible and attractive city for an OHL team. They want to locate in growing, not static growth cities. With that, the City has a unique chance to enhance its reputation as a leading sports destination. Our Council is dedicated to making the most of this opportunity by building a top-tier sports and entertainment venue. This venue will benefit our residents and draw visitors from other areas, elevating our city’s recognition on a provincial and national scale while fostering civic pride.”

The next steps in this process include recommending locations and sharing initial architectural plans with the Council in mid-October.

Starting in early 2024, council will engage the public to gather input, aligning the project with residents’ feedback. The “Brantford Bulldogs’ New Arena” would potentially launch our city’s sports and entertainment scene to new heights.