[ScreamingViking]

Interesting idea re: re-purposing the arena as a convention centre. I'm envisioning something like what was done with Maple Leaf Gardens... take out the lower seats and use that whole level as exhibition space, as some of the seating is movable now for that purpose (or keep some sections of seating for theatre-style rooms), build a new floor for the top level, and unlike MLG clear out the entire upper level seating for a larger exhibit hall. It would probably take significant renos to make it work though, demolishing the upper grandstands to allow for more volume, and bringing in some natural light either through big new windows in the walls or a roof with skylights.

The current convention centre though... how is Carmen's doing running that show? Are they getting lots of smaller business and events in there? It might be fine left as-is, with whatever refurbishments are needed to the building itself.

Of course, this is all predicated on the city having the funds to make it happen, as well as invest in 1/2+ of a new arena. I'd say it will be 10-20 years before this might even be feasible, if the city's economic trajectory continues to head upward.

Copps/FOC has also allowed many, many large events to be hosted in the city. I agree with the argument that it's too big for lower tier hockey, but that capacity is a wonderful thing to have when a big concert tour or sports event comes to town.