http://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/br...der-to-host-2018-mastercard-memorial-cup
“The standards for the facility are confidential in respect to the process,” said Ron Robison, commissioner of the Western Hockey League.
He revealed a few things about the selection process. But, for the most part, his statements remained ambiguous.
The committee will focus on seating capacity (the Brandt Centre holds around 6,100 people), “the ability to broadcast from a national perspective, like a broadcaster such as Sportsnet” and arena quality.
Owners of the Pats franchise — Queen City Sports and Entertainment — were told the Brandt Centre would need substantial upgrades if their bid is chosen.
Last year, Mark Rathwell, vice-president of communications for the Pats, remained tight-lipped when rumours circled a plan to rebuild or upgrade the Brandt Centre.
If the team’s bid is chosen, upgrades to the Brandt Centre must be made as per the WHL’s selection criteria. Bidding teams must commit to completing any upgrades before qualifying to host.
“There’s minimum requirements for the acceptable facility that will be taken into consideration as part of the process,” said Robison.
At this point, the Pats cannot confirm they have additional funding partners in their bid.
“In terms of the makeup of our bid committee, we’re just in the process of putting that together so until we’ve got our team together, we don’t want to talk about who we’re looking for. We want to rally the troops with the best people possible to put the best type of bid together,” said Rathwell.
If the Regina Exhibition Association denies funding for the Memorial Cup, the proposition can be taken up with Regina City Council.
No matter the funding outcome, the Regina Pats have their eye on the prize — official host of the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup.
Rathwell said once the bidding committee is lined up, “we’ll begin working on all the dynamics that go into putting together a winning bid in order to secure this thing.”
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