[Moncton] Centre Avenir Centre | 26.65m |~6 Fl | Completed - Page 156

lirette · #**3101** Posted **Dec 31, 2018, 3:22 PM**

The "Centre" has been put up today to finish the signage just in time for todays game. Will also be curious to see if the goal lights are in place.

I sent a message to the Wildcats on Facebook last week asking if the banners were going to be raised in the 2nd half, but did not receive any reply.

MonctonRad · #**3102** Posted **Dec 31, 2018, 9:43 PM**

New signage on the Avenir Centre

Fischbob · #**3103** Posted **Jan 4, 2019, 7:56 PM**

Some colour for the page from my recent trip to Moncton, in part to take in a game at the Avenir Centre.

More signage being installed on the building:

Main entrance:

Slightly backlit view of the arena:

Interior view from before last night's game:

View from our seats a couple rows up from the Wildcats' bench:

Fischbob · #**3104** Posted **Jan 4, 2019, 8:16 PM**

And now for my thoughts about the Avenir Centre:

Impressive facility. The lobby and concourse are spacious, washrooms and concession stands are plentiful, seats - even the hard plastic ones - are comfortable. There is an excellent 'sense of arrival' as you go up the escalators and are greeted with a view of the entire arena.

Getting through security was relatively painless - it was actually afterwards when I had to fumble for the tickets with my hands full of the other contents of my pockets that was a bit awkward, and I think I may have held up the line a bit as I got that straightened out

That intro video they play before the game is a bit over-the-top, but overall the entertainment during the game was fun and well-orchestrated. The production value of the instant replays and various camera angles available was excellent.

Exiting the arena after the game was no trouble at all as we took one of the back staircases.

I'm hard-pressed to find many major critiques of the facility so permit me to list some minor issues I noticed. I found the lack of cup holders to be the most glaring omission, as most people opted to put their beverages on the ground and we witnessed a spilled coffee over in the next section. As a previous poster here pointed out, I did notice the ambient game sounds to be a bit muffled, even compared to Harbour Station, but this didn't really bother me. It was a bit strange not having goal lights, though I understand this is being addressed. Finally, even with a crowd of over 4000, the arena felt quite empty - perhaps many spectators were seated behind us, however, which may have affected my perception of how full the arena felt.

Overall, I came away very impressed, and it was an entertaining game to boot. You guys really do have a gem of a facility, and you should be very proud of it. That it may act as a catalyst for further downtown development is the icing on the cake. It probably won't be the last time I pay a visit

MonctonRad · #**3105** Posted **Jan 4, 2019, 8:41 PM**

Thanks for your input, and nice picture too!

The Avenir Centre seats 8800, so last nights crowd of a little over 4000 means about 45% capacity.

The sense of fullness depends a bit on where you are seated. You were quite low on the west side of the arena, and you wouldn't have appreciated all the people sitting behind you. Because the concourse, box seats and press box are on the east side of the arena, the vast majority of fans (the peons at least) sit on the west side of the arena (which would have been behind you).

Also, I often note that the club seats on the east side of the arena are often emptier than the general seating elsewhere in the arena. I think this is because a lot of people who bought season ticket packages for the club seats are probably not really hockey fans. They may go to a few games a year, but the real reason they went for the club seat package was to get the bonus of assured seating for other concerts and events held at the arena.

lirette · #**3106** Posted **Jan 5, 2019, 10:47 PM**

A good review from Stadium Journeys Greg Johnston

https://stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/avenir-centre-moncton-wildcats/

I agree with most of what he said.

My favourite part being "parking is plentiful"

. I love that comment from an outsider. Almost 6000 there on saturday and there was plenty of parking available. We parked and walked from the farmers market (free) so we our car would be accessible from the furnace room after where we grabbed a drink. The more time goes on the more parking is more of a perception issue than anything else. I'm sure the extra paved lot they recently added helps too.

I also agree there is a need for some more interactive displays in the concourse or even in the hall of fame area. Still lots of untapped potential around the centre. Its a blank slate for the most part. I was lucky enough to be in the rogers box in 402 last night and its a cool experience. You certainly feel VIP. 402 is situated right next to the NHL scouts box. The menu is crazy expensive, lots of fancy charcuteries boards ($60) and gourmet snacks. Unlimited popcorn for $25 and chicago mix for $30. These are large servings of course.

Personally though I prefer being down in my seat in section 115 and feel more a part of the action but I am a diehard Cats fan. I can see how its easy to socialize up in a box and the appeal to the business types. I paid less attention to the play up there.

MonctonRad · #**3107** Posted **Jan 5, 2019, 11:22 PM**

I'm in 115 too.

I read the article in your link about the Avenir Centre. I thought the writer was pretty spot on too. I liked his final comment:

Quote:

Adding interactive displays, kid play areas, or even honouring past team’s achievements with banners and pictures would encourage greater involvement and engagement with the franchise.

I really miss the pictures that they had along the concourse of the old Coliseum of past players who had made it to the NHL. It was always interesting to see who had formerly played on the team (including some greats like Corey Crawford and Brad Marchand). I think these photos gave a lot of character to the old Coliseum. I realize that the Avenir Centre is a general purpose arena, managed by SMG rather than by the city, and that there would likely have to be negotiations (and perhaps a fee) to mount a display featuring the teams history and successful former players, but I think this would be worthwhile. Championship banners also have to be hung from the rafters. This is a must........

I also look forward to the eventual installation of the goal lights behind the nets.

Philbilly · #**3108** Posted **Jan 10, 2019, 8:55 PM**

Introducing our Brand New PRE-GAME BUFFET!!!!

Join us tomorrow night as the Moncton Wildcats take on the Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda. You can enjoy an all you can eat buffet which includes chicken wings, beef stir fry, soup, salad and so much more. Our Pre-Game Buffet is only $24.99 per person and is open from 5:30 pm until 7:00pm.(Enter at Gate 6)

Call 1-506-962-4545 ext. 9014 to book your reservations.

Introduire notre tout nouveau BUFFET D'AVANT MATCH!!!!

Joignez-vous à nous, demain soir quand les Wildcats accueillent les Huskies de Rouyn Noranda au Centre Avenir.
Notre buffet a volonté inclus ailes de poulet, sauté de beouf, soupe, salade et beaucoup plus. Le prix est seulement 24,99$ par personne, 17h30 au 19h00. (Entrée 6)
Pour réserver téléphonez 506-962-4545 ext. 9014

https://www.facebook.com/797688903728744/posts/1188708401293457/

drewber · #**3109** Posted **Jan 11, 2019, 10:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbilly

Introducing our Brand New PRE-GAME BUFFET!!!!

Join us tomorrow night as the Moncton Wildcats take on the Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda. You can enjoy an all you can eat buffet which includes chicken wings, beef stir fry, soup, salad and so much more. Our Pre-Game Buffet is only $24.99 per person and is open from 5:30 pm until 7:00pm.(Enter at Gate 6)

Call 1-506-962-4545 ext. 9014 to book your reservations.

Introduire notre tout nouveau BUFFET D'AVANT MATCH!!!!

Joignez-vous à nous, demain soir quand les Wildcats accueillent les Huskies de Rouyn Noranda au Centre Avenir.
Notre buffet a volonté inclus ailes de poulet, sauté de beouf, soupe, salade et beaucoup plus. Le prix est seulement 24,99$ par personne, 17h30 au 19h00. (Entrée 6)
Pour réserver téléphonez 506-962-4545 ext. 9014

https://www.facebook.com/797688903728744/posts/1188708401293457/

I'll pay $10 less and eat at the casino thanks. $25 for such a limited selection isn't worth it

drewber · #**3110** Posted **Jan 11, 2019, 10:29 PM**

Photo of the menu for anyone interested though

PEI highway guy · #**3111** Posted **Jan 11, 2019, 10:53 PM**

I am curious. Is the outdoor skating rink being well utilized since opening? I know they wanted to have use of the ice for 100 days this season. That goal should easily be met.

MonctonRad · #**3112** Posted **Jan 11, 2019, 11:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEI highway guy

I am curious. Is the outdoor skating rink being well utilized since opening? I know they wanted to have use of the ice for 100 days this season. That goal should easily be met.

Virtually every time I drive by there I see people skating on the surface.

MonctonRad · #**3113** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 3:38 AM**

I see that the new signage on the crown of the Avenir Centre is now fully illuminated.

I would say that there is virtually nothing left to do with the building. Construction is complete.

L'homard · #**3114** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 1:27 PM**

A small group was skating on the oval during last night's hockey game despite the freezing windchill. Even though I haven't skated in many years, I'm happy to see my tax dollars go to this.

PEI highway guy · #**3115** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 1:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by L'homard

A small group was skating on the oval during last night's hockey game despite the freezing windchill. Even though I haven't skated in many years, I'm happy to see my tax dollars go to this.

Sounds like this rink is a hit. many may disagree, however, it appears to be money well spent when yoou think of what that block looked like after the mall closed.

MonctonRad · #**3116** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 2:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEI highway guy

Sounds like this rink is a hit. many may disagree, however, it appears to be money well spent when yoou think of what that block looked like after the mall closed.

Some people will always complain, but the entire plaza fronting the Avenir Centre, including the Ian Fowler Oval will become one of the major focal points and defining features of downtown Moncton.

It's important for a city to have a heart and soul. Halifax has Grand Parade. Charlottetown has Confederation Centre. Saint John has King's Square. Our new downtown plaza, especially fronted by the Avenir Centre (and eventually the completed Hyatt Place Hotel) will help convey a prosperous, ambitious and forward thinking image that the city of Moncton can build on for the future.

It will have been an investment that will pay for itself many times over in the future.

FeralFeline · #**3117** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 3:08 PM**

Definitely brings more to the city than Highfield Square had in the last 10-15 years, as a decaying and then dead mall... Would people have preferred to see Hifie the Telemarketer instead? That side of Main St (opposite the "sub way") has been in dire need of something to draw in traffic and development for decades, and as has been said, I think the Avenir Centre will do a great job at it.

Especially given that the new centre is obviously not the dud that the naysayers were predicting...

MonctonRad · #**3118** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 3:12 PM**

Welcome to the forums!!

L'homard · #**3119** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 5:35 PM**

I've always favoured this development and seeing it now that it has come to fruition, and there will be much more coming to bear, only solidifies my support.
The tax base downtown will grow in leaps and bounds and, as has been eloquently said already, Moncton finally has its defining feature.
I'm so glad that the powers that be ignored the nattering nabobs who, while only a tiny minority, have been the loudest voices on social media and sometimes the mainstream press.

FeralFeline · #**3120** Posted **Jan 12, 2019, 6:46 PM**

My favourite argument of the nattering nabobs has been the idea that there was nothing wrong with the Coliseum. Aside from the pretty mediocre acoustics, lack of HVAC of any kind, the bulk of the seating being on one side, etc... there was also this:

The low ceiling height made it next to impossible for any act coming through to set their full stage up. This means that performing in Moncton (at the Coliseum) involved having to modify your setup to that one venue, but all that extra effort would net you is an inferior experience for your fans attending that one show.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Welcome to the forums!!