Brantford Bulldogs set to play first home game in updated arena

In one of the biggest sporting events happening in our area this weekend, the Brantford Bulldogs are set to play their first home game in their newly updated arena.
The 58-year-old Brantford Civic Centre got a $10 million facelift over the last six months so the Brantford Bulldogs can play there for at least the next three years.
Bulldogs’ general manager Matt Turek says they put up a new gondola for the media, switched the glass, the benches, and put up a new locker room as well.
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis says it is tremendously exciting.
“The Bulldogs coming to Brantford has done a lot to bring the community together, love of hockey, civic pride that we once again have an OHL team based out of Brantford,” Davis said.
Brantford hasn’t had an OHL team since 1984 when the Alexanders moved to Hamilton to become the Steelhawks, and Mayor Kevin Davis is out to prove that Wayne Gretzky’s home town is a hockey city.
“I think they recognize Brantford is a hockey town. Many people said Brantford can’t support an OHL team, Michael Andlauer said otherwise and he’s been proven right,” Davis said.
“We’re excited for the first game, all the work and construction in such a short time…we’re excited to get things going,” Turek said.
With more than 2500 season tickets sold, fans have really embraced the team here in Brantford, which could make for some serious home ice advantage.
“I think it’ll play into our favour for sure. I don’t think there’s an average seat here. Every fan will be sitting right on top of the game. It’ll help our team as well,” Turek said.
The Bulldogs played in the biggest OHL rink in Hamilton, and will now be skating in the smallest, with a capacity of about 3000 people. Davis knows a bigger arena is needed if the Bulldogs are to stay in town.
“What it means is this…they’re gonna be here for at least three years. The renos have brought them here. To keep them here we need a new arena,” Davis said.
“We’re working on it, we’re moving forward, our intent is to keep the Bulldogs here in Brantford…sorry Hamilton, this is one of my top priorities,” Davis said.
The 0 and 2 Bulldogs will play their first home game Saturday night against the Oshawa Generals.

[@coastaku1954]

I do hope Brantford get's their own team, or perhaps keeps this team while Hamilton scores another AHL team or finally gets an NHL team

[@Conservativelawyer]

NHL team in Hamilton wont Happen CA Dollar is too low for NHL to go there.

[@coastaku1954]

@@Conservativelawyer Then the NHL must change their ways

[@deeznx]

It's the mini Aud!!!

[@madmacs]

Hope they do well

[@Azzoaction714]

My mama works there