Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,
Vernon’s Civic Memorial Park pays homage to old arena | Vernon Matters
The Civic Arena was the previous home to the Vernon Vipers who played in the arena from 1995-2001 before moving into the brand new Vernon Multi-Plex, now known as Kal Tire Place in 2001. Junior hockey was played in the Civic Arena starting in 1961 with the team having several different names, Vernon Jr. Canadians 1961-62, Vernon Blades 1962-67, Vernon Essos 1967-73, Vernon Vikings 1973-1978, Vernon Canadians 1978-79, Vernon Lakers 1980-1995, & Vernon Vipers 1995-present. On January 6th 2018 marked the 80th anniversary of the Civic Arena, where the Vernon Vipers & Prince George Spruce Kings played the final Junior hockey game.
The first hockey game took place 80 years ago that night, an exhibition game between the Vancouver Lions and Spokane Clippers on January 6th 1938. This isn't the first time the Vipers have had to play in the Civic Arena, since moving into Kal Tire Place in 2001. The Vipers were forced to play the BCHL League Finals in the Civic Arena vs the Surrey Eagles in 2005 and again in 2009 vs the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm during the Doyle Cup. Both series were forced into the Civic Arena due to the loggers convention in town-inside Kal Tire Place. The Civic Arena was listed at a seating capacity of 2,252 with 500 standing room and an ice surface listed at 180'x80'
A local historian and videographer Francois Arsenault has dug up some footage of the Vernon Civic Arena.
1961 amateur hockey, Vernon Civic Arena, Vernon BC (youtube.com)
If the City keeps treating Kal Tire Place the same way as the Civic it wont be around much longer either.
ReplyDeleteThe City needs to step and invest some $$$$ in general maintenance. Like paint, outside tiles, fencing, event glass cleaning and lots of other little things.
Also, time needs to be spent teaching all the staff how to operate all the equipment in the announcers booth.
Last year the snow removal process around the arena was a gong show.
Blocking the exit doors with a bunch of stuff is unacceptable. Fire Marshall would not be impressed if, they ever do a walk-thru.
I get it the building is over 20 years old but, to me it means that maintenance is all the more important.
GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER CITY OF VERNON.
Kal tire place is a low priority. Vernons focus is now on aging infracture such as roads etc. Kal tire place is on there check list but a low priority. They will get to the things you mentioned. I do agree lessons could be learned in the announcing booth. Music sometimes to loud and listening can be a challenge.
ReplyDelete