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Steinbach's brand-new multipurpose facility is partially open and is anticipating a full year of bringing the community together for events.
"We're so excited about this building and it's not even completely open yet," says the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Sales at the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach, Michelle Sawatzky-Koop. "March 14, we got the arena bowl open for that very first Steinbach Piston game. We got the occupancy granted a mere 12-24 hours before we let 2,400 people into the building."
The reason for the centre is to offer many different opportunities and aspects for the community in Steinbach, including the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, to play their home games.
"There were sell-out crowds, yummy concessions," says Sawatzky-Koop. "What I think I noticed the most about that opening was that people didn't just come for the hockey. They came to see the place, and then they realized what a community gathering place it was."
The arena bowl is open and this is the centre's main area where not only sports will be played, but big events can take place, such as concerts or ceremonies.
"We've had a couple of banquets and a fundraiser where had ice in and put a cover on the entire ice surface. Our kitchen is functioning and we are anticipating our Forum & Bistro restaurant, and it's a French bistro like nothing we have here in southeastern Manitoba. We're doing soft openings as we speak. June 12 is our official opening date."
Every dollar goes back into this building, as the centre is a non-profit. The gymnasium, walking track, and children's playground are still being built, and the official grand opening of the Southeast Event Centre is happening on Aug. 21.
Bringing Big Name Acts
This month, on June 27, Chris Funk, AKA The Wonderist, will be performing at the event centre.
"Our very first big name really, is Zach Williams on September 6. Zach WIlliams is the real deal. Providence College is celebrating a big anniversary, they are partnering with us and we couldn't be more excited to host. Tickets are already on sale. Zach's a big deal and I think this is his one concert this year north of the border."
For sports games, the centre seats 2,400. With a concert set up on the end, the arena bowl can fit 3,500. At it's maximum capacity with a stage in the centre, the space fits 4,000.
The centennial celebration for Providence University College and Theological Seminary is bringing in Williams alongside Manitoba-grown Jordan St. Cyr, who is living in Tennessee with his family.