After years of planning, fundraising, and community anticipation, the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach is officially opening its doors. While locals have already experienced the excitement of Pistons games in the new arena, the official grand opening on Thursday, August 21 marks a full-circle celebration of a vision decades in the making.
"There are many people who thought the place was already open," laughs Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Director of Communications, Marketing and Sales for the SEC. "But this is our real moment to celebrate the entire facility."
The event kicks off with an official ceremony at 11 a.m., featuring remarks from the mayor, MP, MLA, and other dignitaries. One particularly special guest is Ralph Krueger – former NHL coach, Olympic gold medallist hockey coach and Steinbach native. "Ralph actually grew up right on the site where the Southeast Event Centre now stands," says Sawatzky-Koop. "It's such a full-circle moment to have him here."
Family fun and local flavour
Following the ceremony, the celebrations continue with a free community lunch at 12:30 p.m., sponsored by HyLife. The first 700 attendees will enjoy smokies, chips, and water. From 1 to 4 p.m., families can enjoy a range of kid-friendly activities including bouncy castles, face painting, balloon art, and a roaming magician touted as one of the tallest in the world.
"We really wanted to double down on community," says Sawatzky-Koop. "Everything is free, and it's all about having fun together."
Later in the afternoon, visitors are invited to explore the SEC at their own pace, with scheduled tours of the Pistons dressing room at 2 and 4 p.m. Although the gymnasium and walking track won’t be officially open for use just yet, they will be accessible to the public. "It's all nearly ready," Sawatzky-Koop notes. "You'll be able to walk on the beautiful gym floor and the indoor walking track, and even take a look at the children's playground behind the glass."
An evening to remember
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a free outdoor concert from 5 to 7 p.m. Endless Mixtape, a local band, will perform on a flatbed trailer outside the Southeast Event Centre, facing the patio of the on-site restaurant, Forum & Bistro.
"We're encouraging folks to bring their lawn chairs or book a table on the patio and make an evening of it," Sawatzky-Koop says. "It'll be a patio party vibe – really community-focused."
With the grand opening just days away, anticipation is high. "It's years of hard work and dreaming finally coming together," says Sawatzky-Koop. "Now it's time to celebrate."
The Southeast Event Centre Grand Opening takes place Thursday, August 21st. All events are free and open to the public. Find more details at southeasteventcentre.ca!