Lundar has officially opened its new arena with a price tag of under $5-million. It's huge news for the community and surrounding area, and they held their first skating night last night. Approval was finally given yesterday afternoon after work was completed and inspections made. Grettir president Grant Sigfusson shares some highlights.

"We had good news in March of 2017 that we got a grant we applied for many times over," says Sigfusson. "We finally got one, that would help throw us over the top to construct a new roof and get new upgrades for the arena. This would give us an insulated building so we can skate in."

He notes they obtained 460 seats from the Bombers stadium, and there's a walking path in the building around the rink perimeter that stretches 720 feet. Sigfusson says the new rink features dressings rooms and a lounge and viewing area on a second level above the old dressing rooms.

Sigfusson explains the arena is situated between the curling rink and pool, and tied everything together in one large structure, also connecting the upper level of the curling rink with the lounge area.

Tables and chairs now also have indoor storage space beneath the bleachers. Sigfusson says it makes the building more accessible. He notes there's also an exercise room, some office spaces, and even a bank location in the building. LED lighting was implemented and Sigfusson says everything is up to current standards and the latest technology for an arena, making it quite different from the old wooden structure that was under quite a bit of duress.

He notes the insurance they previously were paying was enough to pay the new cost of the building, leaving the far lesser insurances costs providing money to go toward the mortgage.

Sigfusson adds once things are finalized, they're having a grand opening hopefully in March, when they also hold the local carnival. He says it's actually more of a sports complex and community centre, noting the word "arena" makes one think more of just a rink.

External view

Holding the interim occupancy permit