Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Brandt Centre
1700 Elphinstone St.
Regina, SK S4P 2Z6
Year Opened: 1977
Capacity: 6,136
Regina’s Brandt Centre
The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities.
Food & Beverage 4
Considering the age of the venue, the food selection here is surprisingly good. Yeah there is the traditional stadium fare. Add to that pulled pork, pulled chicken or roast beef sandwiches ($6), combo that with beans, coleslaw, pasta salad or chips for an additional fee. Poutine is available for $6, fries mixed with brown gravy and cheese curds. Freshly made candied apples are also a nice touch, along with the bags of powdered mini donuts. The draught beer here is an eye popping $8.50 or $10 for the tall 27 oz cup.
Atmosphere 3
Like most peer junior rinks, games at this level are more of a family affair. The arena is 2/3 full, everybody cheers for the home team but without the intensity at say, the NHL level. Contests and promotions are the norm. Much of the pomp and ceremony here had to do with endless pregame presentations and plaque awards before the game even started, something we could have done with much less of.
Neighborhood 1
What neighborhood? With the skyline of downtown Regina about 3 kilometres to the east in the distance, the Brandt Centre and Evraz Place are standalone facilities, surrounded by an ocean of parking on all sides and a railroad track straddling the south border of the complex. As for places to go within nearby driving distance, we’d recommend Casino Regina right in the center of downtown for gaming and dining. The Press Box sports bar on Albert Street has a lot of cool sports memorabilia, plenty of TV sets and tavern fare worth a look.
Fans 4
Fan support here is pretty solid, and the Pats draw in the upper end of their peer teams in the 22 team WHL. The Regina Pats have a long and strong history which goes back to the franchise’s inception way back in 1917. Their team history is nicely showcased with a well displayed collection of championship banners and team retired numbers complete with murals, which line one end zone wall.
Access 4
There is ample parking surrounding Evraz Place and the Brandt Centre, and access to the lots is available from three different directions, so the lots clear out here after a not too long wait. There is not a public transportation option here. Also worth noting is that Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, home of the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, is just a long slap shot away and is visible on the skyline of the city.
Return on Investment 3
Single game tickets for adults run $18, seniors and students a bit cheaper. That is a bit high by junior standards. A note to add here is that parking is abundant and free. Concession prices are also reasonable, as long as you’re not drinking the very expensive beer.
Extras 3
The aforementioned banners and numbers deserve special props. No silly “Fans #1” banner or anything that would cheapen the long and storied history here. And by the way, this was also a host venue for the Memorial Cup championship.
How about a hot tub suite? Yep, there, along the boards, is a fully functional hot tub with a great view of the action on the ice. Gotta wonder if there is any even better action going on in the hot tub on some game nights.
**Andrew Kulyk is a stadium travel expert. Follow all of his journeys at The Ultimate Sports Road Trip.
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