SaskTel Centre Group Pitches to Operate New Downtown Saskatoon Arena

As Saskatoon’s proposed new downtown arena remains in the planning stages, local operators of the long-running SaskTel Centre are pitching themselves to run the facility once it’s built. The city is still deciding who will oversee operations for the broader Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED), but the SaskTel Centre group made its case during a recent luncheon, arguing that its established team and local experience give it a clear advantage over outside bidders.

SaskTel Centre’s CEO, John Howden, told business leaders that the group already manages major concerts, sporting events and large-scale productions, and has a well-developed team familiar with Saskatchewan’s unique market. He emphasized that launching a brand-new organisation from scratch would be challenging compared with leveraging the knowledge and relationships of a team that has run large venues in Saskatoon for decades.

Representatives also pointed out that the current SaskTel Centre, built more than 40 years ago, is outdated and needs modern facilities to attract top-tier talent, shows and fan experiences. They said that putting local operators in charge of the new arena could better serve both event organisers and attendees in the region.

The city has also been exploring partnerships with national and international companies such as the Oak View Group, an American arena operator that would bring significant upfront capital and external resources. However, discussions with Oak View have been deferred as additional options, including the SaskTel Centre proposal, are considered.

Supporters of a local-led approach say it could strengthen community ties and ensure decision-making reflects local priorities, while proponents of external partners argue outside firms might attract larger events and broader networks. City hall is also examining plans to merge the SaskTel Centre with TCU Place, a major convention and entertainment facility, to form a unified organisation that aligns more closely with the new downtown arena’s operations.

With planning for the downtown arena still in progress, Saskatoon’s officials and stakeholders will weigh the pros and cons of local versus external management ahead of a final decision on how the city’s next major entertainment hub will be run.