WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers’ future at stake after rejection of new stadium –WHL Update
Medicine Hat Tigers’ future is at stake with the possibility of losing its recognition as the city’ Western Hockey League’s (WHL) franchise after it lost support by the local city council to build a new purposed stadium according to the league’s standards.
Unfortunately, Tigers is the only WHL club that does not have a stadium that meets the regulation standards of the league and not allowing them to continue building one makes matters worse for it.
A new stadium, according to Tigers, will not only let it remain in the city, but would vigorously expand its fans’ experience, which would obviously be a win-win situation.
Just a few days after Tigers started its campaign to get the city council to vote for its new stadium, the council voted against the proposition by a six to three vote and its dreams were once again washed away by financial and authoritative concerns.
“We are extremely disappointed with the outcome of city council’s six to three vote against building the Regional Events Centre”, said Tigers’ director of marketing and public relations, Dave Andjelic.
The proposed regional event center would have been a first of its kind in the city which would have accommodated 6500 fans along with a number of facilities including a restaurant, expanded parking, VIP lounges, normal lounges, improved washroom facilities
and much more, which the current playing arena does not have.
The commissioner of the WHL, Ron Robison, was certainly surprised at the council’s decision to vote against the project which had gained immense popular support.
He termed Medicine Hat as the only city that does not have a standard meeting stadium and that not having one could be fatal for the team’s future in the city.
Robinson also added that he will immediately schedule a meeting between league representatives and the city to go over why this project has not been given due consideration.
Talks will continue as long as Tigers remain in Medicine Hat and until the popular vote disintegrates, Tigers will have a standing platform in the WHL.
After the league’s meeting with the council members a clear result about the future of Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL can be determined.
Tags: