The Co-operators Centre

For those who appreciate the energy of major sports and modern architecture, this impressive sports hub is a must-visit in Saskatchewan. The Regina Multi-Purpose Arena, officially known as The Co-operators Centre, is a state-of-the-art complex that has become the heart of the community and sporting life that Regina is proud of.

This massive facility in Canada impresses with its functionality: it houses six NHL-sized rinks under one roof. The complex serves as the home arena for the famous junior hockey team, the Regina Pats, and also hosts prestigious events such as the Queen City Exhibition and Canadian Western Agribition. The total construction cost of the center was approximately $60 million, creating a world-class space.

The arena's standout feature is its incredible flexibility. The rink floors are equipped with unique systems that allow the ice surface to be quickly converted into a concrete floor for concerts, conferences, or trade fairs. Thanks to its thoughtful design and modern energy-saving technologies, The Co-operators Centre is considered one of the most efficient and visited sports facilities in the region.

To find out more about upcoming matches, ice rentals, or table reservations at the restaurant, you can use the complex's official contact details.

The main draw for visitors here is undoubtedly hockey. You can immerse yourself in the excitement of the game by watching the Regina Pats or the university teams, the Regina Cougars. Thanks to the unique layout, you can watch several matches simultaneously from the cozy second floor or special viewing stands, creating a unique sense of being part of the sporting action.

In the summer months, the ice gives way to lacrosse and soccer fields, turning the center into a hub for active recreation. For those who prefer personal workouts, the complex features modern fitness centers. If your goal is a more relaxed visit, you can browse the local sports shop or unwind in one of the fan zones, enjoying panoramic views of the playing surfaces through the foyer's massive windows.

It's impossible to go hungry here: the facility houses popular spots like Tim Hortons, Subway, and Western Pizza, as well as a licensed bar. The complex is perfect for family outings—while children participate in a tournament, parents can comfortably spend time in the restaurant or stroll through the grounds, which regularly host large-scale cultural festivals and trade shows.

The complex is located at 1700 Elphinstone St, and the most convenient way to get here is by car. There is ample parking available for visitors at both the front and back of the building, including designated accessible parking spaces.

If you prefer public transport, you can use the Saskatoon Transit Corporation (STC) bus system, with routes passing in the immediate vicinity of Elphinstone St. You can also call a taxi or use Uber — the trip from the downtown area takes very little time.

For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the journey from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes over flat terrain. In the summer, this is a great way to combine a bit of exercise with a visit to the arena, though keep in mind that traffic in the area can be higher than usual during major festivals.

Construction of this massive facility began on April 15, 2008, as part of a project to revitalize the Ipsco Place grounds. The process moved at a fast pace, and by December 2009, the center opened its doors to its first hockey fans. The architectural firms Cannon Design and Stantec were responsible for the implementation of the project, which cost approximately $60 million.

The construction of the complex solved a long-standing issue for the city—the fragmentation of sports facilities. Before The Co-operators Centre, families often had to drive their children to practices at opposite ends of the city; now, six world-class rinks are gathered under one roof. The complex has become a reliable home for the Regina Pats and the University of Regina Cougars teams.

Special attention during construction was paid to engineering solutions. Due to the nature of the local soil, builders had to replace the clay ground with a more stable base to ensure the longevity of the foundation. Additionally, the building was designed to be environmentally efficient: implemented energy-saving technologies reduce operating costs by 50%, making it one of the "greenest" sports facilities in the region.

Since its opening, the arena has firmly established itself as a social epicenter. It’s not just a place for hockey; it hosts major agricultural exhibitions and cultural festivals, bringing together provincial residents and tourists in a modern, high-tech space.

The time you spend at the complex depends directly on the purpose of your visit. If you plan to attend a hockey match or a sports tournament, you should allow 2 to 4 hours, considering the time for entry and intermissions.

For a simple tour of the center's architecture, a visit to the sports shop, or a quick snack at the cafe, 1–1.5 hours is quite sufficient. However, during major events such as the Agribition, you might need a whole day—from 6 to 8 hours—to explore all the exhibition areas in detail.

Typically, the complex is open to the public in the evenings: Monday to Friday from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on weekends until midnight. However, this schedule can change significantly depending on the hockey match calendar, tournaments, or major exhibitions.

Before planning your visit, it is highly recommended to check the current operating hours and event schedule on the arena's official website, as access to certain areas may be restricted or, conversely, extended during special events.

The arena's location allows tourists to look beyond sporting events and easily include other interesting city locations in their itinerary. A walk through the surrounding area will help you better experience the atmosphere of Saskatchewan's capital.