Cenovus Energy Hub officially opens in Lloydminster

October 01, 2025

The City of Lloydminster proudly opens Cenovus Energy Hub, the regions largest sport and entertainment facility. From left to right: Elder Marlene Gervais, John Soini, Executive Vice-President, Upstream – Thermal & Atlantic Offshore, Cenovus Energy, His Worship Gerald Aalbers, Mayor, City of Lloydminster, Hon. Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Resources, Government of Saskatchewan, Reeve Glen Dow, RM of Wilton. (City of Lloydminster)

Lloydminster, AB/SK – Hundreds of guests gathered today to officially open Cenovus Energy Hub, Lloydminster’s newest events centre. This $101.3 million project marks a major milestone for the border city, providing a modern entertainment facility designed to meet the needs of the region.

The grand opening ceremony featured an Elder's blessing, ribbon cutting, and addresses from the Honourable Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Saskatchewan MLA for Lloydminster, Mayor Gerald Aalbers, City officials, and major sponsors, celebrating the completion of the 25-month construction project.

The state-of-the-art building includes a 2,500-seat event arena that expands to 4,500 for concerts, a 500-seat community arena, and an outdoor ice surface that converts to a basketball court in the summer. The facility will serve as home to the Junior A Bobcats, Junior B Bandits, Lakeland College Rustlers and many other community groups.

Today's celebration continues this evening with public skating, skills competitions and a free barbecue beginning at 5 p.m., offering the community an opportunity to experience the new facility first-hand.

The project represents the largest infrastructure investment in Lloydminster's entertainment sector, funded through grants from the federal and provincial governments, City funds, and fundraising efforts.

Cenovus Energy was a major sponsor of the project, securing the 15-year naming rights through a $5-million commitment.

The facility is geared to attract major concerts, sporting events and conferences to the region, with officials projecting significant economic benefits for local businesses and tourism.

The Hub anchors a new entertainment district planned to include retail units, a hotel, slo-pitch diamonds, a powered campground, a pavilion and walking trails. Timelines for these additional features will be determined as planning and development progress.

The modern facility replaces the 58-year-old Centennial Civic Centre and is designed with full accessibility features throughout.

The public celebration starts tonight at 5 p.m. with a free barbecue, public skating, tours and fun for the whole family.

Quotes

"The new Cenovus Energy Hub is a great example of what happens when communities dream big and governments invest in modern and sustainable infrastructure. The federal government is proud to support this project, which will bring people together for major concerts, sporting events, and conferences, while strengthening Lloydminster’s social and economic fabric for generations to come."

Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Government of Canada

“The Government of Saskatchewan celebrates with Lloydminster residents at the grand opening of Cenovus Energy Hub. Infrastructure is vital for growing and strengthening communities and our province. This new facility is a key part of future investment in business, retail growth and our residents. I look forward to hearing about the development programs to be delivered here at the Hub, engaging our youth now and in the future.”

Hon. Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Resources, Government of Saskatchewan

“Today marks an important milestone for Lloydminster. Not only will Cenovus Energy Hub serve as a place for sport, entertainment, and community gatherings, it will also attract more visitors to our city, generate new tourism opportunities, and create lasting benefits for local businesses. The excitement we are witnessing at today’s celebration shows the lasting impact this facility will have on our community."

His Worship Gerald Aalbers, Mayor, City of Lloydminster

"The opening of Cenovus Energy Hub reflects the dedication and collaboration of countless individuals, user groups, and community partners. Their input helped shape the vision and design of this facility, ensuring it meets the needs of those who will use it most. This project has been years in the making. The community should be proud of the collective commitment that has resulted in a space that will support and strengthen Lloydminster for years to come.”

Tracy Simpson, Executive Manager of Community Development Services, City of Lloydminster

"Cenovus Energy Hub is a vital investment in the region’s future – fueling growth, opportunity and community pride. Cenovus’s commitment to supporting local success runs deep, like our commitment to contributing to the local economy and being a part of the region’s future. We’re excited to see the Cenovus Energy Hub come to life, a space where people and possibilities come together.”

John Soini, Executive Vice-President, Upstream – Thermal & Atlantic Offshore, Cenovus Energy

About Cenovus Energy Hub

More than a hockey arena, more than a concert venue — Cenovus Energy Hub is an entertainment facility, the largest of its kind in the region. This inclusive and accessible space will unite people from Lloydminster and beyond to create community through extraordinary experiences, celebration and fun. The fit-for-purpose facility has been designed with great care, and includes:

Event arena with seating for 2,500, expandable up to 4,500 for concerts and events with floor seating
Community arena with seating for up to 500
Third outdoor ice surface adjacent to the building, which functions as a basketball court in the summer.

Learn more at CenovusEnergyHub.ca and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Quick Facts

Government of Canada contributed $16,463,508
Government of Saskatchewan contributed $16,665,000
City of Lloydminster committed $52,177,669 to secure federal and provincial funding
Regional Municipality of Wilton contributed $500,000
Cenovus Energy committed $5 million toward the facility in a 15-year naming rights partnership
Fundraising efforts raised $6.35 million (including contributions from naming sponsors)
Estimated yearly visitors: 170,000