Giants to Call City Centre Arena Home Starting in 2030
The Vancouver Giants, a Western Hockey League team, announced on Tuesday their plans to relocate to City Centre Arena in Surrey, B.C., beginning with the 2030-31 season. This move will see the team become the anchor tenant of a new sports and entertainment facility expected to be completed by 2030.
The new arena, which will be located in the heart of Surrey City Centre, is designed to have an approximate seating capacity of 10,000 for various events, including hockey games, concerts, and community gatherings. This development is anticipated to be a central feature of Surrey’s emerging entertainment district.
A New Home for the Giants
Ron Toigo, majority owner and president of the Vancouver Giants, described the decision as transformational for the organization, positioning it for long-term success. He expressed enthusiasm for the team to be part of a venue that is expected to significantly impact Surrey’s landscape. The move to a new, modern arena in Surrey City Centre is also seen as an opportunity to host major events such as the IIHF World Junior Championship and the Memorial Cup.
The facility aims to provide an enhanced experience for players, fans, and partners, with its design focused on future needs. The team acknowledged the support received from the Township of Langley, where they will continue to play for at least three more seasons before the relocation.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke welcomed the Vancouver Giants as the future anchor tenant of the City Centre Arena and Cultural Event Centre. She highlighted that this announcement reflects confidence in Surrey’s future and is part of creating a world-class venue. The mayor noted that the project is expected to serve residents, attract major events, support local businesses, and contribute to a vibrant entertainment district in the city’s downtown area.
Economic Impact and Development Details
The city of Surrey announced an “agreement in principle” with the Vancouver Giants for the proposed $360 million, 10,000-seat arena. Mayor Locke emphasized the economic benefits, stating that bringing the arena to Surrey will generate jobs, investment, conference capacity, and major sports, arts, and entertainment opportunities. She also mentioned that the project is expected to generate approximately $2.4 billion in economic activity over the next decade and support 1,200 jobs in Surrey, with more than double that across the province.
The arena is planned through the Surrey City Development Corp., an entity that Mayor Locke reactivated in 2023. The development is also set to include a luxury hotel, conference space, and housing, creating a comprehensive sports and entertainment district. Artist renderings suggest the arena will feature two seating bowls with a level of box seats in between, and a large screen at an outdoor plaza is also envisioned.
The City Centre Arena and Cultural Event Centre is planned for construction on land to be acquired by the city, directly across from city hall and the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station. The property acquisition will occur through a “strategic land swap” agreement. This involves the city acquiring a five-acre parcel at 10355 King George Blvd. in exchange for three city-owned parcels located at 2750 194A St., 19165 39 Ave., and 12820-12842 96 Ave. A report from EY-Parthenon indicates that this swap represents an exchange of $116 million on each side.
Concerns Raised by Opposition
Despite the positive outlook from city officials and the team, not everyone has expressed satisfaction with the announcement. Councillor Linda Annis, an opposition figure, raised questions regarding the partnership, particularly concerning the Giants’ average attendance, which she noted does not fill the Langley Events Centre, a venue with an approximate capacity of 5,500. She expressed doubt about the team’s ability to fill a 10,000-seat arena.
Councillor Annis also questioned the lack of private sector investment in the project, stating that the deal appears one-sided, with taxpayers providing the land and funding for the proposed arena. She further questioned the final price tag of $360 million, suggesting that the actual cost of the Newton Community Centre is expected to be higher. The councillor also suggested that the city should prioritize public recreation facilities for all neighbourhoods in Surrey.
The arena project is a significant component of Surrey’s City Centre Plan, which was initially approved in 2017 and has undergone several updates since then. The funding for the project was reportedly provided in Surrey’s 2026 budget.
Source: chl.ca
