Brandt Centre: The Home of Hockey, Music, and Unforgettable Moments!

On the north side of Saskatchewan Drive, just west of Mosaic Stadium, stands a legendary arena at REAL District—a venue that has birthed and hosted icons, and has created memories with every game, concert, and event held within its walls. What is now called Brandt Centre was built in 1977 and was originally called the Regina Agridome. It became the home of the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats shortly after its completion 

Fans of the Pats have seen many amazing players and NHL stars under those arena lights. Regina’s Jordan Eberle, Mike Sillinger, and Doug Wickenheiser were a few members of the Pats who became NHLers. Others include Al MacInnis and Esa Tikkanen who eventually became opponents in the Battle of Alberta in the mid-80s to early 90s. During the 2022/2023 season Pats fans were treated to some exceptional hockey. Conner Bedard, who was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, set records and dazzled long-time hockey fans with his incredible skill in the Brandt Centre. With Bedard’s popularity, Pats tickets were scarce as fans rushed to see the team’s youngest 50-goal scorer in history before he headed to Chicago. 

In the summer of 2024, The Queen City Young Guns joined the Hockey Super League. The QCYG is a step to pursuing dreams youngsters have to get the NHL or PWHL. Hockey skills are advanced, and a team environment developed on the surface of the Brandt Centre. QCYG also welcomes teams from across Western Canada to foster growth for players on and off the ice. Programs like QCYG showcases REAL’s commitment to youth sport in Regina. 

The Brandt Centre rink has hosted athletes from around the world with high-caliber events like the Memorial Cup, the Rivalry Series, and the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. But Brandt Centre is more than just a hockey rink. Those same surfaces have hosted several national and international championships, including the Tournament of Hearts, the Brier, and figure skating.  

Of the thousands of events held there, not all have required ice. The surface has seen its share of unique and exciting activities. Each experience requires careful attention to detail to make them run smoothly and issue-free. Sometimes part of the planning involves a configuration not including ice. Outside of ice, the Brandt Centre has been covered in dirt, wood, football turf, wrestling rings, and chairs. 

What was the sight of a WHL game the night before, could be the venue for a concert the next night. The ice can be removed or covered for a variety of activities. Musical memories by the thousands have been created at Brandt Centre as some of the biggest names in music have performed on stages under its roof. Major acts like KISS, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, ZZ Top, and the Tragically Hip. And Canadian legends like Gordon Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen.  

At times the floor is fitted with plywood and 60 loads of dirt are brought in for rodeo events. Fans have been treated to the excitement of the PBR where it’s man against bull, and the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo during Canadian Western Agribition which features a full field of rodeo events. 

More horsepower has been added at times with monster trucks tearing up the track. Fans are treated to an exciting spectacle of stunts, races, power, and freestyle tricks.  

For the Harlem Globetrotters a hardwood floor complete with baskets and benches appears like magic for their basketball performance with the Washington Generals. A family-friendly game featuring their antics and showcasing their thrilling ability with a basketball.

The future of events at Brandt Centre is brighter than ever. With several high-profile events already committed for 2025 excitement is building for the anticipation of more memories and opportunities to share experiences at REAL District.  

No matter what sort of event you attend, the Brandt Centre isn’t just a venue—it’s where community comes together to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories, REAL: designed to bring us together.