Communities Come Together at the REAL District—Even in the Coldest Months

The grounds of REAL District have seen a fair amount of change as 140 years has passed. 

In 2009, after a year and a half of construction, the Co-operators Centre was completed as part of a revitalization project and added to the inter-connectivity of the Queensbury Convention Centre, the AffinityPlex, and Brandt Centre. 

Boasting five NHL size community rinks and one 1,200 seat NHL size spectator rink, it’s a facility that is seldom dormant and has hosted numerous local, provincial, national, and international events. 

The Regina Pats use the arenas as a training centre and both the University of Regina Cougars men’s and women’s teams play their home games in the Co-operators Centre Arena. The Cougars have called it home since the 2010-11 season.

The Co-operators Centre has become an integral part of REAL when bidding for regional, national and international sporting events. The unique interconnectivity with the rest of REAL has led to a wide of sporting events have taken place in the facility. 

• • The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling 
  • Lacrosse Canada’s national championships 
  • The Queen City Classic Ringette tournament 
  • Living Skies Invitational Synchronized Skating Competition 
  • Skate Canada Challenge 

The addition of the six rinks in 2009 have helped to make more ice-time available in Regina and has expanded the skills of those learning hockey. The Co-operators Centre Hockey League (CCHL) offers 3-on-3 Youth Hockey. 

Managed and run by the REAL team, there is also a popular adult league it is for those that love the game and wish to continue to play within a work schedule This year we will see over 120 teams register for both the winter and spring league., the CCHL also has an adult league. Students can take advantage of the U of R Rec Sports. It’s available for all U or R and Sask Polytech students.

When the ice is out, massive farm equipment is moved in during Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Show for trade shows that bring visitors from around the world. 

Each of the six arenas—the Co-operators, SaskTel, Viterra, RMP, Prairie Mobile, and the Brunswick Steel arenas—feature great, two–story of viewing areas with convenient access to concessions and a restaurant. You can relax between games in the O16 Lounge and catch the Cougars. If you don’t want to leave your seat at one of the other rinks, you can also order via your mobile and have your food and drink delivered right to you. 

Athletes and families can also access the Extreme Hockey and Sport Pro Shop. They have a commitment to developing sport in Regina and being in the same building six city rinks helps them achieve that goal. They handle skate sharpening, apparel, equipment, and nutritional needs.

The Co-operator Centre’s rinks are rarely quiet as the community has access to them for public skating and rec hockey.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level overlooking the Viterra Arena is the Adam Herold Memorial Room. Adam was one of the members who passed away in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The room, named in his honour, is used as a player and coaches meeting area for the Pat Canadians.

The Co-operators Centre is just one portion of REAL District that helps create memories and fosters unity in Regina. From loading kids and gear into your truck first thing on a cold Saskatchewan morning, or heading home after watching the Cougars, it’s a place for Regina to gather for competition or pleasure, to share in the magic of winter, to keep that community spirit strong. It’s designed to bring us together.