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Lloydminster's Cenovus Energy Hub: Everything We Know About the New Arena

Open since October 1, 2025: seats, events, accessibility and visitor tips for Lloydminster’s $101.3M arena.
October 21, 2026 by

The Cenovus Energy Hub is Lloydminster's $101.3 million arena and events centre, and it has been open since October 1, 2025. It replaced the 58-year-old Centennial Civic Centre with a 2,500-seat main arena (expandable to 4,500 for concerts), a 500-seat community rink, and an outdoor ice surface. Here is what our team has researched and confirmed about it so far.

For a city of its size, this is a big building. It is home ice for the Lloydminster Bobcats, a host venue for provincial championships, and the stage for the first concerts the city has booked in years. If you are planning a visit, a game night, or a show, this guide is for you.

What is the Cenovus Energy Hub?

The Hub is a city-owned recreation and entertainment facility in the southeast of Lloydminster, sitting between Cenovus Place and Cenovus's Upgrader Complex. It was built over roughly two years and officially opened on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with speeches, a three-part ribbon cutting and a community barbecue. Cenovus Energy holds the naming rights under a 15-year, $5 million partnership.

The original plan called it a replacement for the aging Centennial Civic Centre, and that is exactly how it works today: the teams and community groups that once shared the old rink now have a modern building with room to grow.

What is inside the Hub?

  • Main event arena: 2,500 seats, expandable to 4,500 with floor seating for concerts and large events.
  • Community arena: a second NHL-sized ice surface with about 500 seats.
  • Outdoor rink: a Zamboni-maintained outdoor sheet beside the building that turns into a basketball court in summer. It opened publicly with a community shinny game in February 2026 as the Kings Energy Group Outdoor Rink.
  • Flexible flooring: a removable floor system lets the main arena host hockey, sledge hockey, concerts, trade shows, powwows, basketball and volleyball.
  • Parking: about 750 stalls, with the city planning carpool and Park & Ride options for big events.

The city expects roughly 170,000 visitors a year. Plans for the surrounding entertainment district include walking trails, slo-pitch diamonds, a campground, a pavilion and commercial development.

Who plays at the Cenovus Energy Hub?

The Hub is home to the Junior A Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL), the Junior B Bandits, the Lakeland College Rustlers, and local minor hockey and skating groups. The Bobcats were the first to play there, opening the Hub era with an exhibition win in September 2025. Their 2026-27 regular season opened at home on September 18 against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, the start of their second season in the building. The regular season runs through March 6, 2027. Check the Bobcats' official site for the current schedule and tickets.

What events and concerts are coming?

The City of Lloydminster signed a three-year partnership with the Vic Juba Community Theatre, starting January 1, 2026, to bring up to three concerts a year to the Hub. Country artist Josh Ross was announced for a June 12, 2026 show, the first big concert on the schedule.

Looking ahead, the Hub is set to host the 2027 SaskTel Tankard and Bunge Prairie Pinnacle provincial curling championships from January 10 to 17, 2027. Other events planned or announced have included the Alberta Speed Skating Provincial Championships and the Lloydminster Skating Club's ice show. Dates can change, so confirm with the City before you travel.

How much did it cost and who paid for it?

The total project cost was $101.3 million. According to coverage at the opening, funding came from the Government of Canada (about $16.5 million), the Government of Saskatchewan (about $16.7 million), the City of Lloydminster (about $52.2 million), the RM of Wilton ($500,000), Cenovus Energy ($5 million over 15 years) and $6.35 million in community fundraising. A local campaign called Fill the Seats set an $8 million fundraising target, and neighbourhood events such as the Weaver Heritage Park Halloween fundraisers helped support it.

Is the Hub accessible?

Yes, and the story behind it is worth knowing. The U13 Female Blazers, a local girls' hockey team, won the 2022 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup and put $90,000 of their prize toward inclusive design. The result includes barrier-free seating on every level, wheelchair-accessible timekeeper boxes, penalty boxes designed for sledge hockey, individual shower stalls in dressing rooms and wider washrooms. The City says the design exceeds building code requirements.

How do I get to the Hub and home again?

Parking is on site, but game nights and concerts fill it fast. If you would rather skip the lot, a local cab is the easy option. Kings Cabs runs 24/7 at (306) 307-1113, and their Drive Home service is handy if you are enjoying an evening out. See our guide to Kings Cabs' Drive Home service and our tips on getting around Lloydminster without a car.

Where can I eat and stay nearby?

Cenovus executives have said they expect the Hub to bring visitors who will support local restaurants and businesses. Browse our picks for the best restaurants in Lloydminster, our hotel reviews, and ideas for indoor activities on cold days. New here? Start with our Lloydminster travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Cenovus Energy Hub open?

It officially opened on October 1, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting and community barbecue.

How many people does the Cenovus Energy Hub hold?

The main arena seats 2,500 and can expand to 4,500 for concerts. The community arena adds about 500 seats.

Who plays at the Cenovus Energy Hub?

The Lloydminster Bobcats, Bandits, Lakeland College Rustlers and local minor hockey and skating groups call it home.

Are concerts held at the Cenovus Energy Hub?

Yes. The City and the Vic Juba Community Theatre have a three-year agreement from 2026 for up to three concerts per year. Josh Ross was announced for June 12, 2026.

Is the Cenovus Energy Hub wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It has barrier-free seating on every level, accessible timekeeper boxes and sledge-hockey-ready ice surfaces.

How much did the Cenovus Energy Hub cost?

$101.3 million in total, funded by federal, provincial and municipal governments, Cenovus Energy and community fundraising.

Our team researches and curates this guide from public sources and will update it as new events are announced. Event details can change, so confirm with the City of Lloydminster before you go.

Sources

Lloydminster in November & December: What to Expect This Winter Season