In getting the chance to host the 2026 Memorial Cup, the Kelowna Rockets and City of Kelowna made sure in their pitch that upgrades were going to happen to facilities, most importantly Prospera Place.
On Thursday, June 5, the City provided an update, stating the interior of Prospera Place is now an active construction zone and will be for the foreseeable future as a new sound system and scoreboard get installed.
“The improvements at Prospera Place are well underway, with improved public WiFi already in place and the scoreboard installation getting started,” said senior project manager Stefanie Wiik. “In all, the City is investing $5.1 million worth of improvements as the Kelowna Rockets get ready to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.”
Another city-funded improvement taking place is a number of 98-inch display screens being installed throughout the concession areas.
Additionally, Prospera Place has acquired two new state-of-the-art ice resurfacers that arrive in August. A source told Black Press Media that the Rockets are the first team in the WHL to have these new electric ice resurfacers that come with a 'Fast Ice' setting, which allows for a better quality of ice. These machines are popular among NHL teams and could be NHL-mandated, the source added.
“These upgrades are an investment in the facility, in our community, and in Kelowna’s ability to attract major events,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “They will bring Prospera Place up to the standards needed to host world-class experiences — from sporting events, to tournaments, community celebrations — now and into the future.”
