(Drummondville) A process is underway in Drummondville to modernize the Marcel-Dionne center, a project whose cost is estimated at 50.8 million.
The amphitheater built in 1962 and which bears its current name since 1980 has 3000 seats. The expansion project will make it possible to add 1,000 additional seats, create a larger ice surface and meet the new requirements of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) for the local team, the Voltigeurs de Drummondville. In addition, 18 boxes will be built in the new amphitheater.
The City of Drummondville wishes to obtain government subsidies and financial support from partners to carry out the project.
The work should be spread over a period of two and a half years after the awarding of the construction contract. Beforehand, various steps will have to be completed, including the loan by-law, the public call for tenders and the awarding of the construction contract.
The Mayor of Drummondville, Stéphanie Lacoste, points out that in addition to hosting the Voltigeurs, the Marcel-Dionne center allocates 90% of its ice time to sports associations and adult leagues.
The ambassador for the Cockburn Street amphitheater modernization project is Drummondville resident Mathieu Perreault, who played in 708 National Hockey League (NHL) games from 2009 to 2022.
Marcel Dionne, who was born and raised in Drummondville, is now 71 years old. He has lived in Ontario for many years.
The Hockey Hall of Famer has scored 731 National League goals, earning him sixth place in the league’s top scorer rankings.