New glass allows for better viewing at arena

Cold Lake, AB – Spectators at the Imperial Oil Place Arena are going to have a new view this winter season.

New panels of tempered glass have been installed around the rink, with an extended height over the old pieces. The new glass panels are eight feet in height, which extends well above the previous five and seven-foot pieces previously used.

“We wanted to make a better viewing experience,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “With the higher glass, we’re able to remove the side netting that people in the stands would have had to watch through.”

With the safety netting stowed away, spectators can now see the rink more clearly, either through the higher glass panels, or over top from areas such as the lounge.

“With the netting removed from the sides of the rink surface, people should be aware and remain vigilant for pucks leaving the ice surface and coming into the spectator seating,” said Copeland. “It was always a risk, even with the netting, but people have been asking about removing the netting for years for a better view of the rink, and extending the glass finally gives us the opportunity to do just that.”

The panels were installed by Omnisport at the end of July, with a couple of custom pieces still left to be ordered and installed. It is expected the installation will be complete within the next couple of weeks. Additional signage will also be posted, reminding spectators to be mindful of pucks potentially leaving the playing surface.

“It’s a great way to kick off the skating season,” said Copeland. “We’re all looking forward to watching some great events this winter.”

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