The South arena at the Coke Centre has a new name. The Grande Prairie Public School District has signed a 5 year, 50 thousand dollar naming rights agreement with the city. It will now be called the Academy Arena, to reflect the new name of the sports and arts program based out of Alexander Forbes school. Academy program principal Terry Gorgichuk explains why they are breaking off on their own from the EDGE school in Calgary.
“It just gives us more of an opportunity for growth. Â We have the expertise here in Grande Prairie, so we do not need to rely on Calgary’s people anymore. Â And so there is no change whatsoever in the program. Â It is still going to be offered as is.”
The agreement also includes a storage/dressing room for the hockey portion of the Academy program. The name change for the program officially takes place in the fall.