EDIT: A previous version of this article quoted Jim Weller as saying there were no other skate rental services in Grande Prairie. Ernie’s Sports Experts can also arrange for skate rentals. We regret the error.
People can now rent skates from the City of Grande Prairie. It has opened a skate rental and sharpening service at the Coca-Cola Centre. General Manager Jim Weller says the idea was brought up by staff about a year and a half ago.
“I think it’s going to provide another value-added service for the Coke Centre.”
The skate shop can be found to the right inside the arena’s main entrance. A total of 39 pairs of hockey skates are available, three each of every size from children’s to men’s size 12.
“It can be rented by those trying skates for the very first time just sliding themselves along the boards or it can be for those who have done it for a while and forgot their skates for the day,” says Weller.
Skate rentals will be available whenever the facility is open at a cost of $3 to $6. Skate sharpening is also available at a cost of $5. Weller wouldn’t disclose the price of setting up shop, saying only that the city had been given a good price by an undisclosed retailer.
Another noticeable change in the Coca-Cola Centre is the loss of Ernie’s Sports Experts. It follows the sporting goods store’s departure from the Eastlink Centre last year. Weller says both were a business decision.
“We have somebody in mind for that space and we’re having discussions with one of our current leasers in our facility to look at that space. They’re already somebody who’s there and have been there for many, many years.”
Weller says an announcement will be made once a contract is signed, noting that people won’t be surprised.