There is a possibility the Saskatoon Blades ownership could play a bigger part in SaskTel Centre operations going forward.

Blades President Colin Priestner, spoke at the city’s Governance and Priorities committee meeting yesterday (Monday). H was asked a partnership were to happen would Blades ownership want to see a change in either management or the governance structure. Priestner answered they wouldn’t want to drastically change any existing structure at all. He says the ownership group wants to look at how they can lead and assist out of COVID, both financially and with new ideas. Priestner says they want to provide a better user experience for people attending events at the SaskTel Centre.

The Priestner Sports Group submitted a letter saying it wants to enter into a public partnership with SaskTel Centre and has formulated an extensive plan for what that could look like.

Mayor Charlie Clark says the Blades are the most significant partner for the facility, given they have the most number of events put on as a partner, and the investments that they have put in. Clark adds if the group is coming forward and saying there might be ways to work together, find synergies, be more efficient and find a way out of the challenges of the pandemic, he believes it makes sense to undertake that option.

The Governance and Priorities committee passed a motion for city administration to report back on options available to pursue the partnership possibility.