It ws my first visit to Kingston's new K-Rock Centre. It was the last appearance for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs at the new digs this season.

The Fronts beat the Sudbury Wolves 8-2 in an uneventful game. Sure, there were a few tussles and some nifty plays by the Fronts.

I was awed by this new place they call the K-Rock Centre. It is absolutely beautiful and a place all Kingstonians can be proud of.

If you should visit, remember there is ample parking at the municipal lots (Hanson and Chown) just a 10 minute walk from the venue at a modest cost of 3 dollars.

This gorgeous "cosmetic", as coach Marty Abrams of the Wellington Dukes called the new Invista Centre (new home of the Vees next season) is truly worth seeing. It reminds me of a mini Scotiabank Place, the home of the NHL's Ottawa Senators. If you have ever visited that one, see if it doesn't remind you of it on a smaller scale.

It is a joy to view and a must to visit for any event.

Much has been made of a 40 year repayment of the loan required to build it. Much chagrin about the added tax dollars required of Kingstonians to help pay for it. There has been talk of noise bylaw violations (none according to residents in the area on event nights thus far) and the lack of parking in the area on event nights is all a smokescreen.

Fact is, don't just take my word forit,come and visit and see for yourself.

I am absolutely certain that the players of Kingston. Frontenacs are delighted to be a major tenant in such a first rate facility.





Wayjoy

It had better be one of the best facilities that our hard-earned tax dollars can buy. I would hope that 48 million buys at least that!
It is great for those living nearby, because as one of the corner store owners has stated: It is the first time since his family owned business has had snow completely removed from the area. Also now there are plenty of newly erected traffic lights, making it easier for them to travel.
ca

Yes, having just paid my taxes and knowing that there will be a 3% increase, after our beloved mayor's election platform was for a 0% increase. I should hope it's a showcase establishment.
I just don't know what was wrong with the M-centre lot and I don't know why the multiplex in Kingston needed to be put in the (former Kingston) township. A new York street facility could easily have revitalized that area of town, either could have been built there.
The Vees and the Fronts seem to be on solid ground facility-wise now they have to put the product on the ice. The Raiders/Jets series attracted as many fans as the Dukes/Vees. Albeit the Dukes could have attracted more fans if they had a larger seating area no doubt. And this isn't the forum to discuss the Fronts woes.

I can understand the location of the multiplex as that's where a lot of the growth and new residential development has been in Kingston, and the multiplex location is pretty convenient to restaurants, shopping, etc. which can help draw tournament revenue.

It's the K-Rock Centre location, which still irks me. Sure, some places like London have had great success with downtown arenas, but I think locations in other municipalities were better suited considering the transportation infrastructure. It's a nice building in a visible area now, but I'm not sure there wasn't a better site out there for it. Heck, I'd even prefer it being side-by-side with the multiplex facility.