The Ken Bracko Arena formerly the Max Bell Centre (often referred to as the Max Bell Arena) is an ice hockey arena in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in the community of Radisson Heights. It seats 2,121 for hockey with a standing room capacity of over 3,000. It was originally named after George Maxwell Bell, a philanthropist who helped fund the arena's construction.
The Max Bell Centre hosted curling and short-track speed skating events at the 1988 Olympics. Presently, the arena is home to the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and the primary facility for the Northeast Calgary Athletic Association's minor hockey teams. The arena also hosts Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League games.
Every December, the arena serves as the primary venue for the Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament. The arena is home to the Mac's Tourney's "Wall of Fame" featuring every tournament alumni who has gone on to play in the National Hockey League.
In 2007, the arena completed construction to add a second sheet of ice as the city of Calgary attempts to keep up with demand for ice-time in a rapidly growing city.
Renaming[]
The City of Calgary Council approved the renaming of the arena to the Ken Bracko Arena in September of 2017 to honour Ken Bracko who has spent over 40 years with the Forest Heights Community Association, the Calgary Northeast Athletic Association and the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League serving as president of the Canucks for over 20 years. The arena was formally renamed in a ceremony held on September 17, 2017 prior to the Canucks season opening game.[1]