Lethbridge's ENMAX Center celebrates 50 years

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. –

The ENMAX Center in Lethbridge is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“It started as the Canada Games Sportsplex in 1974 when we hosted the Canada Winter Games and it's grown since then,” said Jennifer Norsworthy, acting general manager of the ENMAX Centre.

Ron Sakamoto, president of Gold and Gold Productions, which opened its doors in 1974, helped host the first event, The Doobie Brothers.

“Everybody said, 'Ron, you're not bringing them to Lethbridge,' and I said yes,” he recalled.

“We reported it and tickets went on sale, but they didn't sell well because they thought it was a fake show.”

Sakamoto recalled talking to the band's manager when he explained the ticketing issues.

“He said, 'Here's what we're going to do, Ron … we're going to land in Lethbridge, you set it up with TV, radio and newspapers, we'll answer all the questions, tell them as we go. Coming to Lethbridge and it really is,” Sakamoto said. “The next day, 5,000 tickets were sold.”

Since then, the ENMAX Center has continued to grow, celebrating five decades in 2024.

Whether it was Brad Paisley, Elton John, KISS, Carrie Underwood, comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Russell Peters, professional bull riding (PBR), the men's world championship in curling and the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier or Taylor Swift opening for Lethbridge ENMAX, the Center is all these years held a number of important events.

“When we look at events, we always keep the community in mind,” Norsworthy said.

The ENMAX Center housed the Lethbridge Broncos from 1974 to 1986 before the 1987 hurricane.

In 2012, the ENMAX Center underwent a $33.7 million renovation and expansion to bring it up to industry standards.

The project included a 41,000-square-foot expansion that added 18 luxury suites, a press box and a restaurant overlooking the ice.

“It's the only building with curtains that allow for a variety of seating, so it's one of the best buildings in Canada,” Sakamoto said.

But the last 50 years have not been without problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the current state of the economy, has hit the live entertainment industry hard, placing restrictions on the ability to host indoor gatherings and events.

“We understand that not everyone can come to these events, so we try to have as many events as possible for people to come,” Norsworthy added.

Looking forward to the next entertainment that ENMAX Center and Sakamoto will bring to town, Sakamoto holds one record that no one has yet to break.

“When I brought in 'April Wine,' back then there were 7,000 seats you could park, but now, of course, I think it's up to 6,500, but they're sold out,” Sakamoto said. “This record will never be broken because we will not be able to accommodate so many people in the ENMAX Center after the renovations.”

To celebrate the milestone, ENMAX Center is offering 50 percent off ticket sales for the upcoming PBR event.

Norsworthy says more events will be announced throughout the year, but could not make those details public.