The National Capital Commission has unveiled new details about the Senators’ future home at LeBreton Flats, including “an estimate that the arena could seat about 16,000 people,” according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. The figure was included in a request for proposals issued Friday as the NCC begins seeking developers for the Aqueduct District, a new entertainment and cultural hub that will surround the future home of the Senators. The document states that the arena “is anticipated to commence operations in the mid-2030s.” The Senators have yet to publicly release plans for the facility. A sellout at the Canadian Tire Centre is 17,010 this season, but capacity is well over 18,000. The Senators are working with architects on the design of the arena and surrounding district, and the final seating capacity has not been determined. Senators President & CEO Cyril Leeder has said that the organization “hopes to unveil its plans sometime early next year.” The Senators have indicated they believe that fans “want more public spaces in rinks and a more intimate setting” (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 11/2).
