Digital rendering of new score clock Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

$5.1 million dollars in upgrades

From old school to major league: Prospera Place getting a new look

Jun 6, 2025 | 9:43 AM

Things are heating up at Prospera Place, and not just because it’s summer. The City of Kelowna is moving full steam ahead with a series of major upgrades aimed at enhancing the fan experience and getting the arena ready for the spotlight of the 2026 Memorial Cup. 

Some of the key pieces of equipment arrived this week, including a brand-new state-of-the-art scoreboard and an upgraded audio system. Both will be installed over the summer, turning the inside of the building into a construction zone for the next while. The changes will be hard to miss from the moment fans walk in next season. The experience is expected to feel fresher, more exciting, and more connected. 

“The improvements at Prospera Place are well underway,” said Stefanie Wiik, Senior Project Manager with the City of Kelowna. “We’ve already installed enhanced public WiFi, which will make it easier for fans to share their experiences online, stream content, or simply stay connected during events. And now the scoreboard work is kicking off. It’s all part of a larger $5.1 million investment by the City to modernize the facility.” 

Fans can also expect better visuals throughout the arena, with massive 98-inch display screens going up near the concession areas. These screens will help with wayfinding, menus, replays, promotions, and more, giving people more to see and less reason to miss the action on the ice. An upgraded sound system will also mean crisper music, clearer announcements, and an overall more immersive game-night atmosphere. 

The City isn’t doing it alone. The GSL Group, which operates Prospera Place, is helping coordinate and facilitate the improvements. It’s a joint effort aimed at preparing the building for not only the Memorial Cup but for all the concerts, community events, and other major gatherings that come through Kelowna. 

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And there’s more coming beyond the fan-facing upgrades. Two new electric Zamboni ice resurfacers are expected to arrive in August, and electric charging stations are being added to support them. The move is part of Kelowna’s broader push to cut emissions and improve indoor air quality. These Zambonis also feature “Fast Ice” technology — a modern system that helps create a smoother, faster-playing surface, which should be a hit with players and coaches alike. 

“These aren’t just cosmetic changes — they’re meaningful upgrades that improve the quality of the facility and show that Kelowna is serious about hosting world-class events,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “We’re investing in the arena, in the community, and in our ability to bring more top-tier events to the city, whether it’s WHL playoffs, national tournaments, concerts, or cultural celebrations.” 

When it’s all said and done, the renovations will help elevate Prospera Place to a whole new level, ensuring it’s ready not just for the Memorial Cup, but for the next chapter in Kelowna’s event-hosting legacy.