Senators owner Michael Andlauer provides wishful timeline for completion of new arena in downtown Ottawa

By Evan Bell

Modified Sep 21, 2024 15:56 GMT

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is optimistic that the team will have a new arena in downtown Ottawa within the next five years. The update comes on the heels of the team reaching a deal with the National Capital Commission to purchase a plot of land in downtown Ottawa that would eventually be home to a new arena for the franchise, as well as what is expected to be a training facility.

According to ESPN, initially, the team was being offered a six-acre plot of land from the National Capital Commission. However, not only was the team eventually able to secure a larger 10-acre plot of land, they also now have the rights to purchase the land rather than lease it.

While Senators President and CEO Cyril Leeder made it clear that it will still be years before construction begins on the ambitious project, team owner Michael Andlauer is hopeful that a new arena will be built within the next five years.

"It takes time. I would love to say that in five years we're dropping the puck. I think that's certainly possible," Andlauer said at a press conference.

"We've got a lot of work ahead of us here" - Senators President & CEO optimistic about arena plans under Michael Andlauer despite long road ahead

While constructing a massive multi-faceted building complete with a new arena is something that will take years, Senators President & CEO Cyril Leeder is optimistic about the plans.

"It's a great first step, but we've got a lot of work ahead of us here," he said. "It allows the heavy lifting to go forward now. I know it's years, not months, before a shovel goes in the ground."

"When you think about major facilities and the trends now and where they are, most arenas and stadiums are going downtown. When we came out here 30 years ago, that wasn't the case."

The latest news is the culmination of years of work. More than five years ago, former owner Eugene Melnyk looked to acquire a plot in the same area.

While the hope had been that Melnyk and his business partner would be able to bring a new stadium to the city of Ottawa, things didn't turn out as planned. For one, Melnyk and his business partner reportedly had a falling out, causing plans to hit a standstill.

Then, when Melnyk died in March 2022, the team transferred ownership, with Michael Andlauer purchasing the team in 2023.

The team will shift its focus to their upcoming NHL preseason debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs, set for Sunday at 4 p.m. Pacific (7 p.m. Eastern).