The City of Abbotsford is home to a multi-purpose establishment that showcases world class acts.
The Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC) has seen some huge performances since opening in May 2009.
Located at 33800 King Rd., near the University of the Fraser Valley, the facility has welcomed such big name acts as Kiss, Maroon 5, Train, and Motorhead, all in the past 12 months.
They join an impressive list of entertainers who have graced the stage including Toby Keith, Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson.
There are even more to come. This summer the establishment will host American musician John Mellencamp, Elmo Makes Music, the first Abbotsford Angels lingerie football game, Cirque Du Soleil’s Quidam, the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” and Celtic Thunder and John Fogerty.
The arena also welcomes fans to enjoy some fast-paced AHL hockey and cheer on the Abbotsford Heat, the farm team for the Calgary Flames. The team plays approximately 40 games a season in Abbotsford.
The Heat enjoyed a memorable 2011-12 season under new head coach Troy Ward. They won 42 games, setting a franchise record, and swept their first-round opponents, the Milwaukee Admirals, in a best-of-five series to advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Heat have qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs twice in their three-year history and are building a tradition of winning.
The AESC holds just over 7,000 fans for a hockey game, while major entertainment events can seat up to 8,500.
“The AESC is an integral part of the community because it brings people here from the surrounding regions,” said AESC general manager Jason Blumenfeld.
“There is something here for everyone, whether you like Broadway, Christian rock, or hockey. The AESC stands to bring top-notch entertainment from around the world right to your hometown.”