Balsillie’s planned makeover of Copps Luxury boxes, 'bunker suites,' additional seating planned

Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie has released plans to transform Copps Coliseum into a 21st century sports venue.

The design, by architectural firm BBB Architects, and its subsidiary group, Stadium Consultants International, includes adding 50 mid-level private suites, 20 new “bunker suites” at the event level, replacing all of the current seats with stadium seating, a “state-of-the-art” video score board, expanding the current capacity of 17,000 to about 18,500, creating an atrium-style lobby, improving new main concourse, renovating public washrooms and adding new change rooms.

City officials had previously estimated it would cost about $150 million for a complete renovation of the facility. But Mr. Balsillie’s officials pointed out the estimate was done in 2007.

Copps Coliseum was constructed in 1985 to house an NHL franchise. But NHL officials recently have criticized the arena as too old and “tired” for NHL hockey.

Hamilton city officials have agreed, under a 32-year lease arrangement with Mr. Balsillie, that if he is successful in relocating the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton, they would apply to both levels of government for infrastructure funding.

Mr. Balsillie has also stated he would contribute about $5 million initially towards the cost.