Heavy Metal Place

A civic heart designed to grow with its city.

Heavy Metal Place is more than an arena—it’s a place where individual experiences become part of something larger. Designed as Spruce Grove’s civic heart, the facility brings together sport, culture, learning, and movement in a building that knows how to be a great host.

Engaged by the City of Spruce Grove in 2021, GEC was tasked with delivering a major multi-use facility on a modest budget—without sacrificing program, performance, or fan experience. The solution was a hyper-rational, compact design that removes the unnecessary and focuses on what matters most: intimacy, flexibility, and connection. Every square metre works hard, allowing the building to do more with less.

At its core is the Thompson Family Arena, a 1,400-seat NHL-sized venue and home of the Spruce Grove Saints. Designed for energy and closeness, the seating bowl, premium boxes, party lounge, and mezzanine views create memorable game-day moments while remaining adaptable for concerts, trade shows, and civic celebrations. A second 250-seat community arena supports youth sports, practices, and everyday play.
 

Beyond the ice, Heavy Metal Place weaves together a public library, black box theatre, community art gallery, indoor running track, universal locker rooms, and shared amenity spaces around a central concourse that encourages people to linger and connect. The adjacent transit centre links the facility directly to the City’s walking, cycling, and transit networks.

Shaped through close collaboration with the City and community partners, and designed with sustainability, accessibility, and longevity in mind, Heavy Metal Place is a legacy venue—one that proves when you build for everyone, everyone shows up.