Rockets Statement Regarding the 2023 Memorial Cup
Dear Season Ticket Holders, Sponsors and Rockets Fans:
This evening, the CHL announced that Kamloops has been selected to host the 2023 Memorial Cup.
The Kelowna Rockets wanted nothing more than to host and win the 2023 Memorial Cup in front of our loyal fans. We are as disappointed as you are to not be able to do so.
When we submitted our intent to bid, there was an audit conducted of Prospera Place, commissioned by the Rockets, the City of Kelowna, and the GSL Group, who own, operate and manage the arena. This audit found that there were significant deficiencies that needed to be upgraded for the facility to meet the CHL standards for hosting the Memorial Cup.
Ultimately, an agreement with the Rockets, City of Kelowna, and the GSL Group could not be reached to make the necessary capital improvements to the building. As a result, the building did not meet the minimum standards required to host the event by the CHL, and consequently, the Rockets could not proceed with our bid to host the 2023 Memorial Cup.
The 2022-2023 season marks the 23rd year the Rockets have been in the building now known as Prospera Place. We have enjoyed playing and hosting over 900 games in front of our loyal fans over the last 23 years and are tremendously proud to have been able to bring all of these games to Prospera Place.
Our hope as we look toward the future is that the GSL Group will work to complete the necessary improvements the audit identified so that we can once again bring a Memorial Cup back to Kelowna.
We look forward to seeing you next season.
-Your Kelowna Rockets