Spectra wants new LED display sign for Oshawa arena to be located at Mary Street parkade

The display sign at the front of Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre is at the “end of its life cycle” and needs to be replaced but arena management want the new sign to be located 170 metres up the street at the Mary Street parking garage

Described as a more “visible” location with higher traffic, the 20-foot x 12-foot high definition LED sign would primarily advertise upcoming events at the arena such as Oshawa Generals games and concerts, but it would also include third-party ads – such as Coca-Cola, Pizza Pizza and Tribute – as well as City public service announcements, program registration and such things as COVID-19 information.

Vince Vella, the general manager of the Spectra Venue-managed arena, said new VB technology will allow Spectra and the City to run full colour video advertising.

“The new location provides a much higher pedestrian and traffic volume, which would significantly increase viewership/impressions than what is experienced on the venue in the current location.”

The current video board was installed in 2006 when the arena, then known as the General Motors Centre, was built.

Higher viewership, Vella added, translates into increased market awareness and ticket sales for events and “increased impression values” for title sponsors such as Tribute Communities.

The new unit would continue to be insured, programmed and maintained by Spectra or its contractors.

Vella said he wants an answer by April 1 to provide enough time to plan the project and solicit quotes from recognized providers. A quote he provided to the City from Media Resources.com of Oakville has the unit costing about $45,000 per face.

City staff is on board with the request.