Discussions into Rexall Place future starting next week

With construction of the new downtown arena well underway, the future of Rexall Place is uncertain.

Starting next week, Northlands plans to ask Edmontonians for their suggestions with what should be done with the 40-year-old arena.

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Coun.Tony Caterina, who sits on the Northlands board of directors, said nothing has been ruled out.

The arena could try and compete with the new Rogers Centre arena, slated to open in 2016, for concerts, or could be renovated to attract larger conventions to the Expo Centre.

There's many organizations ... that might decide to come here if we can offer them the space and the facilities, he said.

Although Edmontonians have been promised a shiny new facility with Rogers Place, its hard to deny the emotional pull of Rexall Place. Northlands Coliseum, as it was known back then, is where the Edmonton Oilers won their five Stanley Cups.

Members of the team that won the citys first cup in 1984 reunited in Edmonton this week. Some, including former goalie Grant Fuhr, were nostalgic about the old arena..

Obviously it's a building that holds a special piece in our hearts, so I'm hoping they find a good use for it, he said.

Others werent quite so sentimental.

Tear it down, put up a parking lot, said former right-winger Dave Lumley.

However, the man whose statue stands in front of Rexall Place was diplomatic.

That's up to the people of Edmonton to decide, said Wayne Gretzky.

All I know is that there is a lot a great, fond memories in that arena Im sure theyll make the right decision on what theyre going to do.

Caterina said the Northlands board will discuss the options at its meeting next week.