It’s been holding events for a couple of months already, but now the official ribbon cutting is scheduled.

The official opening of the South Okanagan Events Centre will take place Thursday starting at 1 p.m., with the ribbon cutting set to take place at 5:15 p.m.

“It is an exciting time for the City of Penticton and residents of the South Okanagan. With the grand opening of the South Okanagan Events Centre, the ability to bring top level entertainment and sporting events is now upon us and you don’t have to go very far to be entertained, ” says Global Spectrum Facility Management’s Curtis Webb, General Manager of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

He says the SOEC will be open from 1 p.m. through 7 p.m. and visitors will receive a SOEC information guide.

“The public will be encouraged to walk around all levels of the event centre and get a behind the scenes look at the VEES dressing room, suites available for rent and the Valley First Vault Bar & Grill. SOEC staff will be available to answer questions and guests are encouraged to attend the open house at their leisure throughout the afternoon.”

Webb says stands will be serving free hotdogs, popcorn, Pepsi and hot beverages and the ice surface will be available for a free public skate.