Cool million spent on rink renos

BY SCOTT HADDOW

Despite a record number of fans eager to get into the Sudbury Arena to watch the Sudbury Wolves shred the competition, the franchise is taking seats out.

But it’s all in an effort to enhance the actual experience fans receive while attending Wolves’ home games.

President and governor Mark Burgess has ponied up more than a million dollars to renovate the arena, which was originally constructed in 1951.

Burgess laid out an aggressive plan to add private suites (12 in all), a new club seating section with padded seats and refreshments services along with new washrooms, concession stand and lounge.

He met with the city to discuss the plans and Burgess himself wanted to finance the renovations.

“I’m a taxpayer too,” said Burgess. “Our city has a lot of other issues which need to be addressed other than renovating the arena. We need new roads, rinks for kids and a performing arts centre — three things I strongly believe in – so we decided I would put the money in. The city gets a renovated arena and I get a 15-year operating lease agreement. It’s a win-win situation.”

Burgess is quick to point out there are other winners in this venture as well.

“The fans will be the real winners out of this,” said the owner. “They get to enjoy a new atmosphere and an enhanced, retrofitted arena.”

The renovations come with more than a big financial cost. Seats have been sacrificed to make way for the improvements. Standing room capacity has shrunk from 1,000 to 500, while seating capacity has dropped by 150.

The new arena capacity, with standing room patrons, is expected to be 5,100, down from 5,750.

“We knew we would lose some seats, but we felt we could afford to because  the fans will be enjoying themselves even more this season and beyond,” said Wolves vice president Blaine Smith. “It does put pressure on our tickets...there will be fewer game day tickets.”

The Wolves run to the OHL final this past season also generated a huge demand for season tickets.

Sudbury’s ticket base sits at around 3,300. It represents the highest total in franchise history.

“The demand for season tickets has never been greater and, obviously, we’re pleased,” said Smith. “We had 250 new season tickets purchased during the playoff run...that helped a lot.”

About 75 percent of the renovations are completed.

“All the structural work is done,” said Smith. “It’s now a matter getting the finishing touches done. The heavy grunt work is done. There’s still a lot to do...electrical and water hook ups, drywall and flooring.”
Time is tight.

“The work is right on schedule,” said Smith. “The contractors had a late start because of the playoff run, but that’s fine with us. We’re pleased with the work done and our general contractor – Build North Construction – has been professional and efficient.”

The club also ordered a new video score clock for centre ice. The new clock is expected to invigorate the crowd. On all four sides are seven foot by 10 foot projection screens. Fans will be enthralled with instant replays, live action sequences, graphics and other fun video entertainment such as a kiss cam (where couples are featured on-screen and are encouraged to kiss by the pressure of fellow fans).

“I’m really excited to see the new clock in action,” said Burgess. “It’s going to add a different and fun element to our games for our fans. It’s going to make the experience that much better.”

The club will open the season Sept. 20 in Peterborough and play their first seven games on the road. The team’s home opener is slated for Oct. 12.