Saskatoon fans spent over $200,000 at sold-out Blades game concession
SaskTel Centre staff are still recuperating from Sunday’s sold-out game between the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades.
While fans left disappointed about the result as the Pats skated away with a 4-2 win, everything that happened up until the final whistle is being judged as a success from the arena’s leadership.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” said Scott Ford, executive director at SaskTel Centre. “I think the fans had an amazing time. And, you know, we couldn't be more proud of all of our events staff that were involved in working on this particular project in this game.”
Ford said the event went off without any major disruptions — or complaints — thanks to days of meticulous planning and preparation from the hundreds of people involved.
More than 600 staff and volunteers worked the game on Sunday to cater to every need from the 14,768 capacity crowd.
“I think everybody had their best game face on and everybody approached this event with extreme excitement and a really positive attitude, and I think that resonated with the fans that attended this event,” Ford said.
A casual fan of the Blades might not realize the workforce necessary for such a large event.
Of the roughly 600 staff, 52 worked security and entrances, 50 ushers helped fans find their seats, 10 video production and camera operators kept fans entertained, two electricians kept the lights on, and 54 parking staff ensured the nearly 15,000 people at the game made it out of the parking lot in less than an hour.
For the roughly 320 concession staff working the game, fans kept them busy all night.
Ford says 2,200 boxes of popcorn, 2,500 soda drinks and roughly 1,500 hotdogs were sold as fans spent roughly $15 per person — or $221,500 total — on concession items.
Not only was it the single largest ticketed event for the Blades, it resulted in an economic spinoff that has yet to be realized.
“We had a lot of people that were coming from all over Saskatchewan to this game. Lots of people booking in hotel rooms, lots of people shopping in Saskatoon stores prior to the game, after game staying in Saskatoon hotels, so our tourism economy and the spin off economic benefits of a big event like this really are tremendous,” Ford said.
The Saskatoon Blades office was closed on Monday and no staff were available for an interview.
Luckily for Ford and the other 600 staff members, they get to do it all over again on Friday with Bedard and the Pats back to SaskTel Centre for a rematch.
All of the same tips and suggestions apply — doors will be open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. puck drop and buses will be at the city’s major malls again — but unlike Sunday, fans will have to contend with the usual late afternoon traffic.
Ford suggests getting to the arena as early as you can, and begging your boss to leave work a little early if you have to.
“I hope they do that,” he said. “It's a Friday. So yeah, let them sneak away a little bit earlier.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.