Norton
02-03-2004, 11:59 AM
In the recent past, two outside consultants have prepared reports for the City about a new facility to replace the existing Memorial Centre: Parkin Consultants “Kingston Community Memorial Health and Recreational Centre” (1993) and Arthur Andersen Consulting who reviewed the Kingston 2000 Development Project -- specifically, see the section on a Convention Auditorium (arena).
These reports provided numbers of how many actual and potential users exist for a large event / arena facility.
Parkin Consultants (1993) reported to the City that in 1987, 60% of the facility’s events were for junior hockey. In response to the Kingston 2000 (Block D) proposal, the Andersen Consulting report (2000) suggested a realistic number of events for the M-C would likely be in the range of 65 to 70 events per year. Their breakdown included 37 to 38 hockey games, 4 to 6 other sporting events, 6 to 8 concerts and family shows, 6 to 8 trade and consumer shows, and up to 12 other community events. If my math is correct, that means there may be up to 300 days per year when the facility is potentially not booked (except perhaps for recreational skating).
The Parkin study reported that the Kingston Raiders averaged 1500 persons in the 1986/87 season and 1200 persons in the 1987/88 season. Smaller hockey leagues attracted 200 persons. Since 1994/95, hockey games averaged 2,650 fans (Andersen 2000). The current Task Force (2004) reports an average of 2,250 fans per game
The 2004 Task Force appears to be comparing Kingston with Barrie’s situation (similar population, economic base, etc.). In that city, there is an average of 3,800 fans per game.
What contributes to this number? Position of the hockey team (they are a winning team?), the new facility (built in 1996?) different demography (a younger population? – not taken into consideration by the 2004 Task Force)
The City of Kingston’s website also reports that there were 11 events in Barrie in addition to hockey. (http://www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/council/lvec/lvec_questions.asp)
The Parkin Study (1993) began with 8500 seats (but reduced the size to 6500 when factoring in projected attendance as their study came out during the 1991-92 recession). The Kingston 2000 (Block D) goal was 5200 fixed seats with additional 700 seats on the floor for other events. This was reduced to 4500 seats. The 2004 Task Force is reviewing the possibility of 5000 fixed seats with space for an additional 1000 on the floor for entertainment events.
Politicians and citizens of Kingston should add up the numbers and ask about demand before signing on to this project.
These reports provided numbers of how many actual and potential users exist for a large event / arena facility.
Parkin Consultants (1993) reported to the City that in 1987, 60% of the facility’s events were for junior hockey. In response to the Kingston 2000 (Block D) proposal, the Andersen Consulting report (2000) suggested a realistic number of events for the M-C would likely be in the range of 65 to 70 events per year. Their breakdown included 37 to 38 hockey games, 4 to 6 other sporting events, 6 to 8 concerts and family shows, 6 to 8 trade and consumer shows, and up to 12 other community events. If my math is correct, that means there may be up to 300 days per year when the facility is potentially not booked (except perhaps for recreational skating).
The Parkin study reported that the Kingston Raiders averaged 1500 persons in the 1986/87 season and 1200 persons in the 1987/88 season. Smaller hockey leagues attracted 200 persons. Since 1994/95, hockey games averaged 2,650 fans (Andersen 2000). The current Task Force (2004) reports an average of 2,250 fans per game
The 2004 Task Force appears to be comparing Kingston with Barrie’s situation (similar population, economic base, etc.). In that city, there is an average of 3,800 fans per game.
What contributes to this number? Position of the hockey team (they are a winning team?), the new facility (built in 1996?) different demography (a younger population? – not taken into consideration by the 2004 Task Force)
The City of Kingston’s website also reports that there were 11 events in Barrie in addition to hockey. (http://www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/council/lvec/lvec_questions.asp)
The Parkin Study (1993) began with 8500 seats (but reduced the size to 6500 when factoring in projected attendance as their study came out during the 1991-92 recession). The Kingston 2000 (Block D) goal was 5200 fixed seats with additional 700 seats on the floor for other events. This was reduced to 4500 seats. The 2004 Task Force is reviewing the possibility of 5000 fixed seats with space for an additional 1000 on the floor for entertainment events.
Politicians and citizens of Kingston should add up the numbers and ask about demand before signing on to this project.