Regina Pats announce lower ticket prices, planned improvements to Brandt Centre

It will be easier on the wallet to attend Regina Pats games this season.

The hockey club announced a number of changes it says are designed to make it more affordable for families and deliver greater value for fans as the club begins managing the Brandt Centre.

All ticket prices are being reduced by 15 per cent. The club is also introducing Family Zone tickets priced at $12.50 per seat, plus taxes and fees.

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“Times are a little tougher, so we need to be more competitive price-wise,” said Shaun Semple, owner of Brandt Sports & Entertainment.

Semple referred to the decision as “a gamble” for two different reasons.

This coming season will be the first year Brandt Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Pats, will also manage and operate the Brandt Centre.

Brandt Properties is still waiting to close its deal selling several REAL District buildings to the company on Sept. 1.

Additionally, Semple said the team is “giving back a whole bunch of money before we get any money on top of substantial losses.”

Each game, 700 Family Zone tickets will be available at a lower price for Pats fans.

“I mean, a $12 ticket? I don’t know if that gets you into a movie,” Semple said. “We’re trying to do our best to try and balance the scale here.”

Season-ticket renewals begin on Tuesday. According to the Pats, each season-ticket seat will include a $170 food and beverage credit, delivered as a $5 credit for every regular-season home game.

New season tickets can be purchased starting Aug. 17.

This is the first year the team will take over food and beverage operations at the arena, as part of the sale of REAL District buildings.

Regina Pats CEO Gord Pritchard said this is the first year the team can control every element of the fan experience.

“I think this model, it’s more risk for us,” he said. “But I think we’re comfortable with that because we’re confident that we can deliver the experience that fans want.”

Semple is hoping to include more food options that will drive sales.

“We have more influence on the menu, we had no influence on the menu before,” he said. “That’s the other side of the piece. We’ll look to try and enhance that.”

Rink renovations delayed until Brandt-REAL deal closes

Semple promised to invest $10 million in improvements for the Brandt Centre, while negotiating the sale of several REAL District properties.

However, Semple said construction will have to wait until the deal is closed on Sept. 1.

“We’re going to start the journey once we have the levers of control,” he said.

Semple said the Pats season starts in late September, limiting what renovations can be completed.

The LED rink boards and power ring were originally planned to be unveiled this season, but the upgrades have been pushed back until next year.

Rendering of interior improvements to Brandt Centre of the LED power ring and rink boards. (Brandt/City of Regina)

Planned improvements at the Brandt Centre include upgrades to the mechanical systems, arena sound system and lighting.

Food and beverages are being updated and fans should also benefit from bowl seating improvements and expanded premium viewing options.

Security will also be improved, both in the Brandt Centre and in the rest of the REAL District.

Queen City Distillers project delayed

Semple said the venue that will contain a sports bar, restaurant, speakeasy-style lounge, wine and spirits bar and three stages, is experiencing construction delays and inflated costs.

The Queen City Distillers project is what Semple hopes will deliver the all-in-one fan experience patrons of the rink are looking for.

Construction has begun on what will be the Queen City Distillers building. (Gillian Massie/ 980 CJME)

“We were hoping to have the sports bar open here for December, and it’s being pushed a little bit,” he said.

Semple said the project started with a $12-million budget, but has ballooned to over $40 million.

“We’re pouring everything into this one,” he said. “This is a pet project for us, so it’s going to be an art experience. It’s going to be complete, overwhelming experience.”

Semple said he hopes the venue will host up to 120 events a year.

He hopes the sports bar will open in February.

— with files from 980 CJME’s Gillian Massie