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ARENA PROFESSIONALS REFLECT ON INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND GROWTH TACTICS


“ISI events and competitions are great to have in our building because they generally bring a large ice buy. These events also bring family members to the rink. I am not sorry to say, that brings money. The SuperRink is not subsidized by the city or state. It is important for our facility to host events that bring great competition and lots of spectators to the building. ISI is great at doing both.”


Challenges are converted to opportunities when utilization is on the upswing. On the flipside, when utilization goes down challenges become exasperated making it hard to see the opportunity. Fortunately, being part of tremendous organizations, such as the Dallas Stars and the DFW community, we are able to convert challenges into opportunities and opportunities into growth. Tere is plenty of work to be done, but I am confident we are heading in the right direction.


Bologna:


We are a one-surface facility with limited ice availability. Between multiple user groups and public skate times, our facility is full. It is very difficult to find the right balance of ice usage for each user group while still offering public skating times and lessons. Another one of our bigger challenges is staffing, and hiring knowledgeable and experienced staff. Our facility is open about 18 hours a day, seven days a week, and we are located in the Midwest, where skating is not a common activity.


Hunt:


Keeping workers motivated and willing to take initiative, and keeping prices affordable despite the rising cost of operation.


What are the biggest challenges facing the ice arena industry?


Carlson:


I would say that there are two big issues facing the industry. First, the replacement


12 Pete Carlson


Senior Director of Operations and Programming Schwan SuperRink, Blaine, Minn.


of R-22. Tis is going to be a challenge for many arenas including the SuperRink. Expense is an issue, but deciding on the time of year to shut down is also a concern. Rinks that operate 12 months a year have a huge dilemma. Te replacement could take up to six months. Te second concern is part-time staff wages. Te wages continue to increase faster than we can raise our ice rates or concession prices.


Kwasman:


• Working hard to continue to draw people into recreational skating and hockey in traditional and non- traditional markets.


• Te cost of ice and the cost of participating in our sport.


• Skating is not on TV or in the movies and other media as it once was so there is less exposure of our sport.


Hanson:


In addition to my answer for the first question, a challenge is also competing with other activities and interests that families and individuals have when it comes to deciding where to spend or invest their discretionary income, especially those families in the medium- to low-income range. Also, the rising concern and exposure at a national level of head concussions and other sports- related injuries, and the little to ineffective


Corker: Te cost of being in the ice business is a big challenge. We must consistently be looking at how we can fill the buildings while providing the highest value to our customers. Innovation in all areas of the business is critical for long-term success.


Bologna:


Cost plays a major role in participation. With only a few rinks in our area, the cost for ice time is high and prohibits some from being able to participate. Another issue for the industry is the limited exposure to all ice sports including curling, broomball, speed skating, figure skating and hockey.


Hunt:


Minimum wage increase and many other competing activities pulling customers’ attention.


ISI EDGE SPRING 2017


national and local campaigns to counter and explain the health and entertainment benefits of ice skating sports and activities. Many parents are very hesitant to have their children participate for fear of serious long-term injuries.


Bugenhagen


Again, operation costs to run and maintain the facility on a daily basis.


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