“Because it’s the first time we’re trying it, that’s why I chose the May long weekend,” said arena manager Peter Bridge. Given the weekend’s increased tourist population, the event has potential to make more money.
The long weekend has a history of unpredictable weather, which tends to turn people indoors and could help fill seats, he added.
Since this is the second time the arena will host its own event and the item wasn’t in the budget, the wrestling show was brought to council for decision.
“We [Bridge and Yvonne McNabb ,culture and recreation director] didn’t know we had the authority to go ahead and do it.” If the event completely flops, the municipality would be on the hook for a $6,500 bill.
Mayor Richard Ireland recognized the concern, but said such a decision takes council more into the administrative process.
“That takes us out of the realm of governance where we belong, and into the realm of administration where we do not belong.”
Next year, events like this will be added into the budget, said McNabb, so there won’t be any need to come to council.
There’s risk associated with hosting the CNWA event, but the arena has potential to make a lot of money if the 2,000 seats sell. To break even, 400 seats need to sell.
“My motivation [to host this event] was try to bring the arena as close to breaking even as we can. It’s less burden on the taxpayers then,”said Bridge. Excess money generated by the arena would go to its project budget.
Bridge looks forward to bringing a different type of entertainment to Jasper. “It’s really exciting,” he said.
The May 18 event begins at 7 p.m. and CNWA guarantees that the show is suitable for all ages. Ticket prices haven’t been finalized, but they won’t be more than $20, he added.
