Ottawa Senators Kanata Arena

[phil235]

Originally Posted by ac888yow

GPSs really should have an "Avoid Probable Harm" option alongside the avoid tolls and highways options.

You might be sitting on a gold mine there.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by phil235

You might be sitting on a gold mine there.

I believe apps of this nature do exist but not on mainstream commercial GPS systems.

I suppose if they did the companies would get accused of elitism-racism-intolerance, etc.

[Kitchissippi]

an anti-social app... you can call it "Avoidr"

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by phil235

It is particularly odd, because the L goes right by the arena, so there doesn't seem to be any reason there couldn't be a stop within a couple of blocks.

I remember being taken to that area as a kid by hockey billets from Chicago. It was a non-game day. When I asked if we could stop the car to see the arena, they said that it wasn't safe to even get out and take a picture. They were suburbanites, mind you, but that may explain the lack of nearby development.

Just checked. Epic fail.

There's a fairly significant amount of these downtown arenas built in a sea of parking lots. Talk about a lost opportunity. Seems the idea of building an urban village around arenas and stadiums (TD Place Ottawa, Rogers Place Edmonton, New Detroit Arena) is a fairly recent phenomena. Though including a hotel has always been popular.

Too bad Québec and Seattle aren't following the trend.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

I'm actually quite glad that development did not pan out.

The 1990s were an era of significant suburbanization in Ottawa

As were the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 2000s, 10s, and as will be the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, unless the city actually starts adhering to some of the pretty but pointless planning language it keeps churning out in its never-ending updates of its supposedly-urban, but at heart suburban-planning policies.

[rocketphish]

Sens' premium seats a hit with business

David Sali, OBJ
Published on February 06, 2015

The Ottawa Senators say the planned new premium seating area at Canadian Tire Centre is shaping up to be a big winner with fans in the business community.

The NHL club is preparing to launch three upgraded seating formats for the 2015-16 season – Victory Suites, Loges and Luxe seats – as part of its new 20,000-square-foot Club Bell at the west end of the arena on the 100 level.

All three options include full access to Club Bell’s bar, lounge and a private kitchen offering menu items such as fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas, as well as VIP valet parking and a private entrance to the club.

Geoff Publow, vice-president of strategic development for the Senators, said today’s fans are demanding more bang for their buck, especially when they are treating business clients or employees to a night out.

“It’s more than just coming to the game,” he said. “You’re taking part in a real experience.”

He said the new seating areas fill a niche for small and medium-sized businesses that find traditional luxury boxes too large or expensive for entertaining smaller groups of clients or employees, but still want more than a standard club seat.

“You were either buying a pair of seats in our club seats or you were having a full box where you were hosting a large contingent each time out,” Mr. Publow said. “We didn’t have anything in between.”

The new seats also make it easier to mingle with other fans than traditional boxes, he added.

“You’ve got your own private area where you can host your guests; you’re also part of a larger networking opportunity with the rest of the members of Club Bell,” he said.

The Victory Suites are what are often dubbed theatre or opera boxes – essentially a scaled-down version of the CTC’s private luxury boxes, seating six to 10 customers rather than 16 to 20.

The 14 new suites, which range in price from $80,000 to $125,000 per year and require a five- or seven-year commitment, went on the market in mid-November and sold out in three weeks.

Loges, meanwhile, feature four seats grouped together around a table. The 27 Loges at CTC went on sale early last month at a cost of $45,000 per year over a three- or five-year term. More than half have already been snapped up, Mr. Publow said.

Finally, 300 Luxe seats – basically, upgraded versions of the current club seats with higher backs and slightly wider cushions – hit the market a couple of weeks ago at an annual cost of $10,000 apiece in packages of two or four.

http://www.obj.ca/Local/Sports-and-e...ith-business/1

[J.OT13]

That's good to hear. They can keep testing these various concepts at the Corel Centre so that they know the best way to design the new arena right off the bat.

[rocketphish]

Senators reveal $15M upgrade to Canadian Tire Centre

Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: September 15, 2015 | Last Updated: September 15, 2015 7:34 PM EDT







On the second week of school, reporters took a field trip to the Canadian Tire Centre, strapping on hard hats and safety boots for an inside look at a major upgrade to the home of the Ottawa Senators.

Despite the distraction of new and improved food outlets along the tour, media battled to focus on the sujet du jour: Club Bell, the arena’s fancy new digs in the northwest side of the building.

So, how did your summer renovation go?

The Senators pumped more than $15 million into their off-season upgrade. (For comparison purposes, the organization typically spends $3 million to $5 million in annual improvements). From the outset, the ambition was lofty: “We wanted the best location to watch a game in the entire league,” said Senators president Cyril Leeder, from underneath his red Senators hard hat.

Construction is ongoing. Not until Oct. 11, for the regular season home opener against the Canadiens, will club members be able to look up close and personal at superstar defenceman Erik Karlsson and the rest of the Senators. But the vantage point from this 100-level club is fabulous – that was apparent even looking at a blank sheet of ice Tuesday afternoon.

“We tried to so something spectacular with Club Bell,” Leeder said. “We weren’t just trying to have a small upgrade, if you’re going to make changes of this magnitude, you really want to deliver something special for our fans.”

The project began with sledge hammers and wrecking balls. The Senators removed 18 suites, and eight rows of seats in front of them. Also, the concourse behind them, and right out to the street (to valet parking).

In all, capacity in this members-only club is 472. The so-called ‘Victory’ suites are already sold out. The loges, with their affixed table tops (great for entertaining writers on deadline!) sold quickly, and now more have been added. The sale of individual seats ensue.

This new, not-for-the-average-Joe fan experience is all-inclusive — parking, seats, food, the works. Seats start at $10,000 and loges and suites go up from there.

You guessed it. There is a payback for the hockey club.

“We expect an uptick, from our ticket (revenues), of about eight to 10 per cent from the Club (Bell) alone,” Leeder says. “It’s substantial. It’s a big investment so you need that type of improvement just to pay for it, but in the long run it’s good for the hockey club as well.”

By losing individual seats to help make the change to fewer, but more luxurious seats, the overall capacity of CTC drops to 18,694 from 19,153.

And so the Senators trumpet the biggest investment the Senators have made in their building since it opened in 1996. They also remind fans about the increased security at the rink, courtesy of the NHL. Airport-style metal detectors, and bag restrictions. Pack light and arrive early.

Eye on LeBreton

Yes, the Senators have a notion of moving downtown to build a new rink on the LeBreton Flats. But Leeder notes that the best case scenario would be to move in there in five to seven years time. That leaves a lot of hockey to be played in Kanata. The Senators, by the way, are submitting their LeBreton bid by Dec. 15. A final decision by the NCC is expected late in 2016.

Parliament Hill hockey

Mayor Jim Watson tweeted out the possibility of an outdoor hockey game in 2017 at Parliament Hill, LeBreton Flats or Lansdowne Park, so Leeder was asked about it. Parliament Hill? Really? With pop-up seating, anything is possible it seems.

“I haven’t done the measurements and the geometry there yet there but certainly that would be a unique backdrop,” Leeder said of the Parliament Hill idea. The Senators have bid for an outdoor game in 2017, to commemorate the club’s 25th anniversary and the NHL’s 100th. The Senators played the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL’s first game, outdoors, in 1917.

“Our real focus is getting the game,” Leeder said. “The league will decide where they want the game to go, the format, the number of seats. It’s really their call.”

Alfie on deck

Assistant general manager Pierre Dorion says talks to bring former captain Daniel Alfredsson into the Senators hockey operations department are ongoing, and the club hopes to have an announcement by the end of training camp.

Leeder would certainly welcome Alfie.

“We’re in the entertainment business and Daniel is the iconic Senator,” Leeder said. “Before we got the franchise if you’d written out what you wanted the perfect Senator to be, it wouldn’t have turned out as good as Daniel turned out to be. He’s a model citizen, a model Senator, someone our fan base looks up to. He’s a bright guy . . . better to have him on your team than play against him.” Amen to that.

Camp time

AGM Randy Lee told reporters there will be 61 players in the Senators main camp, which begins Thursday with medicals and fitness testing. All the rookies who took part in the freshman camp and tournament will be invited, although forward Buddy Robinson will be sidelined initially by a deep bone bruise in his leg, suffered in the weekend rookie tourney. Sunday is fan fest, featuring an intra-squad game. The fun begins at 9 a.m. Arrange your church plans accordingly.

[email protected]
@hockeyscanner

A new look for the CTC

Food changes: Upgrades to 20 different concession stands. The team is adding new food partners as well, including Farm Boy which will offer fresh food in a new Farm Boy Fresh Zone, in Section 210/211. The food on offer will feature artisan wraps, signature salads, fresh soups and sushi to name some of the selections. The team says the zone was as a result of patron demands for more wholesome, fresh and local food options. And Tim Hortons coffee for all.

Parking: Improvements to all parking lots including repaving completed. More than 25,000 tons of asphalt used.

Security: Walk-through metal detectors at all points of entry. The NHL has made these mandatory. In use for non-hockey events and shows. Pat-downs or the use of hand-held wands will be rare. Fans will not be asked to remove shoes or belts, but will be asked to remove any metallic items from their pockets. Patrons with pacemakers and joint replacements should be able to pass through without any impact, the team says.

Once you are in, you are in: Exiting and re-entering no longer be permitted starting Sept. 21. Exceptions for emergencies, not for a cigarette. Small soft-sided handbags, diaper bags and bags specifically required for medical purposes allowed. No backpacks, coolers and duffle bags. Same as last season.

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hock...an-tire-centre

[MountainView]

Here is a CBC article with a bit more pictures of the renovations.
Canadian Tire Centre Changes

Looks like they are going to put a vehicle on display up in the 200 level.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by MountainView

Looks like they are going to put a vehicle on display up in the 200 level.

How very European.

[Radster]

haha, all we need now is for the NHL jerseys to have ads on them.

As for the metal detectors, other than the hassle, and delays which this will cause, my main beef is that I wont be able to sneak in beer or my hipflask to Sens games anymore

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Radster

haha, all we need now is for the NHL jerseys to have ads on them.

As for the metal detectors, other than the hassle, and delays which this will cause, my main beef is that I wont be able to sneak in beer or my hipflask to Sens games anymore

Don't laugh; the NHL is actually considering it.

[HighwayStar]

Originally Posted by Radster

As for the metal detectors, other than the hassle, and delays which this will cause, my main beef is that I wont be able to sneak in beer or my hipflask to Sens games anymore

Doesn't anybody manufacture plastic hipflasks ??

[Norman Bates]

A wine skin or two at the crotch was an old panda game trick.

[rocketphish]

Arena makeover a winning strategy for Sens: Prof

David Sali, OBJ
Published on October 09, 2015

Like many NHL teams this off-season, the Ottawa Senators set out to attract a few high-priced free agents in their drive to succeed at the sport’s highest level.

But it wasn’t players the club’s business office was chasing – it was customers.

Fans arriving at the home opener this weekend will see the results of the largest renovation project in the 20-year history of their Kanata arena, a $15-million makeover that includes airport-like security scanners, a bevy of new food and beverage offerings and a members-only section called Club Bell.

A 20,000-square-foot premium seating area at the west end of the Canadian Tire Centre’s 100 level, Club Bell features three new seating options, a restaurant for the exclusive use of its 472 members, and valet parking.

“We really tried to do something spectacular here with Club Bell,” Senators president Cyril Leeder said in mid-September during a tour of the new-look CTC.

Standing just outside of one of the 14 sold-out victory suites, a scaled-down version of the traditional luxury box that seats six to 10 customers, Mr. Leeder said the Senators felt smaller suites were the way to go in a town that lacks the kind of well-heeled business clients who drive private suite sales in cities such as Toronto and New York.

“Our market here doesn’t have many big corporations that can support that, so we’ve really focused on the small and medium-sized businesses and products that are one, two and four seats,” he said.

The move appears to have paid off. The 14 new suites, which range in price from $80,000 to $125,000 per year and require a five- or seven-year commitment, went on the market last November and sold out in three weeks.

The loges – four seats grouped around a fixed tabletop – were snapped up so quickly 12 more were added to the additional allotment of 27, and only a couple are still available at a price of $45,000 per year over a three- or five-year term.

Finally, Mr. Leeder said he expects most of the 220 individual luxe seats – plusher, wider versions of regular club seats that cost $10,000 apiece for a season – to be sold by the opening night Sunday.

The construction required the removal of 18 suites, eight rows of seats and the concourse behind them, reducing the CTC’s overall seating capacity to 18,694 from 19,153. But the team expects to see an uptick in overall ticket revenues of eight to 10 per cent this season thanks to Club Bell.

Ian Lee, an assistant professor at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, said the premium seats might be shiny and new, but the concept behind them is as old as capitalism itself.

The marketing expert compared the members-only club concept to business class seats on an airplane.

“They’re doing classic market segmentation,” he said. “They’re identifying their high flyers, their five-star customers. This is a small niche, but a very affluent niche and a very profitable niche.”

Noting Club Bell’s members will account for less than three per cent of the arena’s capacity yet are expected to generate nearly three times that much in terms of their share of overall revenue, Mr. Lee said the team is targeting businesspeople and well-off hockey fans who “want the corporate box experience without renting an entire corporate box. In a sense, they’re segmenting the corporate boxes.”

In contrast, he said, the food and beverage upgrades are designed to appeal to a broad range of fans. Among the changes are an increase in the number of Tim Hortons outlets to 14 from three and the introduction of the Farm Boy Fresh Zone, featuring items such as wraps, salads and fresh soups.

“This renovation is really two different renovations,” Mr. Lee said. “I applaud the Senators. This is a very clever strategy. You’ve got to keep investing in your product and offering new features and more variety to keep the customers coming.”

Geoff Publow, Senators vice-president of strategic development, said in an age when fans can see every bead of sweat on Erik Karlsson’s face in high definition from the comfort of their living room, professional sports franchises can no longer afford to simply throw open the doors and expect customers to sprint through the turnstiles.

And it’s not just flat-screen TVs with which the club must contend.

“I think our fans are constantly challenging us to bring them a new entertainment experience,” Mr. Publow said. “A lot of times our competition is nice restaurants and bars downtown where folks are going out for that social experience.”

With innovation being a necessary component for the Senators’ success, there might be a day when fans see other, perhaps less welcome, changes.

Mr. Lee noted this could come as part of the continued trend toward segmented marketing. He predicted it won’t be long before the Sens charge a premium for “economy-class” seats in the exit aisle because they offer more legroom.

“I think that that day’s coming,” he said. “Why? Because the population is aging.”

http://www.obj.ca/Local/Sports-and-e...Sens%3A-Prof/1

[phil235]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

[B]Arena makeover a winning strategy for Sens: Prof


Ian Lee, an assistant professor at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, said the premium seats might be shiny and new, but the concept behind them is as old as capitalism itself.

The marketing expert compared the members-only club concept to business class seats on an airplane.

“They’re doing classic market segmentation,” he said. “They’re identifying their high flyers, their five-star customers. This is a small niche, but a very affluent niche and a very profitable niche.”


Mr. Lee noted this could come as part of the continued trend toward segmented marketing. He predicted it won’t be long before the Sens charge a premium for “economy-class” seats in the exit aisle because they offer more legroom.

“I think that that day’s coming,” he said. “Why? Because the population is aging.”

http://www.obj.ca/Local/Sports-and-e...Sens%3A-Prof/1

Ah, Ian Lee. It never ceases to amaze what this man can claim to be an expert in.

[Norman Bates]

As a graduate from Carleton I am wholly and completely embarrassed that this guy gets to pass himself off in the media using the university as part of his credentials.

The fact that a person of his advanced age is still not a full professor speaks volumes.

If ever the term "so called expert" could be more aptly applied. He has become a fixture on cfra further solidifying this dubious credential. Soon to no doubt be hosting an experts on call for the betterment of the community.

[eltodesukane]

I thought they wanted a new arena.
But now they decide to renovate the one they already have.

"The Senators, by the way, are submitting their LeBreton bid by Dec. 15. A final decision by the NCC is expected late in 2016."
Why LeBreton? Why not Hurdman?

[MoreTrains]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

I thought they wanted a new arena.
But now they decide to renovate the one they already have.

"The Senators, by the way, are submitting their LeBreton bid by Dec. 15. A final decision by the NCC is expected late in 2016."
Why LeBreton? Why not Hurdman?

Two words: Environmental Remediation. Hurdman is built on a dump, so the amount of remediation that would be required would take too long to make it viable. There is an entire thread on that, so you can read up on it there.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

I thought they wanted a new arena.
But now they decide to renovate the one they already have.

Any new arena project will take 8-10 years to come to fruition. The CTC was at a point where it needed a mid-life update, hence the renovations.