Core Entertainment Updates

[SteelTown]

HECFI sounds a new high note
Rotten floorboards aside, it's been a banner year of big shows and big sales

August 23, 2008
Brent Lawson
The Hamilton Spectator

Hamilton's city-run entertainment complex is on target for arguably its best year ever.

Success in attracting an unprecedented parade of sought-after stars and popular shows has boosted fortunes for the Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. (HECFI), which operates Hamilton Place, Copps Coliseum and the Hamilton Convention Centre.

Hamilton residents could be excused for engaging in some name-dropping these days: The Who. Cirque du Soleil. Annie, Hairspray and other top Broadway shows. All are slated to entertain local audiences in the next several months.

This week, it was music icon Bob Dylan at Copps Coliseum.

In March, a show by legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen became the top-grossing act in the 23-year history of Copps, with nearly $2 million in ticket sales.

The number of performances also shows a healthy increase at Hamilton Place and Copps Coliseum. Convention Centre revenues are up 28 per cent in three years.

Overall, HECFI is projecting a surplus of $100,000 for 2008.

"Two thousand and eight will go down as the best year for HECFI," said Duncan Gillespie, HECFI chief executive officer. "Best, in my estimation, is the combination of financial success and engendering pride on the part of Hamiltonians in these facilities."

This year's success is a continuation of what has become a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the entertainment complex. At one point, consideration was given to renaming HECFI and rebranding the corporation because of the buildup of negative connotations.

It also appears earlier changes are now paying dividends. In 2006, HECFI restructured its sales, programming and advertising and marketing departments.

Gillespie said there's more than money at stake in determining the true value of Hamilton Place and Copps Coliseum.

"It makes you a world-class city. It puts you on the map. It makes you proud to live in this city. It attracts people to come and live in this city."

The health and well-being of HECFI is important because residents help subsidize its operations (about $2.5 million a year); the more successful it is, the less assistance is needed from taxpayers. Concerts can also attract thousands of people to the downtown, providing economic spinoffs.

Climbing the financial ladder has been a challenge because even the most successful shows may only translate into modest revenue for the venue, says Marvin Ryder, a lecturer in marketing at McMaster University. He said HECFI will continue to rely on the city's subsidies.

"Duncan Gillespie and the board should be given credit for snagging a number of events. These are good, and they do add value. But no one should get it in their heads that at the end of the year there's going to be a true profit," said Ryder, a member of the HECFI board from 1990-96.

"If people ... think all that success now means we don't have to subsidize them ... no. They make some money out of these, not huge bucks. A concert that brings in $2 million in ticket revenue, (the) actual amount that goes to the venue may only be $25,000."


By the numbers

HECFI financial results: revenue, expenses, including city hall subsidy

2005: $549,000 deficit

2006: $38,000 surplus

2007: $64,000 surplus

2008: $100,000 surplus

(projected)

Performance dates at Hamilton Place (number of performances)

2005: 115

2006: 126

2007: 138

2008: 160 (projected)

Performance dates at Copps Coliseum

2005: 92

2006: 109

2007: 141

2008: 160 (projected)

Convention Centre, total revenue

2005: $2.88 million

2006: $3.25 million

2007: $3.61 million

2008: $3.7 million (projected)

(28 per cent increase from 2005 to 2008)

[DC83]

Wow, fantastic news!
I somehwat noticed the increase in shows when I was searching HECFI.ca the other day and was like, "When is this list going to end!?" Not that I'm complaining.
And the best part, LOTS of these shows are great quality shows too!!

So how's that Madonna tour rumour goin, Steeltown? Do we need to email some ppl to make it happen or what!?! hahaha

[fastcarsfreedom]

The spinoffs alone for downtown are golden, let alone a reduction in subsidies from the city. Hopefully this newfound vigor will allow for further capital expenditures to update/upgrade facilities. Perhaps the idea of selling the naming-rights for Copps will be given some gravitas also - an idea for which the time has come - adding to the revenue stream and allowing further investment in the facility. The notion that the "Copps Coliseum" name ought to be some sort of sacred cow is robbing HECFI of potential revenue. I certainly appreciate sensitivity for Mayor Copps' legacy--and I'm certain there could be an appropriate way to recognize his contributions to the city and the concept of the facility.

Nearly a full year of dates when you combine Copps and HP is fantastic.

Onward and upward.

[SteelTown]

I'd support naming-rights for Copps. Perhaps Labatt could name is Lakeport Coliseum. Rename the Jackson Square rooftop to Victor Copps Square.

[SteelTown]

Originally Posted by DC83

So how's that Madonna tour rumour goin, Steeltown? Do we need to email some ppl to make it happen or what!?! hahaha

I'd be up on cloud number 9 if HECFI announced a Sticky and Sweet tour, maybe Sept 18th!?. Sssticky and sweet, my sugar is raw! haha

[fastcarsfreedom]

Good call on the Jackson Square Plaza Level Steeltown - perhaps a statue of the man would be fitting as well.

[SteelTown]

Yep, have Sheila and Geraldine unveil the statue and maybe renovate the rooftop with a Japanese garden or something. Does the city own the rooftop or Yale?

[FairHamilton]

Things must have been really good in the 90's, especially 1990 to 1996, for Marvin Ryder to provide that back handed compliment to today's HECFI................

[raisethehammer]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

I'd be up on cloud number 9 if HECFI announced a Sticky and Sweet tour, maybe Sept 18th!?. Sssticky and sweet, my sugar is raw! haha

you've metioned this before...what is it? or who is it?

Also, I read recently that there is a group that plays ball hockey on the rooftop of Jackson each week...I think Sunday.
Anyone know of this??

[adam]

Great use of public space!! Back in the day we used to play in church parking lots around Aberdeen .. nobody seemed to mind .. wish we would have had the brainstorm of going to the roof of Jackson back then.. would have been awesome!

[FairHamilton]

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

you've metioned this before...what is it? or who is it?

Madonna

[DC83]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Yep, have Sheila and Geraldine unveil the statue and maybe renovate the rooftop with a Japanese garden or something. Does the city own the rooftop or Yale?

I think that's a fantastic idea! Copps loves Japanese things... I 4get why!?

Victor Copps Rooftop Garden

One trend I've seen in Toronto recently that I like is creating 'natural' gardens/parks. So planting wild flowers, native (to the area) foliage, etc.
I think they look really good, and a Japanese-inspired one named in his honour would be an appropriate memorial.

And I still love the RIM Colliseum name. And when we DO land that NHL team, we could rename Hamilton Place to King Ballsillie's Playhouse. Sounds better than 'Hamilton Place' anyway.. pssh what a boring name

[thistleclub]

Originally Posted by DC83

And I still love the RIM Colliseum name. And when we DO land that NHL team, we could rename Hamilton Place to King Ballsillie's Playhouse. Sounds better than 'Hamilton Place' anyway.. pssh what a boring name

Ron Joyce probably has first right of refusal.

[SteelTown]

Nine Ontario cities chosen for World Junior Hockey Championship pre-competition games

The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Nine Ontario cities have been chosen to play host to 10 pre-competition games leading up to the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa in December.

More than 440,000 tickets have been sold for the 31-game 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, which starts Friday, Dec. 26.

Here's the pre-competition schedule:

Toronto (Air Canada Centre): Friday, Dec. 19: Canada vs. Sweden at 7 p.m.

Kingston (K-Rock Centre): Sunday, Dec. 21: Latvia vs. USA at 7 p.m.

Kitchener (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex): Sunday, Dec. 21: Czech Republic vs. Slovakia at 2 p.m.

Mississauga (Hershey Centre): Sunday, Dec. 21: Canada vs. Finland at 7 p.m.

Oshawa (General Motors Centre): Sunday, Dec. 21: Kazakhstan vs. Russia at 7 p.m.

Brockville (Brockville Memorial Centre): Monday, Dec. 22: Germany vs. Latvia at 7 p.m.

Barrie (Barrie Molson Centre): Tuesday, Dec. 23: Finland vs. Kazakhstan at 7 p.m.

Brampton (PowerAde Centre): Tuesday, Dec. 23: Czech Republic vs. Sweden at 7 p.m.

Hamilton (Copps Coliseum): Tuesday, Dec. 23: Canada vs. Slovakia at 7 p.m.

Kingston (K-Rock Centre):Tuesday, Dec. 23: Russia vs. USA at 7 p.m.

[DC83]

Wow team Canada! Awesome!!!
Can't wait to check it out I'll be there!
Thanks for posting, Steeltown!

[SteelTown]

Copps upgrades 'to improve service levels'

September 18, 2008
Jackson Hayes
The Hamilton Spectator

With the sound of hammers in the distance, Duncan Gillespie was excited about the finishing touches to the new additions to Copps Coliseum.

The CEO of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc., who is set to formally announce the million-dollar changes to Copps and the Convention Centre this morning, said yesterday that the money is being well spent.

"It's about trying to improve service levels in our facilities," he said. "There are over a hundred events at Copps, we want to give you a reason to come more than once."

Some of the new additions at Copps include a new sound system, in-seat service, renovated luxury boxes, the replacement of about 3,000 seats and a new section at ice level offering a unique viewing experience.

Changes will be made to the restaurant facilities as well with a new partnership with Compass Group.

Also to be announced today is the fall entertainment lineup. Though Gillespie remained tight-lipped on exactly who is scheduled, he did say a top draws in country and heavy metal will be rocking Copps.

The Convention Centre is also being updated with new washrooms, wireless internet and a facelift for the dated lobby.

Most of the work in Copps is under way and scheduled for completion before the Hamilton Bulldogs' season opener on Oct. 17, but Gillespie said some of the work may run a little longer.

Officials said the cost of the renovations is around $2 million, which includes money from corporate partners Compass, Molson and PMA.

[SteelTown]

Copps Coliseum Aims To Provide A New Visitor Experience

Ken Mann
9/18/2008

It's about making Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place and the Hamilton Convention Center, "the venues of choice".

HECFI C-E-O Duncan Gillespie announcing that they are well on their way to completing 3.5 million dollars worth of upgrades to the city's entertainment facilities.

Gillespie adds that many of them will be completed in time for the Bulldog's home opener on October 17th.

They include the installation of a new surround-sound system, corporate box enhancements and a lounge with a tropical theme at Copps Coliseum.

There's also a new food and beverage provider, which brings with it an expanded menu and in-seat service for the first time within three of the arena's sections.

Other capital improvements are scheduled to be completed by next year, including three thousand more seat replacements at Copps and sound system and washroom upgrades at the convention center.

[DC83]

^^ I was hoping for a ribbon around upper bowl's lower lip.
Almost every NHL team has one and they are awesome.
I guess we'll have to wait til we get that NHL team.

As for the upgrades, THANK GOD is all I can say esp re: the sound system! Great stuff regardless!

[raisethehammer]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Copps Coliseum Aims To Provide A New Visitor Experience

Ken Mann
9/18/2008

It's about making Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place and the Hamilton Convention Center, "the venues of choice".

HECFI C-E-O Duncan Gillespie announcing that they are well on their way to completing 3.5 million dollars worth of upgrades to the city's entertainment facilities.

Gillespie adds that many of them will be completed in time for the Bulldog's home opener on October 17th.

They include the installation of a new surround-sound system, corporate box enhancements and a lounge with a tropical theme at Copps Coliseum.

There's also a new food and beverage provider, which brings with it an expanded menu and in-seat service for the first time within three of the arena's sections.

Other capital improvements are scheduled to be completed by next year, including three thousand more seat replacements at Copps and sound system and washroom upgrades at the convention center.

Another well-researched news piece from CHML.

[SteelTown]

Facelift for Copps Coliseum

September 19, 2008
Elisabeth Johns
The Hamilton Spectator

Copps Coliseum is getting a makeover.

From new seats, to a better sound system, to a revamped menu, Hamilton's sports and entertainment arena is being redone from the inside out.

In front of the new tropical-themed Coronaville Lounge on the main concourse level, Duncan Gillespie, CEO of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc., yesterday announced the many upgrades.

"We've got to find ways to make our patrons come back on more than one occasion," Gillespie said.

Some of the $3.5 million in upgrades over the next two years is already being spent changing 3,000 seats and a new sound system, in time for the Hamilton Bulldogs home opener on Oct. 17.

Perhaps the most unique addition is a three-tiered moveable seating area at ice level. It's called the Hickory Dickory Deck, after the Hamilton-based company that is building it. Complete with wooden patio chairs, the seating for 12 can be bought for any event except a concert, and it is fully catered.

Speaking of food, the more than one million patrons who walk through the doors of HECFI's buildings can get the chance to dine on bruschetta, smoked salmon and chilled shrimp -- if they're sitting in the new section.

The menu changes reflect what today's more discerning customer wants, said David Adames, executive director of Tourism Hamilton.

"What's really important is that the experience or the production people enjoy is top drawer," Adames said.

Some of the rows in the stadium, including sections 107, 108 and 109 will boast in-seat wait service, so patrons don't even have to get up to get their burger, beer or veggie platter.

Other upgrades include Gibson's Finest Lounge, a restaurant and bar, and a swanky new decor to the 12 corporate boxes. Gone are the tiled floors and multi-coloured bar seats, to be replaced with sleek high back black stools, a wet bar with mini fridge, ceramic floors and large flat-screen TVs -- so you can enjoy the show in style.

Both Hamilton Place and the Hamilton Convention Centre are getting facelifts, too.

The Great Hall stage has been resurfaced and a premium sound system will be installed at Hamilton Place. New washrooms will be added throughout Hamilton Convention Centre.

But, Gillespie adds: "You'll just have to come to the buildings to see them."