Big fans of junior hockey are shooting for $300,000 from the City of Red Deer to increase its bidding chances on the 2013 Memorial Cup.
A Red Deer committee is bidding to host the Western Hockey League’s championship at Westerner Park. The committee says the tournament will invest almost $18 million into the region.
The bid needs to be in by October.
Committee chair Darcy Mykytyshyn said the financial commitment is needed in the event the revenues from the Cup fall short of meeting the commitment that the Western Hockey League needs to secure the bid.
“It is our best estimate, at this time, that we can both present a competitive and compelling bid to the WHL and generate sufficient revenues to ensure that the city’s contribution will not be called upon,” said Mykytyshyn in a letter to city council.
The Memorial Cup committee has set out objectives in its attempt to be successful on the Memorial Cup bid.
It vies to sell out the Enmax Centrium every day; to get the support of community builders and business leaders; to seek the support of the provincial government; and partner with Red Deer County and the City of Red Deer.
The committee believes that the tournament will attract a total attendance figure of more than 65,000 to the tournament, plus another 5,000-plus visitors to Red Deer. As well, 700 volunteers would be sought.
The event will also draw nationwide attention, including TV coverage on Rogers Sportsnet.
City administration has recommended giving the $300,000. Red Deer city council will discuss the issue on Monday.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com