RBC Cup Seeks Revenue Sources

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Friday, 07 June 2013 10:15
  Organizers of next year's Royal Bank Cup hockey event are looking to local government for new revenue sources.  Co-chair Mike Lane and committee member Don Klepp have asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to consider upgrades to Kal Tire Place such as improving WiFi service, and allowing the host committee to control food and beverage sales in V-I-P areas. "The idea for hospitality suites is something that we can potentially put in the mix for sponsors and promote to the VIP's which helps us increase our revenue. It's an area we can include in the event that gives people a chance to enjoy the event in a different way," Lane told Kiss FM. The host committee has recently learned it's not eligible to use an expected $40,000 in 50-50 raffle revenue, and up to 65,000 in expected proceeds from beer sales will go to the regional district. Lane and Klepp also urged local politicians to get behind and promote the event in the community. "Definitely we would like support from the Greater Vernon (Advisory Committee) group. This is a national event and we need civic leaders to get involved and help us promote this event because they're the people that can really sell this event to the community,"said Lane. Klepp told GVAC, the 10 day event will result in visitors coming to the area. "It will be a hockey tournament wrapped in a vacation package. That's how we are going to promote it," said Klepp. Lane says they're hoping to raise 100-thousand dollars in sponsorships, but says the biggest factor will be selling tickets to the games. "The budget we've put forward (about $550,000) is an operational budget based on average and good numbers that are very achievable. The biggest thing we have to do is put bums in seats. If we can sell tickets, we'll be just fine." The national junior A hockey championship which will feature the Vernon Vipers as the host team, plus four other teams from Canada, is set for May 10-18 at the 3,000 seat Kal Tire Place.