Coliseum Set for Loss Despite Komets’ Return
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Fort Wayne Komets announced Tuesday the team would return to play at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum next month. However, our partners at WPTA-TV report the shortened season with reduced fan capacity will result in continued revenue loss for the venue.
The team will play a 50-game season, which includes 25 home games at the coliseum. Attendance is being restricted to 25% capacity, which means a maximum of about 2,600 fans will be allowed at each game. Coliseum officials tell the station the restrictions will mean the venue will continue to lose more than the $3 million it has already lost.
“We have to have all levels of the building open, so there’s no cost savings for staffing,” General Manager Randy Brown tells WPTA. “And as you would guess our revenue streams are parking and concessions, and those areas will be dramatically reduced, as well.”
Despite the change, Brown says some of the 400 coliseum employees who were previously furloughed will be brought back. He adds having the Komets back on the ice will also help the city’s hospitality industry.
“The restaurants around us have suffered so much since March 11 with our last hockey game, so to have activity that gets people back to restaurants, to have some activity for the hotels, as well as the malls and shopping, we hope it’s a step in the right direction for a win-win for everybody,” said Brown.
According to the coliseum’s website, several events scheduled for the beginning of the year have been canceled, including the Mizpah Shrine Circus & Fair and the Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale. Other major events, including the Fort Wayne Farm Show and the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show have been rescheduled to the spring.