The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has expressed concerns over Ottawa’s proposed design for the upcoming Lansdowne Park arena, labeling it as a significant setback that could jeopardize the financial sustainability of the Ottawa Charge team.
According to Sean Moore, the city’s director overseeing the Lansdowne Park redevelopment project, the new event center outlined in the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment plan is anticipated to have a seating capacity of 5,850, which can be expanded to 6,600 with additional standing room. In comparison, the current 58-year-old arena boasts around 9,500 seats.
Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, emphasized the challenges posed by the reduced seating capacity, stating that it could hinder the team’s growth and fan engagement. She highlighted the importance of providing ample seating for fans, citing the significant impact of having 3,000 fewer spectators per game on the team’s financial prospects.
During the previous season, the Ottawa Charge attracted an average of 5,775 fans to weekday regular season games and aimed to increase this to 6,500 for the upcoming season. Weekend games saw an average attendance of 8,348 supporters. Scheer expressed confidence in further growing these numbers but emphasized that the proposed standing spaces offer limited comfort for their predominantly family-oriented audience.
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, echoed Scheer’s sentiments, deeming the situation disappointing and underscoring the league’s positive reception in Ottawa. Despite ongoing discussions with the city and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), Scheer indicated that the league’s concerns regarding capacity had not been adequately addressed.
In response to the PWHL’s apprehensions, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe defended the Lansdowne 2.0 project, attributing the league’s criticisms to negotiation tactics. He highlighted the extensive business acumen of the Mark Walter Group, which owns the PWHL and its teams, suggesting that the league’s statements aimed to leverage negotiations for a favorable lease agreement.
OSEG CEO Mark Goudie expressed surprise at the PWHL’s comments, emphasizing the positive discussions held regarding a lease extension for the new Event Centre. He remained optimistic about reaching an agreement with the league to ensure the continued presence of the Ottawa Charge in the city.
Despite the differing perspectives, Mayor Sutcliffe emphasized Ottawa’s desire to retain the team and hinted at potential future expansions should the team outgrow the proposed arena. He acknowledged the concerns raised by some Charge fans regarding the reduced seating capacity, highlighting the city’s efforts to enhance the fan experience through modern amenities and facilities.
Several fans, including season ticket holders like Jamie Janes and Kayley Kennedy, voiced reservations about the downsized seating capacity, expressing concerns about its impact on the team’s growth and accessibility. They emphasized the need for continued support and development of women’s professional hockey in Ottawa to maintain its upward trajectory.
The PWHL is set to participate in the upcoming meeting of Ottawa’s finance and corporate services committee to address the issues surrounding the Lansdowne 2.0 plan, with a final city council vote scheduled for November 7. The league remains hopeful for a viable solution that aligns with its objectives and sustains its presence in the Ottawa market.
