SASKATOON – A Saskatchewan Rush push towards a deep National Lacrosse League playoff run could translate into continued success at and away from SaskTel Centre. The Rush has drawn thousands of fans for each of their home games, many of whom are coming to Saskatoon from out of town.
Local businesses should take advantage of the increased traffic, according to University of Saskatchewan business professor Keith Willoughby.
“The Rush, having a wonderful schedule in which the games are scheduled weekly on either a Friday or a Saturday evening, you’re able to take care of restaurant traffic, there’d be opportunity with hotels as well,” he added.
A number of establishments in the city have already used Saskatchewan’s newest professional sports team to boost their customer base. On game day at The Canadian Brewhouse in Stonebridge, many fans congregate and catch a ride to SaskTel Centre, according to one of the bar’s managers.
“We started with one shuttle, just one bus, like a standard school bus, forty-two seats,” said Alex Dunn, The Canadian Brewhouse regional manager.
“Right after the second game we’ve upped it to two.”
YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD: The origins of Canada’s national summer sport
The Radisson Hotel in downtown Saskatoon has also seen their traffic increase, according to its sales and marketing director Amanda Cisecki. The hotel is the official partner of the Rush and provides lodging for its players and staff, as well as their opponents, on the weekends when games are held.
- Toronto Pearson gold heist: Ontario man arrested at airport after arriving from India
- Capital gains changes could have ‘irreversible’ effects, business groups warn
- ‘FLiRT’ COVID-19 subvariant dominant in Canada. What to know about the strain
- After tornado outbreaks in the U.S., could Canada see similar storms?
Up to 40 rooms could be booked on a given weekend for both teams, said Cisecki, who added that hotel management jumped at the chance to partner with the club.
“We were on it right away,” said Cisecki.
“Just even having people throughout the hotel, you know, in jerseys … people are really excited.”
It’s not too late for Saskatoon-based businesses to take advantage of the Rush’s early popularity, according to Willoughby. Unlike other sports teams who have come and gone in Saskatoon, he said the Rush have a chance to become a staple in the city.
“The National Lacrosse League has had some longevity so that, I think, reduces the risk that they’re simply going to be an entity that comes in and then leaves quickly,” said Willoughby
“Just to have that team to cheer for and the home team to cheer for, it just brings the whole city together,” added Dunn.
Comments