More than 10,000 people are expected to pack into downtown Chatham for Rogers Hometown Hockey the third weekend of December.
After an almost sold out Pinty’s Grand Slam Elite 10 curling tournament and the great success of the 2018 International Plowing Match, CK councillors were eager to again showcase Chatham-Kent on the world stage.
“[Pinty’s] was great advertising for Chatham-Kent,” said Councillor Douglas Sulman. “[Hometown Hockey] can be equally promising for Chatham-Kent.”
Sulman suggested that elements of the curling tournament promotional video be repurposed for the hockey festival.
Different from the Grand Slam of Curling, the Hometown Hockey event is almost entirely funded by Rogers. For the curling tournament, CK had to pay $160,000 to Rogers.
Mike Turner, the chief financial officer for Chatham-Kent, said that amount will be completely covered by profits from the five days of curling.
“We probably sold about 98 per cent of all tickets,” said Turner. “We were sold out completely on Thursday night, most of Friday’s draws, and all day Saturday and Sunday.”
Ian Clark, the municipal lead for Hometown Hockey, estimated CK’s cost for the festival at $30,000. That amount covers promotions, special events and maintenance services like garbage disposal, washrooms and security.
“$30,000 is an excellent investment in showcasing Chatham-Kent,” said Councillor Bryon Fluker. “I can’t believe the kind of year we’ve had with publicity of CK. When Hockey Night in Canada comes on, it will publicize [Chatham] across Canada. This is going to be a fantastic event for CK.”
The $30,000 will come out of Chatham’s Community Human Services operating budget, but Clark expects a revenue boost to the local economy, thanks to Rogers-paid-for hotel reservations and dining arrangements.
The two-day Hometown Hockey festival takes place December 15 and 16 and is expected to be held in downtown Chatham.
