Regina Pats move outdoor games inside

Stalled ticket sales and unpredictable weather are being blamed for the Regina Pats decision to move its Homecoming Weekend indoors.

The Pats’ ownership group made the announcement Wednesday evening.

“Ticket sales went well early but plateaued in the last couple of weeks,” said Pats Governor Anthony Marquart in a release issued by the team.

“Weather concerns and the quality of the ice for our players are also a consideration for moving this exciting weekend indoors.”

Speaking after the Pats 3-2 victory over Brandon Wednesday, Pats Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cattell said between 10,000 and 11,000 tickets had been sold and they probably needed to sell another 10,000 for it to work.

“We had a lot of people during the cold snap telling us ‘hey we’re going to wait and see’ and sometimes you have to listen to your fans,” Cattell said.

The much-anticipated alumni game will still happen, albeit inside the Brandt Centre, with family skates and skills competitions on tap for after the game is over.

Cattell said moving the game inside was not a disappointment for the club.

“It’s okay for us retool and still have a big celebration. Rogers Hometown Hockey is coming, Waskimo going to be here and we’re going to pack the rink twice,” he stressed.

“I give this ownership group credit. This is the fourth year that they’ve owned this franchise and they thought big from the get-go. We had a great game here (Wednesday night) with great atmosphere and that’s because this ownership group isn’t afraid to think big.”

TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED

Cattell said anyone who bought tickets will be issued a full refund, a process that will start on Thursday.

However, people who purchased tickets to the weekend games will get the first crack at Saturday’s alumni game tickets and to Sunday’s Pats/Warriors game when they are re-released this Saturday.

Pats season ticket holders will also get early access to the alumni game and the Pats/Warriors game will be placed back on their account as if it were a regular game at no additional charge.

The game will feature several in-game presentations as the Pats celebrate their 100th anniversary season.

More information will be emailed to ticket holders soon.