Evraz Place dealing with events standstill due to COVID-19

Evraz Place would normally be filled with thousands of people for concerts and events throughout the spring and summer in Regina.

But in the COVID-19 pandemic, that might not be a reality.

Regina Exhibition Association Limited, the group that operates Evraz Place, is facing an economic crunch due to the postponement of sporting events and concerts as well as cancellations of many events.

CEO Tim Reid said Canada’s Farm Show in mid-June is “a longshot” in terms of happening in 2020.

“I think we’ve all recognized (the show was in jeopardy) with the decisions that are being made (by the provincial government) and really the lack of discussion about how we phase in public gatherings,” Reid told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday.

Reid said more discussions are taking place and a decision on the fate of the event is expected next week.

“I would say it’s not looking positive for a farm show in 2020,” he added.

Another event that remains up in the air is the annual Queen City Ex.

“We’re hanging on pretty tight to (the Queen City Ex). In fact, I think by the time (the COVID-19 restrictions) come to a close, that type of a get-together is just what the community needs,” Reid said. “We’re not going to let (the Queen City Ex) go but we’re hanging on to it and hoping.”

Due to all the cancellations, REAL had to ask the City of Regina if a $13-million loan the organization received could be put towards operating expenses instead of sports and capital costs.

“The nice thing with it is that I think we have the funds to at least get us through the majority of this year if revenue doesn’t turn back on, but obviously it does mean that we’re incurring debt,” Reid said.

“Like many other organizations, we will have to change the way that we do business because we will have a significant amount of debt that we wouldn’t normally have on our books.”

Reid said REAL has had a number of sports leagues reach out to inquire about Evraz Place’s state of operations.

Reid said that while major sporting leagues could get by without fans in seats thanks to large television or radio deals, that’s not the case for many other events.

“We’re really in the business of bums in seats and selling popcorn and a cold beverage at a sporting event or concert,” he said.

Reid said REAL is in contact with companies like Ticketmaster to try and find dates that can work in the future for rescheduled concerts and other events.