Rockies Introduce Reduced Rates

 June 3, 2009 by Bram Rossman Provided by ColumbiaValleyNews.com 

It just got cheaper to watch a Junior Hockey game in Invermere.

The Junior B, Columbia Valley Rockies, announced this week that they have reduced the price of season tickets. “Times are tough right now for everyone and we want to help out our fans as much as possible,” said general manager Travis (TJ) Belanger.

While there’s no cap on the amount of season tickets that are available, the Eddie Mountain Arena only holds about 600 people.

Unfortunately sell out crowds don’t happen all that often. “We usually have about 100-150 (fans) at our games; I’d really love to see 200-300 plus” said Belanger. Although audience attendees are usually a varied crowd, families are sometimes scarce.

“It is very important to us to be the community team,” said Belanger, “We hope that by cutting the cost for small and large families that we can turn the Rockies’ games back into a community event every home game.”

As part of the new ticket price packages, the Rockies are also introducing a deal where two adults and any number of children can attend a game for $20.

With 25 home games in the season, along with the possibility of playoff games, ticket holders get guaranteed value for their money.

Asked who he’d like to see attending games, ideally, Belanger said, “I would definitely like to see the young boys and girls that play sports to see how exciting these community events can be. Ultimately though, we would love to see everyone there. I want to create an exciting environment for both the fans and the players to play in.”

Getting fans in the seats isn’t as easy done as it’s said. And Belanger knows that.

“We do understand that it is going to take some time and effort to show people that we are their team, and something to be proud of,” he said.

The newly minted general manager has his work cut out for him, but is already working with a plan.

“I really feel that with a community team like ourselves that we need to understand that it is a give and take relationship. We are trying to host a regular event that is both exciting and affordable,” he said. “We will also be getting out in the community and helping with more events; (and we) will also be continuing with our elementary school work.”

Season ticket prices go up to $175 after August.