Three more years: Bruins, city agree to new contract
Published 10:58 am Saturday, February 10, 2018
The Austin City Council approved a new three-year contract for the Austin Bruins hockey team during its work session on Monday.
The Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board voted to approve the recommendation to have the council formally accept the contract during its regular meeting on Wednesday.
The contract runs from Sept. 1, 2018, to May 1, 2021.
Under the terms of the contract, the Bruins agreed to a Riverside Arena rent increase from $6,047 per month to $6,227 per month for seven months of the 2018-19 season, a total of $43,589. The amount will increase to $6,351 per month for the 2019-20 season and to $6,478 per month for the 2020-21 season, a total of $44,457 and $45,346 respectively.
Other stipulations of the contract include:
• Payments are due by the 10th of each month;
• Game dates in excess of 28 will be billed at $145 per hour;
• The first day of practice each year will be the day after Labor Day;
• Practice hours in excess of 270 hours will be billed at $110 per hour during the season from September to March;
• April practice ice will be billed at $110 per hour; and
• April game blocks will be 4-hour block at $110 per hour.
The Bruins are also responsible for the cost and expense for personnel, including ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers, the public address announcer, scoreboard and electronic operators, game officials, security, and a team doctor or certified trainer.
Since Riverside Arena is also open to Austin Public Schools, Austin Youth Hockey and the Riverside Figure Skate Club, the contract prioritizes scheduling, with North American Hockey League (NAHL) practice taking precedent on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday evenings for NAHL games. NAHL games scheduled during the week will be considered but should not conflict with Austin High School games.
The council will formally vote for approval at its next regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Paint the Rink Pink
The Bruins will be playing the Minnesota Magicians tonight for Paint the Rink Pink at Riverside Arena. The Bruins will raise money for The Hormel Institute in a variety of ways, culminating with the annual live postgame auction featuring player performances and unique Bruins alumni and Minnesota-sports based items. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Hy-Vee, Holiday Inn Austin, Games People Play and Jim’s Marketplace for $11 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.