The owner of the defunct Newfoundland Growlers ECHL franchise is taking issue with figures from St. John’s City Council about the Mary Brown’s Center and its value to the city.
Councilman Ron Ellsworth, who chairs the finance committee, said the Growlers brought in about $75,000 a year to the facility, or the equivalent of two concerts.
Dean McDonald, president and CEO of Deacon Sports and Entertainment, suggests Ellsworth is not telling the truth. McDonald said St. John’s Sports and Entertainment is guaranteed at least $75,000, but that amount would have been closer to $100,000 had the team played in the regular season and playoffs. That’s what it means. In addition, the city receives $350,000 annually in sponsorship money for the Growlers.
Ron Ellsworth
MacDonald said the $150,000 a year in naming rights from Mary Brown’s Co. is based on hosting hockey, and the city likely earns about $40,000 in parking fees, as well as benefits for players, fans and officials. There are also spin-offs such as 750 or more hotel nights per year for residents, with total revenue between $600,000 and $700,000 in the city.
MacDonald told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that the city has a number of issues, including an inability to meet next season’s schedule in time with the ECHL’s demands. It only happened once every five seasons. He says the ECHL will never have another team in St. John’s.
He said next season’s schedule should be announced by now as it is part of a cycle involving season ticket sales and sponsorships.
VOCM News reached out to the city for answers.
