A Western Hockey League (WHL) championship by the Moose Jaw Warriors, a Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship, and numerous concerts, graduations and galas were among the highlights in the Temple Gardens Centre’s 2024 annual report to city council Monday.
The Warriors’ playoff run had a significant impact on the bottom line for the Temple Gardens Centre — formerly known as the Moose Jaw Events Centre. The team played 20 playoff games en route to a WHL championship, including 10 sellouts.
“Tailgate parties were hosted on the east pad for each of the home games, and watch parties were planned and created by our Moose Jaw Events Centre staff,” said general manager Shaunna Fritzler. “We held them inside the curling centre on our big screen throughout the Memorial Cup.”
Over the course of the season, the Warriors drew a paid attendance of more than 113,000 fans.
Fritzler said 2024 was a transitional year for the centre, with succession planning and strategic initiatives taking place on the operational side.
In addition to the wheelchair curling championship and the Warriors' playoff success, the events centre hosted the AAA Winmar Warriors, seven concerts, three graduations and several gala dinners.
Concerts included performances by Skid Row and Buckcherry, Ice Cube, Foreigner and Clint Black.
Fritzler credited her team for the year’s success.
“The success of 2024 is due in large part to our dedicated and hard-working team that works behind the scenes,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have a very talented and passionate group of individuals who come together and turn our events into experiences for all of our guests and patrons.”
The centre’s business and banquet spaces were also in high demand.
“In 2024, over 2,300 hours of space were booked, and every month of the year saw both returning and new clients choosing our venue to host their meetings and events,” Fritzler said.
The centre supported the local community with events such as Touch-A-Truck, Remembrance Day ceremonies, the MJBEX Awards, Greek Night, Festival of Trees and Skating With Santa.
Ticket sales through SaskTix also saw a notable increase in 2024, including more SaskTix accounts and total tickets sold. SaskTix was responsible for 14 events, along with various sporting events, community gatherings and festivals.
SaskTix also recently renewed a five-year ticketing contract with the Prince Albert Raiders, continuing a longstanding partnership.
Food and beverage operations continued to be a strong revenue stream since being brought in-house.
“The food and beverage department far exceeded the 2024 budget, with $2.1 million in sales and net revenue of $750,000,” Fritzler said. “This was largely driven by the increase in annual events such as Festival of Trees, the multiple concerts held, and, of course, the Warriors' playoff run.”
By year-end, the Temple Gardens Centre achieved a cost recovery rate of 87.07 per cent — up from 77.35 per cent in 2023.
“With a year of successful events, concerts, curling and hockey seasons, the events centre’s financial position is improving,” Fritzler said. “Continued efforts in strategic planning to increase revenue streams while maintaining operational efficiencies will only strengthen that position further.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Fritzler said the centre is already well positioned with major events announced in March.
The BTK Tires World Men’s Curling Championship featured sold-out draws in March and April. Upcoming performances include Mark Chesnutt on June 28 and Shania Twain on July 7.
By the number
Moose Jaw Curling Centre
-
10 Bonspiels
-
230 Bonspiel hours
-
271 Practice hours
-
573 League hours
-
1,100 curlers
-
162 School Hours
Temple Gardens Centre (formerly Moose Jaw Events Centre)
-
$49,398 Community support in 2024
-
2,300 Meeting hours
-
2,176 Ice booking hours
-
716,562 oz (362 kegs) draft beer sold
-
17,110 Dasani water bottles sold (28 bath tubs)
SaskTix
-
$6.6 million gross ticket sales
-
63,166 SaskTix accounts
-
335,814 Tickets sold in 2024
Moose Jaw Warriors
-
113,977 Paid attendance
-
44 Regular season wins
-
20 Playoff games played (10 sold out)
-
16-5 Playoff record
Moose Jaw AAA Winmar Warriors
-
5,189 Paid attendance
-
22 Regular season wins