Steinbach is no stranger to hockey, thanks to the Steinbach Pistons. Since lacing up their skates for the first time at the Centennial Arena in 2009, the Pistons have become a source of pride in Southeast Manitoba, etching their name among Canada’s top Junior A teams. Now, with the much-anticipated opening of the state-of-the-art Southeast Event Centre (SEC), the partnership between this modern facility and the Pistons ushers in a new era for Steinbach and the surrounding communities.
A Partnership Built on Shared Success
The relationship between the Steinbach Pistons and the Southeast Event Centre is a true partnership. The Pistons bring momentum, community engagement, and the energy of over 35 large-scale events a year.
At the core of this collaboration is the belief that both the Pistons and SEC thrive through mutual support. For the Pistons, the SEC offers a professional, high-calibre space where fans can celebrate every goal, every win, and every moment of connection. For the SEC, the Pistons provide a vital source of revenue and ensure consistent activity, which helps sustain the facility and enables it to host various other community events.
The Numbers Behind the Partnership
The financial model of this collaboration is an essential part of its success. Revenue-sharing agreements between the Pistons and the SEC ensure that both parties benefit from the events hosted inside the main spectator bowl. For every ticket sold at Pistons games, $5 goes to the SEC, while premium seats like Club Seats ($35 per game) and Suite Seats ($50 per game) offer the Pistons $15 per seat, with the rest going to SEC.
But the partnership goes beyond just tickets. Advertising opportunities within the spectator bowl are split, while the SEC handles areas outside the main bowl. This balance enables both parties to grow financially while enhancing the overall experience for fans and attendees.
The Pistons' presence also drives additional revenue for SEC from food, beverages, and concessions. This income is critical in helping the Event Centre meet its budget, allowing it to offer a variety of non-hockey activities—from concerts and trade shows to graduations and provincial events. The SEC isn’t just a hockey rink; it’s a hub for all of Southeast Manitoba.
Bringing the Community Together
The Pistons’ role goes far beyond hockey. They bring people together – not just to cheer and high-five, but to build a shared identity for the region. Thanks to the SEC’s spectacular facilities, the team now has a platform to unite fans in a way never seen before.
Meanwhile, the Pistons have also gone the extra mile to invest in their new home. When handed a bare-walled space at the SEC as a part of their revenue share partnership, the not-for-profit team used its 15 years of operational savings. It launched additional fundraising efforts to outfit the
facility to meet its needs. The result? A space the entire community can be proud of, showcasing Steinbach and the Pistons’ determination to represent the region on the national stage.
Just the Beginning
The opening of the SEC will soon see its first puck drop with a Pistons home game, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Southeast Manitoba. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Over the coming months and years, Southeast Manitoba residents can look forward to a diverse lineup of events that will transform the SEC into a thriving community hub.
From packed hockey games to electrifying concerts and bustling trade shows, the SEC promises something for everyone. Thanks to the steadfast partnership between the Steinbach Pistons and the Southeast Event Centre, the community now has a venue that is as dynamic as it is unifying.
It’s time to cheer, connect, and make memories like never before. Get your tickets at steinbachpistons.ca and join the community at the new Southeast Event Centre.