The Moose Jaw Events Centre showed a healthy budget during a first-quarter financial report to city council on Tuesday night.
The building brought in $739,186 in income and $743,324 in expenses for an operating loss of $4,138. After management fees and Ticket Rocket gift cards, the operating loss was about $51,000.
Budgeted was an operating loss of $150,364, meaning the events centre made just under $100,000 more than expected.
“Generally, the revenue/expenditure is good news in terms of where they're at in terms of subsidy as compared to budget and as well the food and beverages showing very positive returns for the facility,” said Director of Financial Services Brian Acker.
Helping the bottom line was the in-house food and beverage services. It brought in $462,801 in sales for a net profit of $109,884.
“We haven't seen good numbers like this for quite some time, so it's good and the food and beverage also looks positive. So (I’m) certain that, after the next two weeks at the building, things are going to look even better,” Eby said.
The city has budgeted to subsidize the Moose Jaw Events Centre for $985,000 in 2023.