Local businesses happy hockey season is back

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – After a successful summer of sunshine on the patios, local bars and restaurants are ready to keep the party going.

NHL hockey is back, and businesses are ready for it.

Charles Gauthier with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association says each Canucks home game can bring in up to $1 million.

“We’ve got about 20,000 fans in the arena. If they spend, on average, about $50 per person, you can easily get to that number,” he tells us. “And then, of course, you’ve got all the bars and nightclubs and those that are actually broadcasting the game.”

“I think more importantly, it provides employment for people in that industry. Shifts are added and [workers] make their salary plus tips. So, it’s definitely an important piece of our business,” he adds.

Ian Tostenson with the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association says even pre-season games can boost the bottom line.

“Like last night: We saw people staying downtown to watch hockey. You know, have something to eat, have something to drink, and combine it with an evening of watching hockey. It all works well. So, we’re really pleased to have them back,” says Tostenson.

“The change of coaches, the general manager and [bringing in] Trevor Linden, I think all that is going to ignite everybody’s passion again,” he notes.

He hopes that will translate into more spending in downtown bars and restaurants.

The Canucks open the regular season on October 8th in Calgary.

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