The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has expressed concerns over Ottawa’s proposed plans for the new Lansdowne Park arena, describing it as a setback that could impact the financial sustainability of the Ottawa Charge.
According to Sean Moore, the city’s director of the Lansdowne Park redevelopment project, the new event center would have a seating capacity of 5,850, with the potential to accommodate up to 6,600 with standing room included, compared to the current arena’s 9,500 seats.
Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, stated that the reduced capacity poses challenges for the team’s growth and fan engagement, emphasizing the significance of having a sizable audience to support the league financially.
The average attendance for weekday regular season games last season was 5,775, with a target of 6,500 for the upcoming season, while weekend games drew an average of 8,348 spectators.
Scheer expressed confidence in the team’s potential for growth but highlighted that the proposed standing spaces offered little comfort for the PWHL, noting that the league’s audience, consisting of families and mature individuals, may not find standing room-only as a suitable option.
Jayna Hefford, executive vice president of hockey operations at the PWHL, expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the league’s enthusiasm for the Ottawa market and the positive reception from fans.
The league has conveyed its concerns regarding the arena’s capacity during discussions with the city and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), with Scheer mentioning a lack of progress in addressing these issues despite ongoing dialogue since June 2024.
In response to the PWHL’s criticisms, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe defended the planned arena’s seating capacity, suggesting that the league’s statements could be a negotiation strategy. He highlighted the significant fan base of the Charge in Ottawa and expressed a desire for the team to remain in the city.
OSEG CEO Mark Goudie acknowledged the ongoing negotiations with the league and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to continue hosting the Ottawa Charge and the PWHL.
Despite the city’s plans for a more modern and accessible facility at Lansdowne, some Charge fans have raised concerns about the reduced seating capacity, emphasizing the importance of continued growth and accessibility for women’s professional hockey in Ottawa.
As discussions continue between the PWHL, city officials, and OSEG, the future of the Ottawa Charge and the league’s presence in the city remains a topic of interest and concern for stakeholders involved.