The Penticton Vees hockey club has announced some changes to the Peters Bros. ticket program which sees free admission to fans under the age of 18 years old.
“With the constant increase in attendance and growth in our kids program, we have decided to implement some minor changes that will be in full effect beginning Friday, Feb. 9 against the Trail Smoke Eaters,” Vees head coach, general manager and President Fred Harbinson said. “These changes will continue for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.”
Through 23 home games in 2017-18 the Vees are averaging 590 children per game. As such, the Vees have announced for remaining home games this season, fans under the age of 18, who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, must enter through gate one and must present photo identification when entering. Even if tickets have been purchased ahead of time, these changes will still be in effect.
Craig Beauchemin, director of broadcast and communications said before the free ticket program was initiated, the Vees were averaging under 200 children per game at the South Okanagan Events Centre. In the first year it was implemented in 2014-15, he said that number skyrocketed to 484 per game. The number increased to 544 the following year and jumped to 577 last season.
“We appreciate all our fans both old and young and want to insure a positive experience and environment for all,” Harbinson finished.
The Vees host their final Boston Pizza Wicked Wednesday of the year on Feb. 14 against the Coquitlam Express, $2 raffle tickets will be sold inside the SOEC for three prizes.
The prizes are a day at the Penticton Speedway, including driving a race car around the track, six suite tickets to the upcoming Kip Moore concert at the SOEC on May 12 and the grand prize of an all inclusive trip for two to Mexico courtesy of Underwriters Insurance. Tickets will only be sold inside the arena during the game and all proceeds go directly to the school breakfast program.