Portland Winterhawks Look To Shorten The Lines And Feed The Masses

The Portland Winterhawks sent out an email to all season ticketholders and those who subscribe to the Portland Winterhawks newsletter this week. The letter from Winterhawks President Doug Piper was also posted on their website. The letter outlined and updated issues that fans attending games this past season at Veterans Memorial Coliseum had encountered primarily following terrorism attacks ans security measures undertaken at that time.

Unlike the Moda Center which uses full body metal detector scanners at the entrances to the venue, fans entering Veterans Memorial Coliseum had to deal with individual hand wand detectors. The resulting chaos meant many fans spent upwards of an hour to get into the venue. Most times, it would be well past the midway point of the first period before the crowd even on a lighter night, was able to get in and seated.

After lengthy discussions with the city, the full body scanners were also purchased for the Coliseum, which should allow a speedier transition from entrance to the seats. With the Coliseum now a designated Heritage site, which prevents the building from being demolished, the need to implement updated facilities is vital to its success.

Mr. Piper also looked into the issue of food and beverage service at the Coliseum. Often the service was overloaded at the main entrance and outlying stands were far more limited to their selection and as a result, limited purchasers. Among the highlights was a deal put in place with LEVY, which operates the stands at both the Moda Center and Coliseum to reward outstanding employees, look to better wages for those employees and to increase the number of non-profits looking to raise money for their respective charities. The current location at entry CC which is an ice cream only station is being targeted as one to upgrade to a more expansive menu. More beverage stations are also in the works for the games as well, which could also spill over to over events that use the Coliseum. As the Coliseum is not equipped to cook foods on the premises, the foods will still have to be made at the Moda Center, but the expanded choices should please more palettes and shorten lengthy lines which at times felt like they equaled entering the building.

One final note that Piper placed in the letter has sent many into heavy speculative mode. It was mentioned that a major announcement surrounding the building will soon be forthcoming that will thrill the fans. Two of the biggest speculations are the full overhaul to the building at an expected cost of $89 million dollars and a new scoreboard display in place of the non functioning one at the Coliseum. At present, there are two large video screens at the north and south corners which have filled in well with all the issues surrounding the center display or lack thereof.

The Portland Winterhawks also announced the popular Neely Cup Tournament will return for training camp, which runs from August 25^th to 28^th. The venue for the camp has yet to be announced, leading to more speculation that it may occupy the Coliseum this year. The past few years at the Winterhawks Skating Center have been packed with fans and turn-away crowds as well as very cramped space for the expected 100 or so players that attend camp.

Further announcements are expected within the next ten days or so as camp details begin to be finalized.

Ice Chips: The Portland Winterhawks Booster Club has announced its fan trip for the season. The trip to Canada, which is a hugely popular destination, is set to depart Sunday, January 15^th and head for a pair of games to the furthest north WHL franchise, the Prince George Cougars. The trip will then head southeast to Kamloops, BC for a game versus the Blazers. The following evening, the trip concludes with a game in Kelowna, BC vs the Rockets before returning to Portland. Full details including payment options and more will be posted by the end of August. Additionally, the Club is looking to offer an up and back day trip to Everett as the last game before the Christmas break.