City of Pueblo strikes a new deal with the Bulls hockey team
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- During a city council meeting Monday, council members passed a five-year lease and management agreement with the city and the Pueblo Bulls hockey club.
The hockey team has been in Pueblo for nearly three years and they say they're excited to continue to play at the Pueblo Ice Arena.
According to officials, the city will use the money from the general fund to pay the club's lease.
The city will pay the club team $300,000 in the first year, $225,000 in the second year, $150,000 in the third year, and $75,000 in the fourth year for managing the arena.
There is no management payment in year five. In 2027, the Pueblo Bulls will have to pay $5,000 monthly.
Then, the rent would increase the following year. The monthly payments will funnel back into the city's general fund.
According to city leaders, they've been losing roughly $300,000 a year by running the arena. Now, that money will go towards the bulls managing the arena themselves.
City councilwoman Lori Winner said while it's a good thing to have a professional organization run it, she doesn't think it's going to bring in any profit. She said the arena will be run by people with more knowledge about skating.
"They're usually just a break-even or even a little loss," said Winner.
According to Winner, the Pueblo Ice Arena is a community feature that was voted in ages ago.
Still, vice president of the Bulls hockey team, David Nelson, said he's confident that they will be able to make a profit as their team grows here in the steel city.
According to Nelson, the team has a store at the arena and fourth street apparel sales, and ticket sales for games bringing in revenue. Additionally, junior games, beer sales concessions, and more help with turning a profit.
"We have a number of revenue streams," said Nelson. "As we grow, those obviously grow as well too."
Nelson said the team came in during a difficult time during the pandemic which halted their initial growth.
Now, the team is working hard to make sure this year is a successful year. During its open weekend, the Pueblo Bulls hosted a fan fest featuring food, drinks, yard games, and more.
They have their home opener is from September 30, 2022, to October 2, 2022. Click here for their full schedule.
