The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has expressed concerns over Ottawa’s proposed plans for the new Lansdowne Park arena, labeling it as a significant setback that could jeopardize the financial sustainability of the Ottawa Charge team.
According to Sean Moore, the city’s director of the Lansdowne Park redevelopment project, the planned event center in the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment initiative is expected to have a seating capacity of 5,850, with potential for additional standing room to accommodate up to 6,600 attendees. This capacity is notably lower than the current 9,500 seats in the existing 58-year-old arena.
Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations, expressed disappointment at the reduced capacity, stating that it could hinder the team’s growth and fan engagement. With an average of 5,775 fans attending weekday games and a target of 6,500 for the upcoming season, the league views the decreased seating capacity as a substantial obstacle.
Scheer highlighted the league’s demographic of mature audiences and families, emphasizing that standing room-only options may not be suitable for their fan base. Jayna Hefford, the league’s executive vice president of hockey operations, echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as “disappointing” despite the initial enthusiasm for Ottawa as a market.
The PWHL has been vocal in discussions with the city and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) about the challenges posed by the proposed arena’s capacity. While negotiations have been ongoing since June 2024, Scheer expressed concerns about the lack of progress in addressing the league’s apprehensions.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe responded to the PWHL’s criticisms, viewing them as a negotiating tactic from the league’s ownership group, the Mark Walter Group. He emphasized the importance of retaining the PWHL team in Ottawa, acknowledging the loyal fan base and the potential for future growth that may necessitate a larger arena in the long term.
Despite the city’s perspective on the benefits of the new arena, some Charge fans have expressed reservations about the reduced seating capacity. Season ticket holders like Jamie Janes and Kayley Kennedy raised concerns about the potential limitations on growth and accessibility to women’s professional hockey in Ottawa due to the downsized arena.
As discussions continue between the PWHL, city officials, and OSEG, the future of the Ottawa Charge and the proposed Lansdowne Park arena remains uncertain, with stakeholders exploring various options to address the league’s concerns and ensure the team’s continued presence in the city.