Parking fee for basketball is cost-prohibitive

Last Saturday night, Dec. 2, I went to Mile One to see the St. John’s Edge play the Niagara River Lions. The Edge have back-to-back wins in their inaugural home debut and several previous wins on the road.

To be honest, I went to see Carl English play, having followed his career since he left high school. He did not disappoint. He’s a classic player who is a threat anytime he is on the court and creates crowd anxiety when he is not. Cool, calm and collected, he exudes leadership and a strong desire to win. There are many other good players on the team but Carl’s experience and basketball sense stands out.

What doesn’t stand out is new franchise sense by the City of St. John’s. They want $10 for parking at the adjacent municipal facility. That’s half the price of a ticket! Common sense would dictate that a fledgling team deserves a break so it can develop a fan base. A quarter of the seats were empty for Game 2. My suggestion is free parking (or at least reduced parking fees) until a firm business case can be made for the franchise. That would keep many fans from walking from every nook and cranny west of the Basilica and south of Lemarchant Road.

The team is doing what is expected of it. The players are working hard and providing quality, safe family entertainment. And they will only get better. Admission prices are more than reasonable, so let’s give the team a chance to fill those seats.

Tom Hawco St. John’s