REAL boss optimistic of leasing deal
The old lease was agreed upon in 2011 after a long and bitter negotiation between REAL and the club’s previous regime. The Parker family owned the Pats for 19 years before selling them in the spring of 2014 to Marquart and four other local businessmen, who inherited the last two years of the contract.
Under the parameters of that deal, the Pats do not receive a share of concessions from their games. The club waived that right several years ago in exchange for eliminating REAL’s parking surcharge.
REAL president and CEO Mark Allan said Friday that his group would be willing to extend the current lease for the Memorial Cup, but Marquart wasn’t amenable to that option.
“Extending the existing lease does not achieve a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Marquart. “We have one of the most onerous leases in the Western Hockey League and we’ve made it clear from the outset that we wish to achieve a win-win scenario with a new lease and that’s what we’re working toward. All we’re looking for is to be treated in the same manner as other mid-market teams in the Western Hockey League. We’re not looking for any more or any less than that. We believe what we presented is fair and equitable for all and we hope that the City of Regina gives direction to REAL to see this completed.”
Although time is of the essence, Allan expressed optimism that a deal can be struck.
“I don’t really want to negotiate through the media but we’re committed within everybody’s best interests to get a contract negotiated and signed,” he said. “There is some urgency around the Pats’ intentions to bid on the Memorial Cup. We have equal interest in seeing that get over the line. Both sides are highly motivated in this situation.”
Marquart is hoping that proves to be the case, but he expressed frustration that the situation must be resolved in the final hour.
“The timing has been known for quite some time,” he added. “We’ve operated under a sense of urgency and we’re in the position we’re in, not because of a lack of effort on our side. I can’t speak to the thoughts of REAL and where they’re coming from. All we know is that as of today we are in a position that we need this lease finalized.
“There are some great people working at REAL who we truly support and admire. We want that to continue but we also need support from the upper levels of REAL to understand that (the Brandt Centre) is a community-owned asset. This would be a great event for the community. In terms of our ability to host this event, it’s clearly now in the hands of REAL and the City of Regina.”
Extending the existing lease does not achieve a mutually beneficial relationship.