Presented by: Proposed Sports and Event Complex in Coeur d ...

Market Demand Analysis (Indoor Facility)
In order to assess the potential market demand for various types of indoor programming space,
interviews were conducted with a number of local, regional, and national event promoters.
These conversations provided an understanding of the Coeur d’Alene market’s current ability to
attract various types of events and how the market’s attractiveness could be impacted by the
development of a new facility.
Using this information, along with the knowledge of other potential event markets, historical
event levels at comparable facilities, industry trends, and previous experience was used to
estimate the number of events and attendance levels that each potential facility component could
attract. Two sets of event and attendance estimates were developed: a base scenario representing
the event and attendance levels estimated to be sustainable in a typical year of operations, and a
high scenario representing a “best case” year in which the facility is successful in attracting
stronger event and attendance levels. The following is a summary of the key findings of the
market demand analysis by event type.
Tenant Sports
Many multipurpose arenas host at least one tenant sports team, including collegiate, minor
league or major league teams in sports such as hockey, basketball and arena football. A sports
tenant provides a facility with a consistent source of events and patrons. As noted in the
comparable facilities analysis, the presence of a sports tenant can also have a positive impact on
the ability of the facility to market premium seating and advertising opportunities.
The types of sports tenants that could potentially utilize a new facility in Coeur d’Alene will be
impacted by the presence of existing sports franchises in Spokane. Spokane Arena is currently
home to the Spokane Chiefs WHL hockey franchise and the Spokane Shock af2 arena football
franchise. A facility in Coeur d’Alene would likely be precluded from hosting a franchise in the
WHL and af2 due to the territorial rights of Spokane’s franchises. However, the facility could
potentially attract a minor league basketball franchise and/or hockey or football franchises in
leagues other than the WHL or af2.
Hockey
Minor league and junior league hockey franchises typically play 30 to 40 home games per
year, with attendance levels varying depending on the size of the market, the level of play
and other such factors. In order to attract a hockey tenant, the facility would need to be
designed with an ice floor and the ability to install dasher boards. The presence of an ice
floor could have a negative impact on the proposed facility’s ability to host some of the nonice
sports tournaments and flat floor events, but could present opportunities to generate
revenue through ice rentals and public skate sessions.
Feasibility Analysis of a New Sports and Event Complex in Coeur d’Alene
Market Demand Analysis
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