NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
Medicine Hat Tigers captain James Hamblin signs a puck for a fan during the teams annual skills competition on Feb. 13, 2017 at the Canalta Centre.
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken
The Medicine Hat Tigers are finding new ways to connect with their fans.
On the cusp of their fourth season inside the walls of the Canalta Centre, the Tigers are amping up fan interaction on a number of fronts —starting with a new app that allows users to take part in promotional games and contests throughout their experience at the arena.
“That’s one of the things we’ve really focused on this year, is fan engagement,” said Tigers media services manager Adam Jones. “That’s something we really tried to pay attention to. Instead of just one person playing a game on the jumbotron, we’re trying to get it so people can play along on their smartphones with the jumbotron so we can have 3,500 or 4,000 people playing the game.”
The new app allows fans to check in with their section and seat number, which will allow them to enter into draws like the returning Golden Goal promotion and the First Goal Predictor. Fans can also take selfies directly through the app, which may be shown on the video board throughout the game.
“(Golden Goal) was a promotion that existed once upon a time in The Arena,” said Jones. “You check in to win on your app and if the Tigers score a goal in the first 30 seconds of the third period someone will win $5,000 courtesy of S&E Automotive. If the Tigers don’t score they win a free oil change É There’s a chance every game to win $5,000.”
The changes aren’t just digital. After hearing fans ask for more options in regard to ticket packages, the Tigers answered in the form of a $69.96 Family Pack. The package includes two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs and four small soft drinks. While the offer targets families with younger children, Jones says fans can upgrade the child tickets to youth or adult upon request.
“I think it’s a savings of about $30 off of retail,” said Jones. “There’s been a great amount of interest.”
Fans at the Canalta Centre will also be in for a few new live games during breaks in play and intermissions. Jones says a handful new sponsors have signed on for a few new features that should provide some highly entertaining moments on the video board.
“We have a couple of fun games. We have a new one coming from Booster Juice. I don’t know if I should spill the beans but we will anyway, they’re going to do the Brain Freeze Challenge,” he said. “Basically two contestants line up and whoever can slam through a smoothie first wins.”
The team will also be on the town for a number of player appearances this season, from the team’s annual street hockey game at Home Depot to various public skates and school visits — and of course, the Teddy Bear Toss.
“The way the city comes together for the Teddy Bear Toss is amazing,” said Jones. “I can’t remember the exact numbers that we had (last year) but our office was completely overflowing with teddy bears. Going to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with the players and watching the players interact with the kids in the hospital is a pretty special moment for everybody. I think the players and the kids really enjoy it.”
The action starts Saturday when Skinny’s Smoke House sets up in the Canalta Centre parking lot for the Tigers’ season kick-off tailgate party.
“They’re going to bring their food in and cater us,” said Jones. “All the proceeds go to the food bank.”
