Canmore Eagles Introduce Tighter Security As Game Attendance Grows

Fans attending Canmore Eagles games this season can expect bag checks, additional ticket checks and tighter security throughout the Canmore Recreation Centre as the hockey club adjusts to growing crowds.

The changes come after increasing attendance last season made it more difficult for the organization to manage spectators and monitor access to the facility.

In an interview with Bow Valley Insider, Eagles head coach and general manager Andrew Milne said the increased interest in local hockey is welcome, but it has also created new challenges.

"I think it was just sheer volume," Milne said. "We were just seeing the volume of the games ... getting difficult to manage with just the current security situation we had ourselves in."

Milne said the organization needed to ensure it was meeting requirements established by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) and the Town of Canmore.

What Fans Can Expect

Among the changes this season are bag checks, additional security checkpoints and closer monitoring of entrances and exits.

Milne said some spectators brought outside alcohol into the facility last season, something the organization is working to prevent.

"We did notice a little bit of an issue last year with some fans bringing some outside alcohol, so right now we've just been doing a few bag checks just to make sure we're not bringing in anything that's not allowed to come in," he said.

Fans can also expect ticket checks at different points throughout the building, with security personnel monitoring movement in and out of the facility.

Milne said managing access is particularly important as attendance approaches the building's capacity.

"Because we're so close to capacity numbers, you want to make sure that nobody's sneaking in," he said.

The Eagles' official ticket purchase policy states that spectators and their belongings may be searched upon entry. Those who decline a search may be denied admission without a refund.

The policy also allows event organizers to refuse admission or remove spectators who fail to follow event rules or engage in disorderly behaviour.

Managing Crowds At An Older Facility

According to the Town of Canmore, the recreation centre is a multipurpose facility with two ice rinks, meeting rooms, fitness facilities and other recreational spaces.

Milne said the building's layout presents additional challenges when managing large crowds.

"The building's a little bit old, it's got a ton of access points that maybe are sometimes difficult to manage," he said.

Security personnel are now monitoring those access points more closely to help control movement throughout the building.

The Town's Respect for People & Property Guidelines also apply to visitors using municipal recreation facilities.

The guidelines prohibit activities that create safety or security risks, interfere with other visitors or disrupt normal operations.

They also identify entering admission-controlled areas without authorization and possessing or consuming alcohol on site as inappropriate behaviour. The Town can restrict or prohibit access to its facilities when guidelines are violated.

How Are Fans Responding?

With four home games played under the new security measures, Milne said the changes have not appeared to cause significant concerns among spectators.

"I don't think it's a big issue at all," he said.

He noted that restrictions on bringing outside alcohol into venues are already common at public events.

As for the additional security checks, Milne said the goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for fans.

"As long as we can make the flow of it pretty seamless for people, it's more on our end," he said.

For the Eagles, the challenge moving forward will be accommodating growing interest in the team while ensuring the recreation centre remains safe and manageable on game days.