The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Flin Flon Bomber fans will notice a big difference at games this coming season. Like the rest of the SJHL arenas, the Whitney Forum is now equipped with seven side-by-side big-screen televisions across the back wall, in the 'kid section', where videos will be played along with advertisements. 'Every team has one of those video boards now,' said Bomber head coach and GM Mike Reagan. Those who attended or played in the recent Roller Goodwin Memorial Tournament noticed the bright-coloured videos on display. The familiar 'Welcome to the Zoo' sign that adorned the back wall has been removed, temporarily, but will be put back once all renovations are complete. Another change comes in the form of the 50/50 raffle stand. It's digital. It's portable. And it's increasing the pot size. The 50/50 central was used by four other SJHL teams last season and Reagan says they doubled the winnings by the end of the year. The brightly coloured, digital station is mobile and provides instant updates as to how much money is in the pot at all times. Tickets are printed out in the form of a slip. 'When you purchase a ticket, the money will go on the screen and will update the pot size. It's going to be visible at all times,' said Reagan, noting that this made a significant difference at the Roller Goodwin tournament. 'And once it builds it's going to attract more people.' Enjoy new improvements Reagan thinks the fans and spectators will really enjoy the new improvements _ including televisions in the lobby and concession area. The Bombers plan to air an introduction video before every game. '...I think it will enhance the fan experience,' said Reagan. Adding the 50/50 central, the video board and the new televisions in the lobby, Reagan says, is 'a step in the right direction.' 'We've got to evolve as a franchise. If you don't continue to improve on certain things, you're going to get left in the dust,' he said. Financially speaking, said Reagan, the improvements will benefit the Bombers. 'I think it will be a really good thing,' he said. The Bombers will hold their main camp and exhibition games before opening the season on Sept. 22 against the Melfort Mustangs.
