Business View Magazine | June 2022

202 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 federal, provincial, and municipal protocols were, and still are, strictly followed. “Any attendees that were in our outdoor seating area or consuming food and beverage could be unmasked. But when they went to the washroom, bought concessions, or visited the indoor buildings they had to wear masks,” he explains. “We also redid most of our wayfinding signage, so it provided clear information at all our events.” Commonwealth Stadium has benefitted from promoters needing venues for events now that people are ready to get out and have fun again. Through relationships Fesyk has built with various promotors and groups over the years, he is confident that the long-term agreements he’s signed will continue far past the 2022-2023 season. “Part of our success is working with great local companies within the stadium itself,” he says. “We work with Western Food Services Ltd for concessions during football games and city events. Our LED and jumbotron production work is done by Score Bidel Productions and Mr. Mix Audio. They provide great service and help us buoy the football season and now other events. They’ve been great partners.” Working with local companies is only a small part of Commonwealth Stadium’s interaction with the community. Over the years, the mostly residential McCauley neighbourhood has literally grown around the facility. “We really are part of the community,” says Fesyk. “People see us as a beacon of downtown and we try to connect the best we can by opening our doors to everyone.” The stadium also works with community leagues and local not-for-profit organizations to host events and create a community atmosphere during events. He adds, “The volunteer nature of these shows also give staff, and attendees, a sense of belonging and ownership. They feel part of it, and understand how they can access