Recreation Services Director Scott Powell told the Wasilla City Council on Tuesday that the Menards Sports Center generated $1,173,624 in revenue for fiscal year 2025, about $220,624 (23.2 percent) above the approved budgeted amount of $953,000. Powell said facility rental fees accounted for about $1,045,053, roughly 89 percent of overall revenue, and that revenue growth came from events, public skating and association rentals.

Powell said the Ice Arena (associations, tournaments, high school bookings and leagues) produced roughly $512,000 of the total and that ice operations showed a 22.7 percent increase over the prior year. “This year, our projected, or approved revenue was $953,000. Our actual revenues this year were 1,173,624,” Powell said. He highlighted a strong return and higher retention: about 76 percent of customers were return users and 24 percent were new.

Powell also told council members the facilities face seasonal gaps. “Come June, that is usually our last event until hockey starts back up in late July,” he said, noting two to three months of minimal revenue when outdoor activity and regional travel reduce demand. Powell said that constraint, plus scheduling conflicts between leagues and large events, limits how many uses the arenas can host during peak months.

Council member Graham praised Powell’s leadership and asked whether the arenas are being used to full potential and whether charging for event parking had been considered. Powell said parking fees had not been implemented and would require infrastructure and operational planning; some event organizers prefer free parking as an incentive to host events in Wasilla. On utilization, Powell said some prime-time slots are effectively maxed out and the remaining off-season months are the primary barrier to additional annual revenue.

Powell also provided a breakdown of event users by type (about 49 percent nonprofit, 16 percent for-profit, 36 percent schools or government) and said permitted event revenue this year was $312,384. He noted naming rights (MTA agreement) and other non‑rental income are included in the accounting presentation to the council.

The council followed with brief questions about specific program categories and Powell said the FY25 figures were preliminary and not yet audited by finance.