Council approves five-year lease with Austin Bruins, including capital commitments and security requirements

The Austin City Council voted unanimously April 6 to approve a five-year lease with the Austin Bruins for use of Riverside Arena, effective June 1, 2026.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Jason Sehan summarized key terms of the agreement: the lease term was extended from three to five years at the Bruins’ request, the city agreed to a 25% lease reduction (about $75,000 over five years), and the Bruins will invest no less than $110,000 in capital improvements at Riverside Arena. “The term was increased from a three-year lease agreement to a five-year lease agreement,” Sehan said. He added that the Bruins’ capital commitment together with the rent reduction results in a net financial benefit when considered against expected city contributions.

The contract also includes operational terms: a 5% annual rental-rate increase (to reflect utilities and other cost trends), an alternating schedule for ice replacement (with an estimated replacement cost of about $23,000), and required security staffing for Bruins home games. Sehan described the security terms: the Bruins must provide at least one licensed security guard and four additional uniformed security personnel for each home game, with staff on site at least one hour before and 30 minutes after events.

Council members praised the partnership and the Bruins’ local economic contributions, citing tournament-related hotel stays and local business support. Council also noted the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board reviewed the contract prior to the council meeting.

After staff presentation and public comment from Brian Schultz of the Bruins, the council approved the lease on a roll call vote.