YORKTON, Sask. — For the local owners behind the newly named SoakZone Auto Spa Arena, the 10-year agreement is about more than putting a business name on the Gallagher Centre ice surface — it is an investment in a facility their own families use and one they believe plays an important role in Yorkton’s community and economy.
The city announced the partnership this week, describing it as a long-term investment in one of Yorkton's busiest recreation and event facilities. Mayor Aaron Kienle said the agreement will help support the sustainability of community amenities while creating new revenue opportunities for the city.
“Partnerships like this allow us to find new ways to support the facilities our residents use and enjoy,” Kienle said. “The Gallagher Centre is an important part of our community, and this 10-year partnership with SoakZone Auto Spa represents a significant investment in its future.”
Yorkton-based business owners are Mike Popowich and the Johnson family. Popowich said the company responded after the city issued a request for proposals for the naming rights in late July.
“The city of Yorkton put out a request for proposals in late July and we submitted in early August,” he said in an interview. “We found out at the beginning of September that we were successful.”
While the company was unaware of how many other businesses submitted proposals, Popowich said it was meaningful to see a local business selected.
“It was nice for us to see that a local business inside the community was awarded it,” he said.
The proposal process required bidders to outline their annual financial commitment and the length of the agreement. SoakZone committed to a 10-year term, matching the length of previous sponsorship arrangements.
“We look forward to it. It's a good long partnership that gives the arena and the name some stability,” Popowich said.
The partnership reflects the company's deep ties to the facility. Popowich said both ownership families spend significant time at the Gallagher Centre, with their children participating in programs and activities throughout the year.
“Both of our families are almost always continuously actively participating in programs hosted at the Gallagher Centre,” he said. “We're there multiple times a week throughout the year.”
Beyond serving local users, Popowich said the arena plays an important role in attracting visitors and generating economic activity through hockey tournaments, competitions and other major events.
“The facility has a unique ability to drive economic growth and make a lasting impact on visitors to the city through all the different hockey tournaments and events,” he said.
During the winter months, the arena hosts hockey practices, games and tournaments, figure skating programs and public skating opportunities. Outside the ice season, it is used for dry-floor events, including concerts, car shows and the annual Harvest Showdown.
Popowich said he hopes the investment will help strengthen a facility he considers central to community life in Yorkton.
“We hope that the long-term investment into what is considered the heart of Yorkton will be used to help create more positive opportunities for families and grow the arena and the whole centre as a whole,” he said. “Hopefully it becomes more accessible to other families in the community.”
Co-owner Evan Johnson echoed those sentiments in the city's announcement, saying the arena has been the site of countless family memories and remains an important gathering place for residents across the region.
The new name will remain in place through 2036 under the terms of the agreement.
