Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/726594
42 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM by MARK VAUGHAN , An arena manager's favorite two days of the year are the day the ice is in for the season, and the day that it is taken out for the offseason. During the time that the ice is out, you can either cross your fingers and hope to make it through another year or put in the work necessary to be prepared for the coming season. This second option will greatly reduce your stress and anxiety about your rink. SO, ARE YOU READY FOR THE SEASON TO BEGIN? Sure, there will always be fires to put out throughout the season, but if the months leading up to winter are spent preparing correctly for the next season, the likeli- hood of having a more productive and profitable arena will increase greatly. Completing a facility audit will assist with the preparation. This can be done internally with staff, and it's a good idea to utilize a colleague or hire an outside firm for assistance. A facility audit will include everything from what needs to be painted to the type of hot dogs that will be spinning on the grill. The first step in creating a checklist is to walk the facility and view it in the eyes of a customer, writing down notes on every room, gathering area and hallway. Within this list create bullet points of items that need attention (example: painting, carpet cleaning and light bulb replacement), and also create a sub-topic of what the area is used for. It is important to take yourself out of the mode of being an operator or service provider of the facility throughout this process. In other words, quit hanging out with the users on the ground floor and get up on the balcony for a big- picture view of the operation, as well as to find out what the users want, how they utilize your facility and what the potential for foot traffic is. As arena operators, we don't always know best. Make sure to listen to customers who give their two cents —good or bad — about the operation. These are your best clients. Look, listen and learn. This is a motto that can help you create an inviting atmosphere. Another good idea is to utilize your contractors to assist with daily, weekly and monthly checklists. Work with the company representatives on what duties your staff can complete and what is expected from the contractor. This system also allows opportunities for your staff to check on the work of the contractors as well as allowing for the contractors to assist your staff with tasks that are not being completed. When this list is being presented, involve the staff that will be maintaining the facility so they can ask questions and create a relationship with the contractors from the start of the process. When it comes to creating a checklist, pay attention not just to the final maintenance items, but also be prepared for the operational details including such questions as: , Have we hired enough staff? , Have we hired the correct staff? , Is there a list of expectations for the employees? Is Your Rink Ready For The Rush? HOW To Pre-Season Prep PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BIGSTOCK