Brock Council greenlights arena streaming service

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Growing demand for remote viewing of local hockey games and arena activities has prompted Brock Council to approve a new partnership, bringing LiveBarn streaming services to all three municipal arenas.

During its meeting, on Monday, May 25th, Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with LiveBarn, a subscription-based streaming platform, widely used in arenas across North America.

The service allows games, practices and other on-ice events to be viewed live or on demand, through phones, tablets, computers and televisions, giving coaches, scouts, family members and fans the ability to follow events remotely.

A staff report, from Wayne Ward, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, noted, requests for the service had been received throughout the past arena season.

“Streaming services are becoming more mainstream and this proposal provides a streaming service to a specific user group,” Mr. Ward wrote, in his report to council.

According to the report, LiveBarn is already operating in more than 400 arenas across Ontario, including facilities in nearby Uxbridge, Scugog, Georgina and Orillia.

Township staff met with LiveBarn representatives, to review installation requirements, security policies and operational procedures, before recommending approval.

“Staff are satisfied there is adequate controls in place, to protect the users of the arena space,” Mr. Ward stated.

Under the agreement, LiveBarn will supply and install all equipment, at no cost to the Township. The company will also cover maintenance, staff training and streaming operations. Arena display screens featuring live feeds and highlight packages will also be installed.

The agreement includes a revenue-sharing component, with Brock Township receiving two percent of revenue generated from new subscriptions, tied to its arenas. Council directed, any funds generated through the partnership be divided between arena reserve accounts, to support future arena improvement projects.

Mr. Ward noted, the agreement will also allow arena staff to blackout streaming during public skating sessions, summer camps and other non-subscribed programming, to address privacy concerns.

“The proposal has no financial impact to the Township for equipment, installation, training or maintenance,” explained Mr. Ward. “There is potential for revenue sharing between LiveBarn and the Township, based on new subscribers generated from our facilities.”

The initial agreement term is six years, with options for additional two-year renewals afterward.

Council also requested Durham Region legal staff review the agreement, for any potential liability concerns, before the contract is finalized. If any issues are identified, staff will work with LiveBarn to address them, prior to installation.

Township staff added, the Installation at the Sunderland Arena may be delayed, until renovations at the facility are completed and the building is turned back over to the municipality.