After reading a recent editorial by Penticton Western News sports writer Emanuel Sequeira, I felt obligated to echo and add to some of the statements he made.

Mr. Sequeira was bang on and couldn’t have been more correct when he talked about the costs and particulars in regards Global Spectrum and the new events center.

Although I must confess, I was truly skeptical of this events center prior to the building and eventual completion, I have been sold on the design and beauty of the (almost finished) product. Now having said this, I cannot say the same in regards to the current operators of the events center.

A few questions to ponder in regards to this wonderful facility and its current operators who have been contracted by the City of Penticton to manage it.

Is this a public building? The reason I ask is simple. As many folks within the Penticton area have done for years, we have chosen to do our daily walks and exercise within the confines of public buildings (Memorial Arena and most recently The Events Center). A few weeks ago, my mother and I wandered over to the SOEC and after completing a few laps, a fine gentleman (I use gentleman lightly) came over to us and in no uncertain terms said that the building was closed to the public at present! Now I ask you, who is paying for this building? No where did it indicate on any entrance that the building was in fact closed, nor has it ever been published as so. Furthermore the Vees were practicing.

What's ironic about this little encounter is that I was there two-fold, firstly on assignment reporting for a local sports story that I was currently writing for local media, and secondly I was joining my mother for a little exercise. Just what kind of media do these clowns want anyhow? Do these individuals think this is big city Vancouver or what? If so, the time to stop has already expired, as residents should be able to enjoy this new facility, both on a casual basis as well an event basis.

In regards to parking issues, why do the entrances and exits off of Ekhardt Avenue remain closed? Is this poor planning coming off the desk of the designers or will these ever be open to the public? After attending different events at the SOEC, parking is most certainly an issue and will continue to be for some time I'm sure.

After purchasing tickets for both the monster trucks as well other events, I'm left wondering where and what these service fees attached to tickets purchased represent. Recently I was charged both a two dollar fee for a so- called facility fee and an additional two dollar fee for a convenience fee on each ticket purchased! I would like someone to please inform the logic behind these fees? I find it disturbing when Global advertises a twenty dollar ticket, and then they tack on an additional four dollars in fees when you go to purchase tickets at the box office. Do the math – on a venue that has 2000 tickets sold, that’s an extra $8000.00 per event. Please inform the small town folk of Penticton and areas where those monies go! Now I've heard part of your ticket goes to parking. If that were the case, one would think there would be enough parking to eliminate having to park at the Golf Club.

Is it not enough that Global and their prices are forcing families to smuggle in their own bottles of waters and snacks into these events? Honestly, who is this company catering to? Young families? Seniors? I don’t think so! And by the attendance alone (for Vees games) I will suggest the prices are way, way out of line, not only on the admission, but the food, service charges and such.

As well, there is a minor hockey dilemma with the fee increase that is now in effect with Global taking over both Memorial and Global's ice sheets. As most parents in minor hockey will tell you, the ice costs have risen so much that parents alike are being forced into decisions that they would rather not deal with. If you talk with minor hockey and their people, the registrations are down and kids are being priced out, and that’s a fact.

Now I do understand that prices had to go up for this facility and for the the usage of it, however enough is enough! Is it only me who thinks Penticton's great deal goes much further than the government assistance in building this thin?

Here's a scary thought for folks to think about. These prices are a reflection of year one for Global Spectrum. Without saying for sure, if I were a betting man, you can be assured the prices will most likely be going up rather than down in the coming years to see attractions at this great new building.