Suite success: arena luxury boxes sell like hotcakes

The new Sault Ste. Marie Sports and Entertainment Centre will have at least 24 luxury suites.

Attendees at a public wine-and-cheese reception last night at the Best Western on Great Northern Road were told that both the 13-suite first phase and the 11-suite second phase of the arena project had sold out.

Other would-be buyers are welcome to join a waiting list in case there's sufficient demand for a third phase, James Caicco, chair of the sports and entertainment centre's steering committee, told SooToday.com.

Kelly and Marty Turco (shown) snapped up one of the 24 suites that went at last night's event, organized by the integrated communications firm Lucidia.

The suites each have between 8 and 10 seats, and cost between $8,000 and $11,000 depending on whether they are leased over a five, seven or 10-year term.

Hounds tickets and booze not included

Each suite comes with electronic access control, a refrigerator and wet bar, upholstered stadium seats and bar stools and outlets for phone and cable TV.

"The suite holder may supply and furnish the interior of the suite with articles such as chairs, sofa, tables, televisions, pictures, plants or insignia/logos reasonable in size and in good taste with the prior written consent of the City," said an information package distributed at last night's meeting.

The suite cost does not include event tickets: each suite holder must buy a set number of tickets to Soo Greyhounds regular-season and playoff home games.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage service is available, but also is not included in the suite's base cost.

Licence agreements allow City employees to enter the suites at any time, and can eject anyone who "in the opinion of the City and its employees and any manager or employees of the manager designated by the City, is conducting themselves in an objectionable manner."

Marty Turco Charity Golf Classic

Turco, meanwhile, was using last night's occasion to quietly plug his upcoming Marty Turco Charity Golf Classic.

The event starts Wednesday, July 13 with an auction at the Best Western from 7 to 9:30 p.m, followed by golf the following day at Crimson Ridge.

What Marty's offering for auction:

Joe Nieuwendyk, Toronto Jersey

Brendan Morrison, Vancouver Jersey

Notre Dame vs Michigan Football ticket and accomodation

Tom Brady Signed football

Dale Earnhart Jr. Signed replica car

Team Canada World Championsip Signed by team

Marty Brodeur Signed goalie stick

One hour of ice time with Marty Turco

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS MAY BE ADDED LATER TODAY. IF TIME PERMITS.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Lucidia is a sister company to SooToday.com.)