First Set of Questions

• Mr. Higginson we have a facility in our town that doesn't seem to be doing well. I have asked them twice if they would be interested in selling. They say no. They say they are doing good. Do you have some idea on how to find out if they want to sell?
• I am looking to buy an indoor soccer field. Where can I get a loan?
  
• Where do I buy boards, glass, and carpet?
  
• The YMCA in our town just put in an indoor soccer field. The 25 minute circle you talk about has a population of around 500,000. Do you think we can support two different indoor soccer buildings?
  
• Do you have any plans for the actual building?
  
• Can you fax me the size of the rink in metric?
  
• We need some door handles for our player boxes. The ones that we have don't work very well. Could you give us some ideas?

Second Set of Questions

• What's the best way to set up legally for an indoor soccer business?
• How much does insurance cost and who can I get it from?
• I have just agreed to partially fund an indoor soccer facility in our city. Though my partners have a resume rich in soccer it doesn't feel quite right. Any ideas on what to look for in a management team are appreciated?
• Indoor Soccer is pretty new in our area. How do we attract outdoor players?
• Can I have a multi use facility?
• I have investors who will lend me some money to put in an indoor soccer field? We're arguing about who gets what. What is a fair arrangement?

 

Third Set of Questions

• Could you tell me about professional leagues and send a copy of the rules?
• Can a population of 80 thousand people support an indoor facility?
• I wonder if you would be able to provide any names of suppliers of Canadian or US suppliers of carpets and boards?
• I need a scoreboard. Where do I get one and what kind?
• We are interested in building a soccer arena in our city. There is one, but it's not doing very good. Reading and digesting each of your submissions it appears you suggest the simple, but don't always do it . Why don't you hire someone to build your arenas. Is the cost that great of a difference?
• Is there a national tournament for indoor soccer?
• Can the turf be removed in a short period of time?
• My wife says I spend all my time working at the two indoor soccer fields that we own. She says I work too much. Can you help me?

 

Fourth Set of Questions

• I am attempting to put together a proposal for a large sports complex in the ______ area. If it is possible, I would like to meet with you at your convenience, tour your facility(s), and pick your brain. My proposed project is very big and I need all the help and advise that I can get.
• My dad and I are looking to build an indoor facility that would be a combination soccer/tennis/hockey. Are there facilities like this? Do you know of a similar facility??
• Is it possible to change floor surfaces?
• What has been your experience with indoor soccer facilities in colder weather climates?
• How long do your average seasons last? In Denver are you able to book the facility year round with indoor soccer?
• In general, what has been your experience during the summer months in the facilities? Are you able to book any field time or is everybody playing outdoors?
• How do soccer players generally feel about playing soccer indoors during the summer months? Do you run any indoor soccer camps during the summer months at any of your facilities?
• 5. Also on your web page you mention that there is a market growth during the months of Dec. to Feb. and again in June to August. Why are these growth months?
• What is the biggest reason indoor soccer facilities fail? * Why is there no national indoor soccer organization?
• You originally leased sites, then bought existing sites empty, then bought competitors, and now appear to be constructing new buildings from the ground up? The "thought process"?
• We are building a $3,000,000 facility in _________. It's going to have several fields in it. What advice can you give us?
• What kind of money am I going to need for all of the things that go on the inside of the building? You know, grass, glass, etc....?
• What would be my maintenance costs for a new facility? What should I build into reserves? Any other things that I should list that generally get overlooked?

 

Fifth Set of Questions

• The reason for seeking you out is to see if you are intrested helping me streamline operations and tighten the management of _______?
• Are you the General Contractor when you build?
• Do you have a preferred supplier for your pre-fab building?
• Are your total costs still coming in at around $20 per building foot?
• What has your typical timeframe been (I realize local approvals can be a wild card)? If I can't open by Dec 1, I would probably wait until next year?
• you previously stated years 1-5 are ok in terms of taxes...what is the best way to prepare now for year 6 when no more depreciation or is this something to wait on until later?
• Should we begin from the "kick-off" using a payroll co. &/or an accountant? Is this best for long term priorities and short term peace of mind?
• How many employees do you use each evening? Do you pay scorekeepers or charge teams a separate scorekeeper fee?
• You mentioned to keep competition out, one needs to be deep in money reserves. How much? Monthly expenses being approx $12k. Is 8 months reserve too much, unrealistic, or not enough?
• What is most effective in keeping away those who have the $800-1m available to build a new better facility?
• Do you still find the "per team" fee the best method for adults and youth? Or is youth fee schedule different?
• Last question...is it wise and/or ok to build the arena one's self (purchase boards, plexi, etc from local businesses) to save money? Or go with the pros?
• I notice that most of your buildings are 110' wide even with two fields. Is it less expensive to build long rather than side to side clear span?
• What type of play do you have on your mini fields? Is it popular and do you fill all of that time?
• What is desired roof height at eves and peak ? 25 ft?
• How much bleacher seating capacity do you aim for?
• Do you have arcade games?
• You mentioned in one e-mail that you have 200 soccer teams on one field. How do you fit all those games into one week? Does that include a mini field?
• Do you have a larger pro shop in your hockey facilities due to more equipment required?
• What has been your experience with observatory decks and the sale of beer and wine at indoor venues
• Is there such thing as a remote control scoreboard?