EVERETT — Scoring a parking spot downtown on a Silvertips game night is almost as difficult as scoring a Pick 8 jackpot in bingo.
Managers of the North Everett Lions Club bingo hall near the new Everett Events Center say they are worried that competition for on-street parking may drive customers away, many of them seniors who would find it a challenge to walk extra blocks.
"We are very dependent on street parking," said manager Kathy Blaschke. "A lot of our clients are older people; they’re not the type of people who will park three blocks away."
The bingo hall has an adjacent parking lot that holds 45 vehicles, but " we have to have at least 100 players to make money," Blaschke said.
Blaschke said when customers can’t find parking, they go elsewhere.
"Tulalip or 220th Street Bingo (in Mountlake Terrace), that’s our biggest competition."
To lessen the competition for street parking, the Lions Club has changed its schedule so customers can get a jump on the parking. Silvertips hockey games begin at 7:05 p.m.
"Our evening session used to start at 7 p.m., now we’re starting at 6:30 p.m.," Blaschke said. But the earlier starting time may make it difficult for people to get to bingo on Fridays and Mondays after work, she said.
"We’re in a wait and see situation."
Delila Shepherd, 69, has to have her bingo. Like many seniors, she enjoys stopping at the 20-year-old Lions Club bingo hall on a regular basis.
"This is a good outing for seniors. It keeps your mind alert, looking for numbers," Shepherd said. "We put our money aside to play."
Rumors circulated after the Everett Event Center’s opening that city officials might condemn the bingo hall in the quest for more parking, Shepherd said.
"The rumors were going on that the hockey rink wanted it for parking, and that really upset a lot of the bingo players. We were afraid this city would just come in here and say, ‘We need the parking.’ "
But Everett officials said Friday they have no plans for the bingo hall, at 2820 Oakes Ave.
"There are no plans, nor is there any intent, nor has this property been identified as a potential parking site," said Everett’s real property manager, Craig Fullerton.
Jimmy Zaher, owner of Jimmy Z’s nightclub and restaurant farther down Hewitt Avenue Everett from the arena, said some customers have complained about having to park father away, but overall the effect of the event center’s opening has been positive.
"We’re seeing more customers, especially in the off-game hours. Food sales have really improved," Zaher said.
City spokeswoman Kate Reardon said hockey fans are being urged to take advantage of the Everett Station parking lot at 3201 Smith Ave.
"There are more than 700 free parking spots there," Reardon said.
Currently, a shuttle runs between Everett Station and the events center at 2000 Hewitt Ave. for hockey games.
The city’s aim is to ensure that all downtown businesses thrive, Reardon added.
"I would encourage any downtown business to call the city on any parking issues," she said.
Reporter Janice Podsada: 425-339-3029 or podsada@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
