COVID-19: What is Arena Sports preparing to do? A case study:

Situation

Arena Sports owns and runs 5 indoor sports facilities in the Seattle area and uses the Dash Platform to manage these facilities. In Washington, schools are closed through the end of the school year. Based on the “curve,” Arena is anticipating the stay-at-home restrictions could lift sometime in May in the Seattle area. In addition to first responders and healthcare workers, many families that generally rely on the school system for childcare during work hours will be in need of safe childcare options. Using Dash Software, Arena identified a list of families with elementary-aged children and conducted a survey of their interest in a “Pre-Summer Camp” as a solution once businesses open (with schools remaining closed). Within 24 hours Arena had received nearly 600 interested participants.

The camp is being modified from the typical Arena Sports camp. With all school-aged kids in the Seattle area doing online school, there will be sufficient downtime/desk time for students to focus on their studies. They will bring their own school supplies (books, notebooks, laptops, headphones, etc.). Our staff will be available to help with questions, although we certainly would not claim to provide tutoring.

Safety

• Arena will follow all CDC guidelines to mitigate the risk of exposure to Coronavirus including (but not limited to) campers and staff wearing masks, regular hand-washing, temperature checks, regular cleanings of common areas and field equipment, etc.
• Arena will limit the number of kids in the program to allow for appropriate social distancing.
  
• Activities in which the appropriate social distancing is not possible will be eliminated.

Execution

• Families will register their kids online using the Dash software.
• Arena will use the Dash automated billing features to collect fees at the beginning of each week.
• Prioritized registration will be available to those committing to the entire term (6-7 weeks), similar to the typical camp arrangement.
• Customers can choose Tuesday & Thursday; Monday, Wednesday, Friday; or Monday through Friday options.
• No drop-ins.
• Should there be any spots open after initial registration, Arena plans to open up for single week registration.

Financials

• Current plan calls for a weekly charge in the $300/week range (for 5 days of camp).
• Each location will safely host between 50 and 100 kids (based on facility size and social distancing guidelines).
• This program will allow Arena Sports to hire back some of the furloughed part-time staff which will help meet the PPP compensation requirements – effectively covering the entire cost of the staff to run the program. Additionally, Arena should actually enjoy an additional 25% forgiven on the loans (to be applied to rent, utilities, etc.) as part of the PPP program.

The team at Arena has been encouraged by the positive response and comments from families. Preparations are underway to launch this program with very little lead time as we are all uncertain of when we may be able open up for camp. In the meantime, the team at Arena reports that they will continue to work to improve their operations in order to open as a stronger business when they get the “green light.”