Important Arena Policy Update Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The Sarnia Sting return to Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Saturday, August 30th, when they host the London Knights in pre-season action. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, fans should be aware of updated policies designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
No Re-Entry Policy
The most significant change for this season is the implementation of a No Re-Entry Policy. Once a ticket has been scanned at the gate, it cannot be scanned a second time or scanned out as it has in previous years. This means fans who leave the building during the game will not be permitted back inside on the same ticket.
While we understand this may be frustrating for some, the policy is crucial for several reasons:
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Safety – A strict no re-entry rule helps event staff better monitor attendance, prevent unauthorized entry, and maintain a secure environment for fans, players, and staff.
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Climate Control – Progressive Auto Sales Arena features an open concourse design. Constant in-and-out traffic creates unnecessary challenges in regulating temperature, which impacts both fan comfort and ice conditions.
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Traffic Flow – A clear one-way entry process makes it easier and faster for fans to enter the arena, reducing congestion at gates and improving the overall experience on game days.
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Smoke-Free Campus – Progressive Auto Sales Arena is located on the grounds of Lambton College, a smoke-free campus. The No Re-Entry Policy supports enforcement of this rule and helps limit cigarette smoke from re-entering the building during intermissions, which can create discomfort and, in some cases, health concerns for other fans.
In the event of an emergency that requires you to leave the arena, please report directly to Guest Services, located just inside Gate 5. Staff will work with you to manage the situation appropriately.
No Re-Entry Policy: What Fans Need to Know
With the Sarnia Sting returning to Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Saturday, August 30th for pre-season action against the London Knights, a new No Re-Entry Policy will be in effect for the 2025-26 season. Below are answers to common questions fans may have.
Why is the No Re-Entry Policy being introduced?
This policy is designed to improve safety, comfort, and efficiency for all fans. Once your ticket is scanned at the gate, it cannot be scanned again. This ensures:
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A secure environment with better control over who is inside the building.
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Easier and faster traffic flow at entrances.
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Better climate control, as Progressive Auto Sales Arena’s open concourse design makes temperature regulation more challenging when doors are frequently opened.
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Support for Lambton College’s smoke-free campus, reducing the chance of cigarette smoke drifting back inside during intermissions, which can create discomfort or health concerns for other fans.
What if I need to leave the building in an emergency?
If an urgent situation arises, please go directly to Guest Services, located just inside Gate 5. Our staff will work with you to handle the situation appropriately.
What about fans who want to smoke or vape outside?
Progressive Auto Sales Arena is located on the grounds of Lambton College, which is a smoke-free campus. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the property. The No Re-Entry Policy helps enforce this rule and maintain a healthier environment for everyone.
What other rules should I be aware of?
The following policies remain in effect at Progressive Auto Sales Arena:
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Respect for Others: Abuse of any kind toward fans, staff, volunteers, players, or referees will not be tolerated. Violators may be removed without refund.
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Ineligible Items: Outside food and drinks, large bags, professional cameras, weapons, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and glass/metal containers are not permitted. All bags are subject to inspection at the gates.
What if I don’t agree with the policy?
We understand this may be an adjustment for some fans, but these steps are being taken with the entire community in mind. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for everyone to enjoy Sting hockey.
Reminder of Existing Arena Rules
In addition to the new No Re-Entry Policy, the following long-standing rules remain in effect at Progressive Auto Sales Arena:
Abuse
Progressive Auto Sales Arena is a safe environment for all fans to enjoy live events. Abuse of any kind toward fellow spectators, employees, volunteers, players, or referees will not be tolerated. Anyone found in violation may be removed from the arena without refund or exchange.
Ineligible Items
To ensure safety and comfort, the following items are not permitted inside the arena:
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Outside food or beverages
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Glass, plastic, or metal containers
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Professional cameras or video/audio recording devices
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Skateboards, scooters, or rollerblades
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Weapons of any kind (including guns, knives, tasers, or bats)
Spectators found with ineligible items will be asked to return them to their vehicles or dispose of them before entry. Failure to comply may result in removal without refund.
Additionally:
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Large bags (backpacks, reusable bags, etc.) are not permitted.
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Gate staff reserve the right to inspect all bags for ineligible items prior to entry.
The Sarnia Sting thank all fans for their cooperation as we continue to make Progressive Auto Sales Arena a safe and welcoming place for live hockey and community events. We look forward to seeing you on August 30th as we kick off another exciting season of Sting hockey.
