Score! Deal would keep Twin City Thunderbirds at fairgrounds for at least three more years

The Twin City Thunderbirds and city of Winston-Salem have agreed in principle on a new lease that would keep the Federal Prospects Hockey League team at the Fairgrounds Annex for at least another three years.

The team has played at the 4,000-seat arena since the 2017-18 season.

The team is playing this season on a one-year lease after its previous three-year deal expired after last season.

The proposed new contract would run from Sept. 1 of this year to Aug. 31, 2029, according to a resolution to be presented Tuesday to the Winston-Salem City Council Finance Committee.

"Twin City Thunderbirds are a key revenue generator and partner at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds," the city says in its presentation.

So far this season, the city has averaged more than $6,600 in profit per game through revenues from food-and-beverage sales, tickets, fees, rent and other expenses.

The proposed new lease includes up to five one-year extensions at the conclusion of the initial three years.

The full city council must approve the lease.

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