The Belleville Senators were officially welcomed to the city at a flag raising ceremony Tuesday morning. 

Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher, several city councillors and staff as well as team representatives raised the Ottawa Senators flag at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.

Christopher said raising the flag acknowledges the team’s commitment to the city.

“We wanted to get this up on display,” he said. “They’re going to be sending us a larger permanent flag identifying our relationship with the Senators.”

He added that the team will also be ordering about half a dozen flags to be displayed around the city.

Ken Villazor, advisor to Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, said the team appreciates how much Belleville has rallied behind them.

“It’s nice to have everyone at City Hall, including the mayor, really embrace the team and our brand in welcoming us to the city,” he said.

Season tickets are on sale on a first come, first serve basis for a refundable deposit of $100 per season seat.

“We had over 1,000 people register in the first 24 hours and we’re approaching 2,000 now.  So that’s an overwhelming response to say the least,” Villazor said.

He added that the renovated Yardmen Arena will hold 4,400 people.

The team officially announced it was coming to town at a press conference that packed the QSWC Sept. 26.

To learn more, visit www.bellevillesens.com, like the Belleville Sens Facebook page or follow @bellevillesen on Twitter.