Jerry Colangelo is willing to play a "fool's game" in
bringing hockey to Phoenix as the sport's history in town has
"been a checkered one," writes Steve Weston of the ARIZONA
REPUBLIC. Weston notes Phoenix's Roadrunners "thrived" in the
WHL in the '60s, "committed suicide" in the '70s with a move to
the WHA, and have been "resurrected" in the '90s in the IHL.
Now, Colangelo is "betting [hockey] can be a success."
Colangelo: "When you look at what are the important items in
terms of revenue, you have to look at local radio, television and
cable. You have to look at signage income, suite income, club
seat income, nominal parking income, and concession income." He
says he is confident "based on our ability to market." Colangelo
said he has a five-year plan for the NHL in Phoenix, but adds
there are no guarantees it will be successful. Weston also notes
fans will have to pay a higher price for the NHL than the IHL.
Colangelo added he is not projecting sellouts: "You have to be
realistic. If we could get at least 60 out of 88 suites, if we
could sell 80 percent of the seats in the building, etcetera,
etcetera, we are where we are in terms of my numbers" (ARIZONA
REPUBLIC, 11/30).
