A survey in Nashville finds a "previously untapped pool of
hockey fans, many of whom indicate a strong willingness to buy
tickets and purchase team merchandise," if the city lands a team,
according to David Climer of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. The
survey, conducted by 20/20 Research of Nashville, projects
ticket-sale potential that would fill the 20,000-seat Nashville
arena for all 41 home games. The survey was included in a formal
application for an expansion franchise that was submitted to NHL
headquarters. If Nashville is approved for a franchise, WI-
multimillionaire Craig Leipold would be majority owner with
80.1%, while Gaylord Entertainment would likely hold the
remaining 19.9% Among the survey findings: 11% would be "very
interested" in purchasing season tickets; an estimated 209,000
households would purchase some type of NHL team merchandise. One
"area of possible concern" is ticket prices, as those surveyed
estimate the average cost of an NHL ticket at under $30.
Leipold's planned ticket structure calls for a $33 average, with
the lowest priced seat at $18. But, 70% said they would attend
games when a $15-40 price range was offered to them (Nashville
TENNESSEAN, 8/17).
