The Mighty Ducks' average attendance this season is
down 11% from last year, and Anaheim Sports President Tony
Tavares attributes the falloff to "lingering uncertainty
over the possible sale of the franchise," according to Bill
Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The Mighty Ducks sold over 98%
of their seats at the 17,174-seat Arrowhead Pond during
their first five seasons from '93-98, but average attendance
this season has dropped to 13,988. Tavares, on speculation
that Disney may be looking to sell both the Angels and
Ducks: "I think that has had a very negative impact in the
marketplace. I really do." But Tavares said that Disney
"has not conducted serious discussions" with any party to
buy the team since the fall. Tavares: "There is no active
discussion going on at any level for either team." Despite
the attendance drop and an average ticket price of $42.56,
below the NHL average of $45.70, Tavares said that the team
"will generate more ticket revenue this year," including
luxury suites. Without luxury suites revenue, Shaikin noted
the Mighty Ducks "are on pace to generate" $24.4M this
season, down from $26.7M last year (L.A. TIMES, 2/15).
