Despite facing an expected "debt ratio for at least two
more years until their new arena gets built," the Coyotes
announced yesterday that the average ticket price for both
season tickets and individual game tickets will remain the
same for the fourth straight year, according to Bob
McManaman of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Coyotes President Shawn
Hunter: "We have a goal of hitting our renewals by 90
percent or higher this year from the combination of new
ownership, Wayne Gretzky and price restructuring. Looking
at how we were going to stay healthy for the next two years,
we couldn't raise prices across the board." McManaman notes
that "in some cases" season-ticket prices will actually be
reduced for "prime locations" in the lower bowl at America
West Arena, while there will be "noticeable price increases
for some of the next-best seats" in the lower level. Hunter
said that the Coyotes' average ticket price of $41.25 will
be lower than the league average of $44.50. Hunter added
that "more than" 400 new fans have made deposits on season
tickets since Gretzky joined the team's ownership group.
Season-ticket holders will begin receiving customized ticket
information packages this week (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/14).
WAYNE'S RESTAURANT: Also in Phoenix, Scutari &
Rozemberg report that Gretzky wants to put a hockey-themed
restaurant called "Wayne Gretzky's" inside the Coyotes'
proposed 18,000-seat arena in Scottsdale. Early plans call
for the restaurant to be connected to the front of the arena
with entrances into the facility and the Los Arcos Mall.
Coyotes Owner Steve Ellman is scheduled to release a revised
site plan for the $535M development that will include 250
apartments, a home improvement store, an office building and
a gated park. In addition to Gretzky's restaurant, Ellman
also "has lined up" Dave-n-Buster's restaurant and a 20-
screen cinema (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/14).
