Maple Leafs, Coca-Cola To Host Free Preseason Game For Fans

Maple Leafs, Coca-Cola To Host Free  Preseason Game For 20,000 Fans

The Maple Leafs, in conjunction with sponsor Coca-Cola, on September 22 will host the Coca-Cola Zero Fans First Game, a free pre-season game against the Sabres for 20,000 fans, according to Mary Ormsby of the TORONTO STAR. The giveaway, which will cost "close to $2[M] to stage," is intended to "promote Coca-Cola Zero and to reward fans." Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher: "The cost of tickets today puts the game out of reach for a lot of the grassroots fans. This is a way we can acknowledge how important they are to the team and give them an opportunity to see a game free of charge." Each fan at the announcement of the promo at the Air Canada Centre yesterday received a "free pair of tickets to the game." The remainder will be "distributed through promotions and contests by Coca-Cola Zero and the Leafs, which will have more information at mapleleafs.com on the event" (TORONTO STAR, 7/17). In Toronto, Joe Warmington writes the "big joke on the street was Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment handing out something for free is about as rare as Stanley Cup parades." But the "idea of doing something like this should be applauded and encouraged" (TORONTO SUN, 7/17). The GLOBE & MAIL's Tim Wharnsby reports there were "close to 1,000 fans in attendance at the announcement" (GLOBE & MAIL, 7/17).