Baltimore Showing Increasing Level Of Interest In Capitals

Just as the Capitals have "enlivened the Washington hockey market with their recent run of success, Baltimore is now paying attention to an unprecedented degree," according to Dan Steinberg of the WASHINGTON POST. Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic's ratings for Capitals games in Baltimore "have increased by 51 percent over last season and by 125 percent over two years." Capitals telecasts since January have averaged a 1.08 rating in the Baltimore market, "higher than they rated in the Washington market two years ago." The broadcasts "now out-rate Wizards broadcasts in Baltimore, likely for the first time in franchise history, and the team estimates that at least 10 percent of full-plan season ticket holders come from the Baltimore market." Baltimore groups "regularly arrange bus trips to Capitals games ... and the team has run promotions that appear only in Baltimore media outlets." The Capitals over the past three seasons also have "brought players to Baltimore for autograph signings and hosted conference calls and separate media sessions for Baltimore outlets." Steinberg noted Baltimore-based Natty Boh Gear Owner and Capitals season-ticket holder Todd Unger "recently introduced a 'Bohvechkin' shirt to his boutique honoring the iconic Baltimore beer" The shirt is "now available at Baltimore's Sports Legend Museum." Unger said, "Three years ago you would have never been able to have them carry a line of Capitals merchandise, because they associated it with Washington. Now it's just totally accepted" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/29).

FILLING THE PHONE BOOTH: In DC, Stephen Whyno noted most Capitals fans who "don't own season tickets will have to shell out tons of cash" to attend playoff games this year. Almost the "entire inventory is gone" thanks to "season-ticket holders snatching up a lot of them and to many on team email and mailing lists buying up the rest." Capitals Senior VP/Ticket Sales Jim Van Stone: "There are certainly a lot of people who want to take part in it. We just don't have the seats." Whyno noted StubHub's cheapest seats for the first round start at $84, while Stanley Cup Final tickets start at $495 (WASHINGTON TIMES, 3/29).