NBA D-League Grand Rapids Drive co-Owner Steve Jbara "couldn't be happier and couldn't be more determined to improve" after the team's first season resulted in a 23-27 record without making the playoffs, according to Peter Wallner of the GRAND RAPIDS PRESS. Jbara said, "From the basketball side, we really would have loved to be in the playoffs with the ESPN exposure. But as far as attendance, sponsorship, merchandise and getting a handle on and reacting to feedback, it's all been really good." Jbara said that the Drive "had 52 sponsors that raised nearly $500,000," which "surpassed expectations by $100,000." Attendance "was given at 3,100, though no league numbers are available." Jbara added that they "sold 500 season-ticket accounts, which translated to about 1,000 season tickets." The Drive said that they "had five sellouts at the DeltaPlex Arena," meaning covers for seat sections on the south end of the facility "had to be removed." The arena seating "is listed at 6,200." Jbara next season "hopes attendance can increase to 3,500 and reach 1,000 accounts." The team hopes to "improve their website" as well. Wallner noted stats and team information "stopped being updated during the middle of the season." The "loudest complaints have been about the arena, from cold temperatures to poor sound quality" (MLIVE.com, 4/6).
