Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark on Thursday said a N.Y. Post story on Islanders ticket sales "is not credible." He added that the Islanders "anticipate many sellouts," as they lead the NHL in new full-season tickets and have more than 8,000 full-season ticket holders (TWITTER.com, 9/3). In the article, the N.Y. POST's Josh Kosman reported Islanders co-Owner Jonathan Ledecky "is personally calling prospective season ticket holders to help close the sale." A source said, “That’s a leading indicator they have issues selling tickets." However, a Barclays Center spokesperson said that the team "is ahead of its initial goal of selling between 7,500 to 8,000 season tickets" (N.Y. POST, 9/3).
STAY ON TARGET: In DC, Jerry Brewer writes despite how much Redskins GM Scot McCloughan "has thrived in Washington the past eight months, his off-field behavior will always warrant concern and monitoring." Brewer: "I see him as a brilliant talent evaluator, a well-intentioned man and a highly likeable public figure." But he is "neither flawless nor bulletproof." McCloughan "has admitted to having a drinking problem." McCloughan’s past "transforms the controversy" involving his wife's Twitter account "into a reminder of how much Washington’s future hinges on the decision making of a man whose talent demanded this second chance" as a GM. The fiasco "serves an important warning that the organization must give McCloughan freedom to do his job -- and support to ensure he stays on task" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/4).
THAT'S THE GOAL: In Cincinnati, Steve Watkins reported incoming USL club FC Cincinnati "has already racked up 500 deposits, with fans plunking down $50 to reserve their chance to buy season tickets when they go on sale." FC Cincinnati President & GM Jeff Berding said that those sales "equate to 1,500 to 1,600 season tickets when multiple seats per order are included." He added that the team "is targeting 10,000 season tickets." FC Cincinnati "has already sold all of its initial supply of merchandise," and sponsors "are signing up as well." Berding "expects to announce two major sponsors in the next few weeks that will spend more than $100,000 each" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/3).
