The Blue Jackets' strong start to this season and the "carryover from last year's playoff run have translated to strapping business metrics," according to Laura Newpoff of COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST. Attendance, TV ratings and new sponsorship sales are all "up double digits compared to this time last year." Attendance was "up last year, too." The average attendance so far this season -- 15,434 going into Tuesday's game against the Devils -- is up 14% over last season. Team officials said that season tickets had a "record renewal rate and new sales were strong." Blue Jackets Senior VP & CRO Cameron Scholvin said that there now are 10,700 season-ticket holders, a 1,700 "boost from a season ago." The team "renewed" 99% of its season-ticket holders. FS Ohio ratings are up about 17% this season, and sponsorships "hit a franchise record this season with double-digit growth in new business." The team also "bolstered its roster" by signing LW Artemi Panarin and has "enhanced the experience inside Nationwide Arena." New partnerships include BrewDog, which now has "beer stands there, and the Pins Party Tower" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/6).
