Franchise Notes
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Kings Claim To Be Losing More
Money Than Before Lockout |
In L.A., Rich Hammond reported the NHL Kings claim to be "losing millions of dollars a year" since the '04-05 lockout. While the team did not release specific figures, the losses are more that the $8-10M the club annually lost before the lockout. The club yesterday announced several season-ticket price increases for the '08-09 season, which the Kings believe are "necessary, in part, to help stabilize their bottom line." The most expensive seats in the arena will increase from $331.50 to $355.50, while the cheapest will decrease from $11 to $10. Kings President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille: "From a business standpoint, we know (prices) need to go up. We could do a huge bump next year or do it slowly. Knowing that, we want to be as fair as possible" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 5/1). The Kings averaged 16,607 per game this season, 91.7% capacity at Staples Center (THE DAILY).
DOLLAR BILLS: In Toronto, Stephen Brunt reports the $78M (all figures Canadian) the Bills will earn for playing eight games at the Rogers Centre over a five-year stretch is "about $4[M] a game more than they bring in at Ralph Wilson Stadium, which holds about 20,000 more spectators." The average ticket price for the Toronto games "will be in the vicinity of $200," as 50,000 seats would equal a $10M gate. Brunt: "Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Bills will be in Toronto, in part or in whole, for a long, long time" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 5/1). The Bills currently retain all revenues generated at Ralph Wilson Stadium. However, per rent terms, the Bills pay Erie County (NY) 50% of the amount by which net ticket revenue exceeds the NFL average net ticket revenue (THE DAILY).
FISHING FOR FANS: In Miami, Barry Jackson noted the Marlins "say they spend more than $10[M] annually on advertising and marketing," more than any other MLB team. Marlins President David Samson: "We need to advertise and be creative in our market." Jackson asked, "Could they spend half that and use the other half to add a veteran player?" (MIAMI HERALD, 4/30).
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