Franchise Notes
The Blackhawks for the '08-09 season are raising ticket prices at the United Center an average of 16%, and as much as 85% for some season tickets, according to Chris Kuc of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. For season-ticket packages, the least expensive ticket will jump from $10 to $15, while the highest-priced seat will increase from $275 to $285 per game. The price increase is the first for the Blackhawks since the '97-98 season, and places their average advance season-ticket price at $56, lower than last season's NHL average of $61. The Blackhawks also will introduce "premium games" at a higher cost, "likely Friday and Saturday night games and against top opponents." Those price increases do not affect season tickets (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/8).
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New Orleans Mayor Feels Professional
Teams Not Looking To Relocate |
ON A CRESCENT ROLL: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, in a Q&A with the WALL STREET JOURNAL's Dan Bollerman, said of the long-term future for the Hornets and Saints, "I think they're both fairly locked in. The Saints, for example, have a waiting list for season-ticket holders and their corporate sponsorships have never been better. All they need is an extension on their lease on the Superdome and I think they're locked in for many, many years. The Hornets, I think, are in a similar position. If you had asked me the same question in December, I probably would have had a different answer. Now, they're selling out on a regular basis, the hottest ticket in town. They're starting to sell season tickets for next year and the playoffs have been incredible" (WSJ.com, 5/8).
NOT INTERESTED: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) yesterday denied a CP report that indicated MLSE's "interest in purchasing" second-tier English League Championship club Sheffield. MLSE CFO Ian Clarke said that MLSE "has no interest in buying into the club" (CBC.ca, 5/7). Sheffield, which was relegated from the English Premier League in ’00, yesterday said it was “actively seeking a buyer.” MLSE reportedly met with team officials last month for “a fact-finding mission” (CP, 5/7).
WHAT'S IN A NAME? The Angels and the city of Anaheim in June are scheduled to return to court for the "latest and perhaps last round in the city's 3-year-old challenge to the team's name change." The state appellate court then will have 90 days to make a decision (L.A. TIMES, 5/8).
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