Franchise Notes
In Nashville, John Glennon reports the Predators this season are expected to top the 14,000 mark in average paid attendance necessary to receive the full NHL revenue-sharing allotment, which is "big news for management, because it likely will mean more than $10[M] to help the franchise remain financially competitive with larger-market teams." The Predators tonight will host the Blackhawks in their regular-season finale at Sommet Center, and Predators President of Business Operations Ed Lang said, "There's no chance we'll fall below 14,000 at this point." In order to receive the full revenue-sharing package, the Predators also must make sure their "hockey-related revenues this season have increased by a percentage equal to or greater than the NHL's overall hockey-related revenue." Lang said that he is "confident the Predators will hit that mark as well." Predators GM David Poile said revenue-sharing is "what helps give us a chance to be a viable franchise. Without it, it's not going to work" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 4/7).
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Former Canadiens GM Serge Savard today confirmed that he is "interested in making a bid to purchase" the club from Owner George Gillett. Savard told French-language newspaper La Presse, "If George [Gillett] clearly says that the Club de hockey Canadien is for sale, then, if that's the case, me, I'm ready to do the deal. I can complete the deal and buy the club" (MONTREALGAZETTE.com, 4/7).
KICKING & SCREAMING: In Toronto, Cathal Kelly noted MLS Toronto FC fans during Saturday's home opener at BMO Field against Sounders FC "were already testing the fuzzy limits" of the league's new spectator code of conduct. Language used by the crowd, directed at Sounders investor Drew Carey, was "obscene, abusive -- and sometimes hilarious." Sounders G Kasey Keller also "spent a few nervous minutes dodging cups tossed" from the fans. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Exec VP & COO Tom Anselmi: "We have some fans who get a little fuelled up before they get here. But we haven't had an enormous amount of alcohol-related evictions" (TORONTO STAR, 4/5).
ON TARGET: The MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL BUSINESS JOURNAL's John Vomhoff Jr. reports the WNBA Minnesota Lynx have filled their '09 schedule with "concerts, theme nights and other promotions in an effort to draw more value-minded families to games." The team will host a "TGIF Block Party" before each of their four Friday home games, and also will offer a "Friends and Family Pack" -- four $10 tickets and four Lynx gifts for $30 -- at its three Tuesday night games (MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/3 issue).
DRAWING THE CASUAL FAN: Washington Post reporter Jason La Canfora noted fans have less discretionary income that in previous years, so "if you’re the Capitals and you’re capturing that ‘in between, not really a sports fan, but looking for something to do’ crowd, and they start to swing your way, that obviously is going to help your bottom line” (“Washington Post Live,” CSN Mid-Atlantic, 4/6).
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