The Royals' new marketing efforts to increase attendance
and the team's value were examined by Randy Covitz of the
K.C. STAR. Covitz: "A new sense of urgency seems to be
emanating from the top floors of Kauffman Stadium, where a
once buttoned-down franchise operated on the premise that the
game of baseball alone was enough to fill the stadium."
Increased attendance means "a more attractive" product for a
team whose "ultimate goal" is to find local ownership.
Royals President Michael Herman estimates the team can "break
even" by drawing 1.8 million fans, and if the club reaches
that mark, every full-time employee -- "or associate in
Royals lexicon" -- will receive a bonus. The Chamber of
Commerce is asking local CEOs and presidents of companies "to
call on their counterparts at other businesses and ask them
to buy season tickets or increase the number they have."
After approximately 10,600 season-tickets sales last year,
the Royals' goal this season is 12,500, which currently is at
10,535 (K.C. STAR, 3/16).
FOR SALE: Although both Board Chair David Glass and team
VP George Brett have been mentioned as potential buyers of
the team, Covitz notes the Royals Board has four more years
to find a suitable buyer. Herman said the board is not under
any pressure to sell the club in '97 (K.C. STAR, 3/16).
