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| Sabres Seeing More Advertising Revenue |
Last night's Devils-Sabres game at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester drew a sellout crowd of 11,146, and was "proof that regionalization may be working as planned for" the Sabres, according to Kevin Oklobzija of the ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE. Sabres Owner Thomas Golisano said, "Based on the results, I think we'd be remiss if we didn't try to repeat for one or two major games next year." To help offset costs of moving the game, most of last night's tickets were sold in four packs including a preseason game in Rochester, last night's game and any two games in Buffalo (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 11/13).
SPONSORS: In Buffalo, James Fink notes the Sabres' advertising revenue is up about 25% from last year, and the club has "picked up 22 new advertising or sponsorship deals since ... Golisano has taken over." NY-based SKM Group Media Buyer Bob Jorden said, "Our clients are feeling much better about the team. The Sabres are a much easier sell because all of the `unknowns' have been taken out of the equation." Fink notes Choice One, Western New York MRI, Casino Niagara and Univera Healthcare are among the companies that have either renewed or started new partnerships with the club. The sponsorship and advertising clients that have left the team are "mostly those that were tied to the club through relationships with Adelphia Communications," including MTV, Court TV and Showtime (BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST, 11/7 issue).
