The Coyotes through their first 10 home games "have enjoyed an increase in attendance" at Jobing.com Arena, averaging 13,142 fans per game, according to Sarah McLellan of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. Coyotes President & COO Mike Nealy said that compared to the first 10 home games last season, "paid tickets for this season" are up 30%. Nealy: "It’s just been a building process, essentially. Multiple years now of a competitive team is really at the basis of this." McLellan notes the Coyotes define their attendance "as tickets sold and complimentary tickets." Nealy said that complimentary tickets in the past "would range from 3,000 to 5,000 per game," but this season they have "usually been only a couple hundred and definitely less than 1,000." He added that the Coyotes' season-ticket base is the largest since '99 and the renewal rate is 90%, "the highest in franchise history." McLellan notes the "spike in interest also seems to have translated to the TV audience." Fox Sports Arizona reported that 45,065 people "on average watched the first 10 games on the network," a 150% increase over last season. Coyotes GM Don Maloney said, "We know if we continue to play well, people will come and support us" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/28).
WIND BENEATH THEIR WINGS: In Detroit, Michael Martinez noted the Red Wings last week sent season-ticket holders a coupon booklet that contains "six coupons for $3 beer," six more "for $1 pop at 16 ounces and a $25 merchandise coupon valid at Joe Louis Arena and Hockeytown Authentics in Troy." Season-ticket holders also received "free passes to Olympia Entertainment shows and invitations to special events" (DETROIT NEWS, 2/24).
