Lightning Exec VP/Communications Bill Wickett said that merchandise sales "increased" 67% through the first playoff round over the regular season, and food and beverage sales are up 41%. TV ratings are "skyrocketing as well," with a 5.17 rating through the first-round series against the Devils on Fox Sports Sun, "dwarfing its 1.83 regular season ratings" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/26).
PRICE POINTS: In L.A., Bill Shaikin notes the Dodgers "raised their average ticket price more than any other team in the major leagues." The Dodgers' average ticket price this season is $41.13, a "jump of 14.5%." No other team "raised its average price more than 10%." The Dodgers' average price "ranks fifth," behind the Cubs at $58.57 (L.A. TIMES, 4/26).
SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT: In Las Vegas, Alan Snel wrote MGM Resorts faces the "challenge of creating a buzz" about the WNBA Aces' upcoming season "in the face of Golden Knights-mania." If the Golden Knights defeat the Sharks and win the Western Conference Finals for a Stanley Cup Final berth, the start of the Aces' regular season "could overlap with the Golden Knights' postseason." MGM Resorts is "using everything from radio spots to their properties' large marquees to promote the Aces after staging a season ticket holder seat selection event in early February" (LVSPORTSBIZ.com, 4/25).
