Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
QCSV spent $1M on the franchise fee, $1.5M on renovations to the arena and was in the hole about $0.5M last season in operating expenses (my guess based on the assumption they needed 4000 fans to break even but averaged just 3500 fans at $25 per person, per game for tickets, concessions, parking etc)
So they've sunk ~$3M into this so far; given the current average attendance of 2700/game, they could lose another $1.3M this season
The Omaha Knights lost $4M before they moved, so things certainly don't look good.
Having said that, the Calgary Flames only pay player salaries and related expenses; QCSV is on the hook for all business operating expenses, so the survival of the Flames in QC really depends on QCSV pocket book. They are in the second year of a 5 year deal; given the previous failed attempts to bring AHL hockey to QC, I can't see QCSV cutting their losses just yet.
Ultimately, the on ice product will go a long way to keeping this team in QC; fans want to see winners; if they can get into the playoffs this year and have 3+ sold-out/big crowd playoff games and a simulataneous season ticket drive that drastically improves on their current season ticket base, QC Flames will survive
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Everyone keeps citing that 4,000 fans/game figure because it was mentioned in an article once by Tim Taylor. It's not an exact figure, and it was also based on last year's ticket prices, which are higher this year. I'd also point out that right now, 15 teams in the AHL are under 4,000/game. This will probably change after Christmas like it always does.
The arena the QC Flames play in is extremely successful even with the Flames' attendance problems. In fact, I think every year of the building's existence except for 1 it made a profit (the one year it didn't, it was only a slight loss). Many AHL arenas have to be subsidized. I think the building could do a little more to help the Flames if needed.
We've made the comparison many times on here already, but I think the Flames would be wise to take a page from the QC baseball team the River Bandits. They lowered ticket prices, had a promotion for every game, and had things like bands playing after Saturday games. The point is to give people another reason to come out than to see a team make a championship run. The Flames have wisely been appealing more to kids, with the national anthem and the youth jersey giveaway which was a hit. But there have been still too many games with really no promotions.
Winning more will always help attendance, but minor league sports can be a tough sell. I mean, no one even goes to a River Bandits games to see them win, but they created a fun atmosphere and did quite well. The Flames need to create their version of this to get them through the tough times. If they start winning, then they'd be in an even better position.