Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
They'll be pretty close would be my guess. But regardless what's your point, it's not a success unless they can hit Canadian market ticket prices?
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That it is an interesting investment for the NHL. At best they will probably be average, but LV could also feasibly drag the average revenue down if they aren't. There are some things worth considering after the new car smell fades way. What if the NFL/MLB/NBA moves move to town? What if the team is another 'Columbus' in terms of on-ice success? How will the fans respond once it starts to set in that a playoff run can be a 'once in a generation' type of event? There's a bit of risk going to Vegas. It's a non-traditional market with a ton of other stuff for people to do. What qualifies as success in Vegas? Survival? Or do they think LV can develop into a better market than Quebec City or Hamilton?
The NHL must really believe in the market long term because a team in QC, for instance, would be a safer bet for early and long term term success IMO. There is also no chance at a 'Phoenix scenario' in QC. No other big league sport is coming to town. The fans will buy tickets no matter what, assuming trends that exist in the other Canadian markets extend to QC. Lack of success in Canada means nothing theses days, even crap teams sell out up here.
I guess my point is: Usually you bet on 'risky' when the payoff is better. I'm not condemning the NHL or anything, but I am interested to see how this fares. Personally, I'm betting on LV eventually settling into bottom 5/10 market territory. Possibly worse if one of the big 3 comes to town at some point.