Hitmen and Giants attendance

[Resolute 14]

Originally posted by GreaseIsTheWord@Feb 6 2005, 12:37 PM
Did you notice that first you were surprised that the 'Runners have such high numbers, then wonder why they haven't caught on? Are you on crack?

Actually, I never stated any surprise that the Road Runners had "such high numbers." Rather, I posted that I was surprised the numbers werent higher. As I stated before, in the only two games I've made it out to thus far, there was no walkup, and a lot of the STH's did not show up.

As I suggested, ticket prices were part of the problem, IMO, as the Road Runners were pushing their fans as far away as they could.

I poorly worded that statement. I wasnt trying to imply that Edmonton mattered, because in the context of the best support out of 150 or so minor and major-junior hockey cities in North America, Edmonton doesnt warrant any more mention than Lowell or Kingston or Fresno. I didn't mean to get your hopes up.

I made the comment because Edmontonians seem to always spoil themselves whenever Calgary is mentioned in major national and international media, yet Edmonton is not.

[GreaseIsTheWord]

Well you certainly do not speak on behalf of Edmontonians. I think it's great that Calgary is getting accolades for the Hitmen. If you think I'm ashamed because the 'Runners average a few hundred less, don't kid yourself because I don't need national coverage to know a good thing when I see it.

At least it dispels the myth that Edm/Cgy don't have the population to support the NHL. The shills who repeat this often ignore the fact that we had no problem supporting our teams in the 80's when the cities had probably half the population they do now.

Just a question, but why didn't your AHL affiliate move to Calgary instead of Omaha? This question is not meant to belittle in any way, I really am curious. You could move the Hitmen to the Corral and the AHL team to the Saddledome.

[North East Goon]

We dont have an AHL affiliated team. We currently split with Carolina to form Lowell. That would be a bit much dont you think? Having teams from both leagues, especially with the history the WHL has in western Canada.

[Resolute 14]

I would guess that the decision not to put our AHL affiliate in Calgary is purely financial.

The first hurdle is the existance of the Hitmen. Calgary and Edmonton can suppport two major franchises, but I highly doubt either could support three.

It costs a hell of a lot more to operate an AHL franchise than it does WHL. Specifically to Calgary, the travel costs. After Edmonton, the nearest team would be 1300KM away. The team would have to fly everywhere. Conversely, there are five WHL teams within a 4 hour bus ride away.

That's one of the reasons why I believe that long term, Edmonton is better off in the Dub than the AHL.

The Hitmen also have a very well developed fan base. They averaged 7600 last year, third in the CHL, despite the Flames run. Dumping the WHL for the AHL would force the Flames to start all over again, not to mention alienate the hard core WHL fans in the city.

[KowOfLang]

Originally posted by mileflames+Oct 28 2004, 11:30 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mileflames @ Oct 28 2004, 11:30 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

By those numbers shouldn't Edmonton be first?

You would Think so, BUT

AHL is not the WHL, one is pro players the other is kids!!!!!!! [/b][/quote]
...and to the 'Runners credit, pro hockey is more expensive...

I'm not at all interested in AHL hockey though. WHL all the way.

[e-townchamps]

I still don't think you can compare the Hitmen with the 'Runners

1st off, the Hitmen have been established for 10 years while the 'Runners are still looking for their fan base. When we have success in the Playoffs and if we are around for 10 years (which in unlikely) then we can compare each teams attendance

2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game

I agree it costs alot more the run an AHL team then a WHL team so thats why I can't see the 'Runners being here for more than 2 years

[JayP]

Originally posted by e-townchamps@Feb 13 2005, 07:39 PM
2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game

Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself.

[Julio]

Originally posted by JayP+Feb 13 2005, 01:09 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JayP @ Feb 13 2005, 01:09 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-e-townchamps@Feb 13 2005, 07:39 PM
2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game

Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself. [/b][/quote]
Edmonton:
Purchase tickets casually for one game at the following prices.
Gold Club $ 39.00
Silver Club $ 38.00
Executive $ 28.00
Executive Terrace $ 26.00
Terrace $ 22.00
Colonnade $ 17.75
Gallery $ 14.50
Wheelchair $ 17.75
Calgary:
Club: $35.00
All other: $16.75

Is a bit of a difference...

[JayP]

Originally posted by Julio+Feb 15 2005, 02:46 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Julio @ Feb 15 2005, 02:46 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself.

Edmonton:
Purchase tickets casually for one game at the following prices.
Gold Club $ 39.00
Silver Club $ 38.00
Executive $ 28.00
Executive Terrace $ 26.00
Terrace $ 22.00
Colonnade $ 17.75
Gallery $ 14.50
Wheelchair $ 17.75
Calgary:
Club: $35.00
All other: $16.75

Is a bit of a difference... [/b][/quote]
The only real important thing is the range of the tickets.

Hitmen: $16.75 - $35.00

Roadrunners: $14.50 - $39.00

I don't see a significant difference there. Obviously they aren't going to be exactly equal, but they are close enough that IMO there is little correlation between price and attendance of the two teams.

[Julio]

Originally posted by JayP@Feb 14 2005, 09:55 PM

The only real important thing is the range of the tickets.

Hitmen: $16.75 - $35.00

Roadrunners: $14.50 - $39.00

I don't see a significant difference there. Obviously they aren't going to be exactly equal, but they are close enough that IMO there is little correlation between price and attendance of the two teams.

Well, I'm not sure about that...for the most part club seats aren't the casual ticket buyer's option at all for Hitmen games, or even really in their thoughts. You can get a lower bowl ticket to a hitmen game for under 20 bucks. For under $20 you sit in the upper part of the upper deck at Rexall (although I don't know how tough they are on people moving down etc). That to me is a big difference.