June 1, 2008
Preds averaged $600k in tickets per game last season
The Preds averaged $600,000 per game in ticket revenue this past season, according to The Toronto Star (team-by-team list). That figure represents an increase of 9 percent over the 2006-07 season, when the team averaged $500,000 per game. The Preds ranked 24th in the 30-team NHL and ahead of Washington and Atlanta, larger markets fielding playoff teams.
The article reports that the league’s six Canadian franchises are responsible for roughly one-third of the NHL’s ticket revenue. Teams north of the border made up six of the top seven league franchises based on ticket revenue per game. Canadian teams performed well because of a strong Canadian dollar and strong ticket sales despite generally higher ticket prices than most American teams.
The story makes the argument that, based on the significant ticket revenue generated by Canadian teams, the NHL would benefit from one or even two more teams in Canada, whether by relocation or expansion. Thankfully for Preds fans, the Phoenix Coyotes are mentioned as the most likely candidate for relocation rather than our beloved franchise. Smartphone manufacturer executive Jim Balsillie is mentioned as a potential suitor for the Coyotes, who ranked last in per-game ticket revenue at $450,000.
Other hockey items of interest:
- The NHL continues to struggle to lure more fans to its arenas and to its TV broadcasts (Wall Street Journal).
- Preds executive Ed Lang says all is well with the home team this offseason.
- The Chicago Blackhawks will reportedly host the Detroit Red Wings in next year’s outdoor Winter Classic (TSN).
- Ellis, Suter may not remain Preds for long.
![Rob Robinson](http://thinktrain.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Rob.jpg")
Nathan Ketsdever said,
June 5, 2008 @ 2:57 am
I enjoy major league sports as a general rule. But that kind of profit could probably “solve” our homeless problem for 2-3 months…
That said…I hope the Preds as a team do well next year…
Rob Robinson said,
June 5, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Good point. I don’t think there’s really much defending against that argument, Nathan. I love the Preds, but compassion for people in need ought to be a higher priority than pretty much everything else. It’s a shame that it isn’t.