Hamilton Bulldogs

[scott000]

Originally Posted by bornagainbiking

They claim in the Spec today that hockey revenue is at a major loss partly due to the failed bid and poor attendance at AHL games.
I really like the Bulldogs but to take your family there is a bit unrealistic considering the economy and common sense.
I was courious so I did a web search and found Hamilton the so called "hockey town" with enough support for an NHL team was 12th in the AHL with 4606 while Hershey is over 8000 and Winnipeg almost there.
In the OHL or major Jr A there are two teams with over 7000 (Ottawa {with a NHL team there too} and London) Kitchener is almost 6000 average a game.
So why is this? Location or price.
I check ticket prices and found Hamilton is one of the more expensive with a quick search however Manitoba was more by about $2.
The 3 teams I searched (Hershey, Rochester and Syracuse) was around $20 for the best seats while walk-up for Hamilton is $26 or $18 with a 20 ticket pack. One had a $10 ticket special.
So consider that a family wants to go out. $52 or the parents and $32 for 2 kids. That is just to get in and $2 for parking (John and Wilson). $86 plus refeshments
They used to has a family pack for $60 and it went up to $75
However check out Rochester
(Rochester, November 18)... The Rochester Americans announced today that the team, along with Zweigle’s, have revamped the Family Four Pack to offer Amerks fans a special edition of the package. With this game bundle, fans will receive four tickets for 200-End seating, four T-shirts, four hot dogs and four sodas for the low price of $52.
They have a $44 Sunday to get people out.
That is US dollars.
Maybe catering should stay in house to offer discounts.
So IMHO it is about butts in the seats plain and simple and to think of all the high priced help, BS artists and spin doctors. Yes it is tough times all around so use your noodle it's sale time. CUT YOUR PRICES DUH
Everyone in retail is feeling the pinch and cutting prices. More people buy more food. So concessions improve and the bid next year will go up.
People will try and justify the different priced seating and Toronto Marlies are overpriced also.
Simple solution to simple problem decrease price = more fans = more support = less cost to city.
Season ticket holder will be upset but give them (lots of) tickets (in lieu of refund) or concession vouchers to bring friends. family or donate to CityKidz or minor hockey teams.
For the size of this town why we don't have a OHL team amazes me.
Where is the common sense if I can't sell my cars I drop the prices give factory incentives group discounts well selling tickets is the same concept.
Go Dogs go

I completely agree. The more people in the seats, the more revenue from merchandise and concessions.

I think the Bulldogs could also do a better job of taking advantage of the number of post-secondary students in Hamilton by maybe selling tickets directly on campus at Mac and Mohawk (if this is possible).

When I went to a game with 6 friends in December (all from Mac), we each spent about $20 on beer and food while at the game. With a lower cost of entry and more exposure to students, more would likely attend and attend more often.

Also, while it simplifies things having all the tickets cost the same, I think they should consider variable pricing (for example, having the seats up in the corners and behind the nets cost less than those along the sides of the rink). This would lower the minimum cost of entry and make attending the games more affordable for some.

One problem the Bulldogs will always face are that they are located in "Leafs Nation" but are the farm club for their biggest rival.