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Post by excanucksfan on Jun 12, 2007 14:38:13 GMT -5
Does anyone know the price of individual walkup tickets for the Icedogs game. Will they have any ticket packages, other than season tickets, such as flex packs.
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Post by fishfan51 on Jun 12, 2007 15:39:11 GMT -5
I have heard 16$ for the sides, 15$ for the ends and 10$ standing room (only available on game day).
I would imagine there would be some sort of flex pack coming but I think they are concentrating on the season tickets right now.
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Post by dogman on Jun 13, 2007 9:36:04 GMT -5
I would also imagine it depends on how season tickets sell. They only have 2800 seats, so if 2000 are taken by season ticket holders, they may sell the other 800 seats on an individual basis. Its really too bad the arena wasn't bigger.
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Post by excanucksfan on Jun 13, 2007 12:44:30 GMT -5
Someone told me they have sold about 300 season tickets since last Friday. Not bad for only having been selling them for a few days now. They may get 2000 sold by the time September comes around.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 17, 2007 21:21:42 GMT -5
If there selling seasons many seasons it's not for the savings that's for sure. If you guys are right and the side tickets are $16 bucks a game, that would mean the whole season bought individually would cost you $544. If you purchase season tickets it will cost you $528.94 a savings of exactly $15.06 (or $0.44 a game). Not even the cost of one game. Basically zero saving for season ticket. No kids or seniors prices. Are these guys trying to kill this thing before it even gets off the ground?  ?? |
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Post by Kevin on Jun 18, 2007 11:30:26 GMT -5
I was told about 2 weeks ago that individual tickets would be $17 for the sides and $16 for the ends, so there are some savings for season ticket holders. The problem is that the arena only has 2800 seats, and 200 seats are complimentary seats that must be given to the visiting team. So they only have 2600 seats to sell. Complicating matters is the fact that there are no private suites or club seats, which are usually priced at a premium. So somehow the IceDogs have to make budget without the higher priced seating that most arenas have (club seating and private boxes) and with only 2600 regular seats. This means that the IceDogs are unable to offer discounted seats and must make every seat count.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 18, 2007 16:38:40 GMT -5
Not a great way to start a new team in a new community IMO. The one saving grace that they might have is that this appears to be a very good team, if last seasons record is any indication.
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Post by Kevin on Jun 18, 2007 17:43:10 GMT -5
I would also like to see lower ticket prices. However, that will never happen as long as the team plays at the Jack Gatecliff Arena. It just isn't feasible. Hopefully a new arena will come sooner than later. Then the team will be in a position to offer lower ticket prices.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 18, 2007 18:26:17 GMT -5
High ticket prices prohibit families and seniors (which this community mostly consists of) can't afford to go to very many games. The arena isn't very full and doesn't generate much interest. A new arena is never built because the people on city council have proof in their hands that no one really cares. This is the danger that a team faces by over pricing themselves in the first season of operation.
I'm not wishing for this to happen, but I am concerned that it could quickly turn in this direction.
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Post by dogfan on Jun 18, 2007 20:25:15 GMT -5
I really fail to see the "high ticket prices" that everyone is talking about. I posted in another forum.....$64 for four tickets. That is less then one Sabres or Leafs ticket. The parking and food is also less. That is a lot less then I pay for my family for a simple dinner out and about the same as a trip to the movies.
Also people should realize Niagara is changing. We were an old population with a fixed income. However that has changed over the last few years. The average income is over fifty thousand a year and we one of the largest growth area's in the province. Most of that growth is high income families moving from the GTA.
Bottom line is $16 isn't much for a ticket in today's entertainment market and soon there WILL be a new arena in the Region.
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Post by dogman on Jun 18, 2007 21:15:17 GMT -5
Dogfan, I think the thing about ticket prices is that they don't have a cheap seat like some teams do but they also don't have an expensive seat either. If you look at the average price in the OHL, the IceDogs would probably be right in the middle, which is pretty good for having the smallest rink in the OHL.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 18, 2007 22:19:49 GMT -5
Dogfan, give me a list of places, entertainment places that a 5 year old and a 35 year old have to play the same price?
The point I'm making about season tickets is there isn't much incentive to get them, other then securing your seat. Example, Hamilton Bulldogs seasons save you 36% off the box office. It's like paying for 26 games and getting the other 14 FREE. If you miss a handful of games you've still come out further ahead.
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Post by jjdccmk on Jun 19, 2007 0:37:43 GMT -5
The Hamilton Bulldogs have to offer that much incentive for seasons tickets because they do not do very well at the box office. I'm pretty sure enough people will pay 15-18 dollars to go to an IceDogs game. If the $2-$3 of savings that you aren't getting for a child's ticket is going to keep you away from the arena then I'd say you are pretty cheap. This will be the best hockey we've seen around here for some time and your guaranteed to sit no further then 9 rows from the ice. Go to an NHL game and ask for a discount for your 5 yr old.
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Post by fishfan51 on Jun 19, 2007 7:24:04 GMT -5
Dogfan, give me a list of places, entertainment places that a 5 year old and a 35 year old have to play the same price? The point I'm making about season tickets is there isn't much incentive to get them, other then securing your seat. Example, Hamilton Bulldogs seasons save you 36% off the box office. It's like paying for 26 games and getting the other 14 FREE. If you miss a handful of games you've still come out further ahead. They also average over 10,000 empty seats every game. They have no choice but to give out discounted tickets. |
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Post by dogfan on Jun 19, 2007 11:04:29 GMT -5
First off, I will appologize because I did not put in my post that having a childrens price is something I agree with, however I don't see why it is necessary. The arena they are in doesn't provide for a variety of price levels for seats nor does it give them a chance at discounted tickets. I did the math and ticket sales alone(if they sell out every game)will generate about $1.5 million. That's not enough to break even. Other teams have the box's, concessions, parking and advertising revenue streams these guys don't. The IceDogs will have some rinkboards and in area advertising, TV and maybe radio. That's it. Most people will park along the streets for free or downtown and pay the city. There are no box's. Concessions, I'll admit I don't know what they'll get there. That gives them two items to generate over $200 000 per year.
The bottom line is they are the ones on a fixed income, and $16-$10 dollar ticket is not that much.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 19, 2007 17:32:35 GMT -5
The Hamilton Bulldogs have to offer that much incentive for seasons tickets because they do not do very well at the box office. I'm pretty sure enough people will pay 15-18 dollars to go to an IceDogs game. If the $2-$3 of savings that you aren't getting for a child's ticket is going to keep you away from the arena then I'd say you are pretty cheap. This will be the best hockey we've seen around here for some time and your guaranteed to sit no further then 9 rows from the ice. Go to an NHL game and ask for a discount for your 5 yr old. Nope, $64 a game for a family of 4 to watch amateur hockey, that's what will keep families away. Not really sure were you pick $2 or $3 from?? FYI, I'm on the 3rd year of my 3 year seasons tickets contract with the Bulldogs. (clearly I'm cheap  ) My adult tickets are $590 for 40 games or $14.75 a game. The kids tickets are $338 or $8.45 a game. |
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 19, 2007 17:41:01 GMT -5
Dogfan, I understand why cheap tickets or deals can't be had in an arena of that size. I just afraid that they are not entering this thing the right way. If they can fill that arena for the first 2 season I would almost guarantee that a nice new OHL friendly arena would be built in the Niagara area starting (building) 2 years from now.
We have seen how the communities in this region have been against spending any money on a new arena. If the Jack isn't full almost every night this might just give the nay- sayers on council the ammunnition they need to not OK a new arena.
Believe me I do want this to this to be successful. A season or two from now Hamilton might ( I highly doubt it) have a NHL team and I'll need to look for my hockey fix elsewhere. I don't really see myself purchases season tickets for a family of 4 to Hamilton's NHL team.
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Post by jjdccmk on Jun 19, 2007 21:53:15 GMT -5
Don't forget to add gas to and from Hamilton and parking to the price of your season tickets for the Bulldogs. If the Bulldogs were getting half decent crowds do you think season tickets would be so cheap? It's all about supply and demand. The IceDogs are not asking for alot of money here. It's simple, pay the money and go support your hometown team or stay at home.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 19, 2007 22:32:18 GMT -5
I live in Grimsby, equal drive. Telling people to stay at home? I certainly hope your not part of their marketing campaign. It's all about supply and demand? ???The IceDogs haven't played a single game yet. We know the supply (2,800) but how the heck do you already know the demand? |
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Post by jjdccmk on Jun 20, 2007 7:02:53 GMT -5
If you live in Grimsby. Why don't you go watch the Peach Kings? That would probably be cheap. As far as supply and demand. if they can't sell 2000 plus tickets per game they will probably lower them a bit. That's what the Bulldogs did.
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Post by hercor on Jun 20, 2007 11:01:42 GMT -5
It's interesting how the ticket prices is a big issue and well it should be especially for those on a fixed income ,but the reality is that it is not cheap to operate a hockey team in that market (O.H.L.)the traveling expenses alone take a big bite out of the revenue not to mention school, billets and equipment .I think everyone will agree as already stated that this organization has very little to work with, the arena and the parking the biggest issue but they are willing to give it a try and see how things develop "down the road" there just might be an opportunity for a new building if all the pieces fall in the right place .
Realistically as we all can admit to this team will not be able to survive at the Jack, Even if they fill the place I don't think they will break even ,no matter how deep Mr. Burke's pocket might be no one will except a loss on their investment not for long anyways unless you're really passionate.
Bottom line Mr. Burke did not acquire his fortunes by being passionate ,He is a businessman first and a good one for recognising the potential of this region and investing in it . He will have to make some tough decisions in the next couple of years, the league is going to want to know which direction he is going and a new building is going to be the big issue .I think he is smart enough not to gauge the success of the franchise on the results of the first or second year of operation It's after the novelty has worn off and the team is not quite so talented that will show how successful this franchise will be .
A new building with lots of parking and all the bells and whistles would go a long way into making this franchise very profitable
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Post by back2back on Jun 20, 2007 16:31:07 GMT -5
Good Points. It may not be the best scenerio, but we have to make it work. Burke is willing to play in a sub par facility which is a big risk for him. If we have to pay an extra buck or two to go watch OHL, its worth it in my opinion.
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Post by jjdccmk on Jun 20, 2007 18:35:21 GMT -5
nice to here someone with a bit of sense.
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Post by groulxisright on Jun 20, 2007 20:38:19 GMT -5
All I'm saying is this owner has to do everthing he can to pack that arena for 2 years, if he does that he will have ever community, mainly St.Catharines and Niagara Falls, bending over backwards to help him build a 5,000 to 6,000 seat arena within their borders.
If this thing isn't an overwelming success it will quitely disappear just like the Thunder did. If I'm a business man in question, I could see the benifits of losing a little more money in the first couple of years if it lead to the ulitimate success (a new arena) down the road.
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Post by coldpooch on Jun 20, 2007 23:00:16 GMT -5
All I'm saying is this owner has to do everthing he can to pack that arena for 2 years, if he does that he will have ever community, mainly St.Catharines and Niagara Falls, bending over backwards to help him build a 5,000 to 6,000 seat arena within their borders. If this thing isn't an overwelming success it will quitely disappear just like the Thunder did. If I'm a business man in question, I could see the benifits of losing a little more money in the first couple of years if it lead to the ulitimate success (a new arena) down the road. By the way you are talking I can see why the Thunder left.  |
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Post by dogfan on Jun 21, 2007 9:08:29 GMT -5
I think I have posted this a million times but I'll do it again to help clear up the Thunder leaving. The attendance in Niagara Falls was good (not great) until Gay and Bassin mentioned leaving. They had a great lease deal in place to go to Erie and the city didn't match it. So they started the "we are leaving town" rumor. The attendance started to drop. One thing that is forgotten is the year before they left the hockey fans stepped up and covered the season ticket goal the team set. Otherwise they would have left a year sooner. The next year they started the rumors again, but set a shorter deadline(I believe a couple weeks after the season ended) and raised the amount of tickets that needed to be sold. The ticket drive fell short and they moved to Erie.
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Post by groulxisright on Jul 6, 2007 20:24:04 GMT -5
Anyone got any numbers on the number of season ticket packages sold? ?? It's been pretty quite. |
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Post by chooch on Jul 6, 2007 22:37:38 GMT -5
Got this from the review...
Wednesday, July 04, 2007 @ 02:00
The doghouse is starting to fill up for the Niagara IceDogs.
Less than two months away from the opening of the Ontario Hockey League team's training camp at Jack Gatecliff Arena, the IceDogs have passed the 500 mark in season ticket sales.
"Five hundred is good," owner Bill Burke said. "Certainly by the end of June, I would have liked a bit more, but our goal was 500."
He believes the momentum is building for his team to start the season with a solid base of season ticket holders.
"The first 500 are the people who have made the calls themselves. And the next 500, 1,000 and 1,500 will be us trying to approach them with the Founder's Club and everything. All of a sudden, it starts adding up."
The Founder's Club is a $15,000 sponsorship package that includes a rink board, rink sign, four season tickets, two parking spots, a full-page ad in the program, framed team photo, exclusive leather jacket and access to a members-only lounge.
So far, the IceDogs have sold six Founder's Club memberships, with the team's eventual goal being 50 members.
"That's not pushing," Burke said. "That's quick word of mouth and I am OK with that."
He is confident the team will end up reaching its goal of 2,000 season ticket holders.
"We'll be awfully close. If not, certainly once we start and people see the excitement of it. They will want to secure their seats not only for this year but for the years to come."
Local OHL fans can get their first look at potential IceDogs Saturday and Sunday at the team's two-day prospects camp at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre.
Thirty-eight players, including first-round pick Andrew Agozzino and Niagara natives Alex Friesen and Johnson Andrews, drafted 35th and 86th overall this spring, will try to impress the team's coaching staff and scouts.
"This is a first for a lot of these kids," Dave Brown, IceDogs general manager, said. "It's their first introduction to the OHL and it's important for their future that they understand and are comfortable with our organization and its expectations."
In addition to 2007 draft picks, the camp will include 2006 draftees who played at the Tier 2 level last season. Three of those, Chris Van Laren, Chris DeSousa and Dylan MacEachern, spent some time in the OHL last season.
The camp begins Saturday morning with fitness testing and dry-land training followed by a two-hour scrimmage between Team Teepees and Team Blackhawks starting at 3 p.m.
Sunday, there will be more dryland training followed by a two-hour scrimmage starting at noon.
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Post by alphadog on Jul 20, 2007 17:40:17 GMT -5
As far as demand for the Dogs go, I think a lot of it will have to do with their media relations with the newspapers of St. Kitts/the Falls/Welland. If their games get pushed back into the sports section all the time, it won't do much to bring new interest to the team. They'll need to work something out so that if it's a slow news day, they push the Icedogs wins/losses/whatever up to get more front page coverage. IceDog Fans site www.icedogfans.com |
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) My adult tickets are $590 for 40 games or $14.75 a game. The kids tickets are $338 or $8.45 a game.
