This was sent to Ti-Cat season ticket holders.......
Quote:
"Dear Fan,
We have an update for you on the Hamilton Bulldogs Outdoor Classic game.
The Bulldogs will be hosting the Toronto Marlies on January 21 at Ivor Wynne Stadium for a "Steeltown Showdown"; an outdoor hockey game featuring two AHL North Division rivals. The Bulldogs will be holding a press conference next Wednesday, November 30 to discuss the details of the event, including the exclusive pre-sale window for Ticats Season Seat Holders. Please watch for an e-mail on Wednesday confirming your special Ticats Season Seat Holder price and the day of your exclusive pre-sale window."
And the details have been released. Bulldog, Marlies, and Tiger cats season ticket holders will get first crack before they go out to the general public on December 3. Prices for the tickets are...
When they set these prices did they think about........
the local economy?
the fact that outdoor games have kind of lost the luster?
this teams last place standing?
the history of Hamilton's only other outdoor game?
Come January we are going to see 2 for 1 ticket deals from ticketmaster, or one of those group buy site like Wagjag, or groupon.
While I understand that there has to be some sort of increase in pricing due to the added expenses related to the game, these are none the less just ridiculous price points if they plan on having anywhere close to a full stadium. I think it's obvious that they're expecting the Argos/ Ti-Cats rivalry to influence attendance, but at these prices, I doubt it's going to work, especially considering neither team has any sort of decent fan base to draw from. I would have gone myself for maybe $50 for a platinum seat, but I'm not spending $90 to sit outside in the cold for a minor league game featuring the worst team in the league in a stadium that's been grossly rundown for well over a decade. Frankly, I think a game between the London Knights and Niagara Ice Dogs there would greatly outdraw this game. Maybe an OHL/AHL double header is something they should look into.
For comparison, does anyone have price charts for the other outdoor AHL games that have already happened in the past couple of years, or any that are to come this season?
For comparison, does anyone have price charts for the other outdoor AHL games that have already happened in the past couple of years, or any that are to come this season?
Not sure about last year, but the year before it was $40 for center seats and $30 for end zone tix.
EDIT: Just checked. Last year was $20, $35, $45, $65 & $85.
I see this game being more about the fact we have pro hockey on outdoor rink. This isn't just about what teams are playing eachother.
I'm thinking of the lines of Argos vs Ticats but on ice. Of course fans will travel to see this game. I can't wait for it either its all about the experience
Sunny is not good for the ice. Most outdoor places are set up to have the ice in the shade during the game.
It will be -5 at game time, won't get any higher than -4, the ice plants should be able to handle it, and the fans should be reasonably comfortable...as comfortable one can be on wooden boards without backs...
A little bit of trivia, we actually know a relative of Mike Zigomanis, his Uncle George. My wife and I used to work with George Zigomanis when we worked at Stoney Creek Dairy and he was working as their accountant. My wife still keeps in touch with George...
