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AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Gain Momentum In Ticket Sales; Pledge Renewed Commitment To Fans

September 28, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... With the season opener just five days away on October 3rd, the Rochester Americans anticipate improvements at the box office and on the ice.

Kerry Atkinson, newly appointed Vice President for Sales and Marketing for both the Amerks and the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League, today announced that early returns within the group sales and retail-sponsored promotional ticket selling environment lead club officials to believe that the 2009-10 season is one that will once again make The Blue Cross Arena the "place to be" in the Greater Rochester Area.

In addition, Atkinson promises to establish a new era of both accessibility and accountability to Amerks' season ticket holders and the club's corporate sponsors.

"I am encouraged by the interest in our team from a group sales and corporate sponsorship standpoint as it relates to purchasing large amounts of tickets," Atkinson said. "Several new retail initiatives and employee-oriented programs -- along with a renewed commitment to our relationship with area youth hockey programs -- lead us to believe that crowds for several Rochester Americans home games will be noticeably larger."

Atkinson based his observation on the fact the team eliminated the practice of issuing complimentary tickets last season and that decision, along with the tremendous commitment to player signings made by owner Curt Styres, are likely to produce increased turnstile activity. Of course, the projected improvement on the ice can be viewed as the primary reason for optimism.

"Mr. Styres' investment and his commitment to improving the talent base demonstrates his desire to win," Atkinson said. "Investing in players like Mike York and Chris Taylor are evidence of his desire to once again make the Rochester Americans the premiere American Hockey League franchise."

Atkinson said activity in the group and retail activity has increased in recent weeks to the point that several sellouts are possible. He expressed his thanks to both the business community and the fan base for allowing that to happen.

"A sports franchise like ours can only be successful if corporate leaders and key community supporters are truly dedicated to making a difference. We are grateful to have that support."

Season ticket sales have been relatively even with last season, a trend that is consistent in sports. However, Atkinson states that one way the team can improve future season ticket sales is to do a much better job of protecting the season ticket investment.

"We recognize the need to protect the investment in being a season ticket holder," he said. "The new ownership views our season ticket subscribers as shareholders in this team and we intend to both give them value and treat them with the honesty and integrity they deserve. We recognize there may be skeptics, credibility is something you earn with actions, not words, but we can confidently say that ownership and staff are committed to respecting season- ticket investments and will do everything in our power to protect that investment while we work to put a competitive team on the ice."

Atkinson said he has spoken to numerous season ticket holders since his arrival in Rochester and that he shares their thoughts as to the value of their purchase in previous seasons.

"Season ticket holders should always receive the very best in benefits the team has to offer," Atkinson said. "They need to be certain the team will honor and protect their investment each and every game."

Atkinson went on to say that the dedication to protecting an investment in season tickets includes a personal commitment from him and every member of the Amerks staff.

"Accountability means being there each and every day for our fans," he said. "People don't have to search through our phone directory in order to speak with someone who cares. We are an organization that will be responsive to fans and that responsibility rests with me and every member of our organization. Anyone with an issue regarding their investment with the Rochester Americans can call me at 585-454-5335, and ask for extension 3024.

"They will not be ignored."

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