Bruce Landon Statement From Thursday's Press Conference
May 29, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
The following is Springfield Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon's statement made at Thursday's press conference:
At the end of January the ownership of the Springfield Falcons made a decision that in order for this franchise to remain viable it was absolutely imperative that we increase our full season ticket equivalents. We felt that we had to bring our season ticket numbers up comparable to other cities in similar markets. As a result we set a goal of selling 700 new full season ticket equivalents before the start of the 08-09 season. However, we felt we had to sell 500 new full season ticket equivalents before June 1st in order to get a feel for how the community would respond. A decision was made that if we could not sell 500 new full season tickets prior to June 1st that ownership would have to look at other options, one of which could be actively putting the team up for sale.
I am very happy to report that as of today we have sold 511 new season ticket equivalents and have reached the first phase of our ticket campaign. We feel we are now on the right path to reaching the 700 number prior to the start of the season.
The community has responded and we are most appreciative of not only those that have stepped up to purchase new ticket packages but also for the great renewal rate of season tickets from last year. I think everyone truly realizes the tremendous impact this franchise has on not just downtown Springfield but the entire Pioneer Valley.
It has been a great deal of hard work and our sales team has done an outstanding job in committing to the task at hand. In addition there are a number of wonderful people who helped us with our campaign by offering special incentives for season ticket holders. These include Bob Bolduc of Pride Station and stores, Steve Lepow from Executive Valet, Andrei Luppi from the YMCA and Peter Rosskothen from the Delaney House.
In addition we would like to thank Mayor Sarno for agreeing to and fulfilling his pledge to reach out to a number of major businesses on our behalf. We would also like to thank Russ Denver, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Mary Kay Wydra, President of the GSCVB for the mailings they did to their respective memberships and for their support. Thanks also to a small committee consisting of Peter Kenyon, Mike Sweet and Russ Whiteford for their efforts in opening some new doors for us.
Finally, I want to thank Merrill Lynch for the first purchase of 60 full season ticket equivalents to kick off our drive. These tickets will be given to our Falcons Friends program and donated to non-profit youth organizations in the Pioneer Valley. Also thanks to Dr. Bruce Dzuira for his purchase of twenty youth season tickets that will also be donated to the Falcons Friends program.
Although we have reached and surpassed our first goal in our ticket campaign there is still a lot of work to be done. However, we are optimistic that with a continued successful summer and season long sales effort that we will once again make the Springfield Falcons a very viable franchise and remain an important player in downtown Springfield and the Pioneer Valley for years to come.
On behalf of the ownership and my dedicated staff our sincere thanks for your support.
Regards,
Bruce Landon
President & General Manager
Springfield Falcons Hockey Club
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