Buzzards React to Coliseum Concessions Being Awarded to NCS
July 10, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â The El Paso Buzzards have learned today that the County of El Paso has awarded the contract for the provision of concessions at the El Paso County Coliseum to National Concession Services. National Concession Services was the concessions provider at the El Paso County Coliseum last year.
Control of the concessions would have not only meant increased revenue to the Buzzards, but also would have allowed the Buzzards to approach corporate sponsors with better sponsorship opportunities as well as providing fans with added value. John Zang, Buzzards' vice president and director of operations, stated that, "financially, not receiving the concessions is like getting hit in the teeth with the puck, it removes some of our teeth -- meaning we can't do some of the things that we wish we could -- but we still go out the next shift and do our best. I guess we truly are Buzzards, we have to scavenge for every scrap of food. So we will all just have to work even harder to find more financial support and more creative added value promotions for our fans."
The El Paso Buzzards bid on the concessions this year in partnership with an experienced concession company, Global Concessions Services, that has expertise in providing concession services in buildings of a similar nature to that of the Coliseum. As well, Global Concessions Services is the concessionaire for the First Union Center in Philadelphia (home of the Flyers and the 76'ers), the First Union Spectrum (home of the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms) and the new baseball stadium that is home to the AAA Pacific Coast League team in Albuquerque.
Zang said that he was very disappointed in the County's decision. "I am going to try to avoid getting into a mud slinging contest with the County and with National Concession Services as obviously the Buzzards have no choice but to work with both of these entities over the next year. However, we are very disappointed at this decision. Unfortunately we cannot control what the County decides. I look at the added value that the Diablos are able to offer their fans as a result of their control of the concessions at Cohen Stadium and wish we could provide the same value to the people of El Paso. Last year I spoke to the concessionaire but was unable to come to any workable agreement which would allow for the Buzzards to develop promotions similar to those featured by the Diablos." The Buzzards played 37 home dates at the Coliseum last year. No other event or promoter scheduled as many nights at the Coliseum as the Buzzards.
Zang noted that the economics of hockey are not dissimilar from those of minor league baseball, "in hockey we pay all of our players' salaries, so I suppose in that sense our economic challenge is that much greater, obviously it would have been preferred if the County would have followed the example of the Diablos and had awarded the Buzzards the concessions."
The Buzzards recently conducted a poll on their website asking fans who they believed should receive the Concessions. 89% indicated the Buzzards should, only 2% voted in favor of National Concession Services. Last season, the Buzzards fielded complaints from fans about the lengths of lines for food. "On some occasions fans complained of missing an entire period of play while they stood in line for food," Zang stated. "Obviously this is something that will have to be substantially improved upon by the concessionaire. I believe that this is not only bad customer service but also it costs everyone who shares in concession revenues money." The Buzzards, the County and the concessionaire all share in concession revenue.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 10, 2002
- Buzzards React to Coliseum Concessions Being Awarded to NCS - El Paso Buzzards
- 'Kings Grab Niemiec as thier First Blueliner Under Contract - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- First Refueling Stage Complete; CHL's Top Scorer to Return - Austin Ice Bats
- Moffat Re-Signs With Outlaws - San Angelo Saints
- Buzzards Inline Hockey School Makes A Move! - El Paso Buzzards
- Gorillas sign Chris Robertson - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Re-Sign Goalie - Tulsa Oilers
- Oilers Sign New Radio Broadcaster - Tulsa Oilers
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