CHL's 12th Season Begins in Style
Published on October 21, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
The Central Hockey League's 12th season of play is underway, and fans made the most of their teams return to the ice by recording four sell-outs and numerous large crowds over the opening weekend. The Corpus Christi Rayz began the year with consecutive home capacity crowds of over 3,150 at the Memorial Coliseum, while both the Lubbock Cotton Kings (7,050, Municipal Coliseum) and the Colorado Eagles (5,211, Budweiser Events Center) also had home sell-outs. Elsewhere around the CHL, the Oklahoma City Blazers welcomed 10,629 for their home opener at the Ford Center, and the Memphis RiverKings had 7,203 at the DeSoto Civic Center for the raising of the 2002-2003 President's Cup banner.
Also of special interest were the San Angelo Saints, who enjoyed a crowd of 4,183, the best single game attendance at the San Angelo Coliseum since March 17th, 2001. Upcoming this Friday are home opening games in four CHL cities. The Amarillo Gorillas begin their home schedule against Rio Grande Valley, while the Tulsa Oilers welcome Memphis, the Laredo Bucks host San Angelo, and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs entertain Austin. The CHL currently leads all professional AA hockey leagues with an average attendance of 5,155.
"We commend the significant efforts of our member clubs in opening the season in outstanding fashion," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "Very enthusiastic fan support, as well as the hard work of our team employees and outstanding media coverage, have led to an exceptional opening weekend of action in the Central Hockey League."
Budweiser Events Center Opens To Rave Reviews
The Budweiser Events Center was christened Friday October 17, with a capacity crowd of 5,211 on hand to witness the Colorado Eagles first-ever game. The state of the art facility in Loveland, CO met tremendous reviews from fans, media members and team executives. Despite a narrow 3-2 loss to the visiting Tulsa Oilers, by all accounts the "Bud Barn" passed all tests with flying colors. The Budweiser Events Center is one of two new CHL arenas this season, with the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, TX, opening on October 31st as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees host Corpus Christi.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2003
- CHL's 12th Season Begins in Style - CHL
- Bats Have Faith Night, Radio Deal - Austin Ice Bats
- Oilers Launch Name The Mascot Contest - Tulsa Oilers
- Second Installment of Amarillo Gorillas Coach's Show Set for Wednesday Night at Joe's Crabshack - Amarillo Gorillas
- Clear Channel Tailgate Party Set for Saturday Prior to Wichita Game - Amarillo Gorillas
- Ice Prepares for Weekend Set with Brahmas - Indianapolis Ice
- Killer Bees Weekly Notes - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Parsons, Reid Capture CHL Honors - CHL
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