Pirates Set New Single Game Attendance Record

Published on February 10, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


BUFFALO, NY - The Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, announced tonight's crowd of 11,144 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY has surpassed the franchise single game attendance record for a home game. The Pirates lost the game against the Albany River Rats 4-3 in a shootout.

Among other firsts, this was the first time the Pirates have played a regular season home game at an NHL venue. Tonight's game was also one of four alternate site home games on the Pirates schedule this season. The Pirates alternate site venues this season include HSBC Arena (Buffalo, NY), Alfond Arena (Orono, ME) and The Androscoggin Bank Colisee (Lewiston, ME).

The previous single game attendance for a Pirates home game was 7.420, set nearly 14 years ago on February 4, 1995 when the Pirates hosted the Providence Bruins at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The largest crowd to ever witness a Pirates game (home or away) was on January 13, 2001 at First Union Center (later renamed Wachovia Center) between the Portland Pirates and Philadelphia Phantoms that drew a crowd of 18,202. The promotion for the Phantoms that night included a fitness challenge during the intermission, giveaways of health food certificates and gym memberships as part of "Fitness Night". Plus, 9,000 stress pucks were given away courtesy of Dodge.

The Pirates next home game is Friday, February 13th at 7:00 pm against the Worcester Sharks. Be sure to get to the game early, as the Pirates will give away Trevor Gillies bobbleheads, sponsored by Bath Savings Institution, to the first 2,000 fans in attendance. Friday night is also L.L. Bean Night! L.L. Bean provides their customers with the 100% satisfaction guarantee on their quality products; on this one night, the Pirates will offer the same satisfaction guarantee. If fans are not satisfied with the quality of the hockey game or their overall experience, then the Pirates will replace their tickets with tickets to an upcoming game! No questions asked. It is that simple. It's a Pirates Guarantee.

Come See What You've Been Missing. Portland Pirates Hockey individual game tickets are available for Pirates home games this season by calling the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or by calling (207) 775-3458. The Pirates also offer affordable group rates that save big off box office prices. For group ticket information, call the Portland Pirates ticket office at (207) 828-4665 ext. 350.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central