Rayz Need Help To Move Forward

Published on May 1, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The CHL Corpus Christi Rayz have been working behind the scenes for the past several months to secure the future of the hockey franchise for Corpus Christi. "We have tried to get the attention of the City and of their agent, SMG, to make sure that they understand the ramifications of the team going dark in Corpus Christi", said W. D. Frank, President of WD Sports Texas, Inc., which owns the CHL franchise. "First and foremost, we want to make sure that the City understands that much of the problem stems from the notion that the American Bank Center should operate profitably or without subsidy from the city."

The market areas around Corpus Christi enjoy either considerable growth in their economies and population or have the benefit of a much larger demographic base. In spite of this statistic, the major complaint that the Rayz endure from their fans and prospective customers revolve around the high cost of attending events at the American Bank Center. Parking and concession prices are at the high end of all comparable venues from Houston to San Antonio including an unfavorable comparison to the blossoming markets of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, the cost of holding an event at the ABC (let alone an entire season of games) is very high when compared to the market size and continued lack of growth in the market. "When you see concerts and other events going across the way to Concrete Street or other less expensive venues, it is fair to say that charges to utilize the ABC are too high", said Frank. "The taxpayers have built a beautiful but expensive arena in Corpus Christi, but the market can only bear what the market can bear."

Losing the Rayz hockey team will cost the ABC their largest drawing tenant and 32 plus confirmed dates with thousands of people spending their money on concessions and amenities at the facility. "I believe that the main thing that ABC customers want from this fine facility is the ability to come and enjoy events their at a reasonable cost. We are not there at all, and high tenant costs only complicate this scenario further."

Nonetheless, the cost issues at the American Bank Center shouldn't control the viability of the Rayz in Corpus Christi. "I think that a committed new investor or investors that believe that they can sell more tickets and command a larger share of the corporate market is in a position to succeed. Add to that a city and a management entity with a willingness to make the ABC available to tenants, taxpayers and customers at a reasonable cost - great things could happen."

Frank fears that SMG has a natural difficulty telling the city of the real market conditions in Corpus Christi and the rather dark outlook for the American Bank Center should the City depend upon the operating expectations that were championed by the City when the decision was made to build the facility. There is constant anecdotal evidence that the ABC is not cost competitive. "When you consider that Texas A&M Corpus Christi is building a new facility that could seat their fans for most of their basketball games and that the county fairgrounds are in the process of developing a less expensive and competing venue, the loss of the Rayz as a major tenant would be a significant problem for the success of the American Bank Center. "This should all become pretty clear to everyone. This isn't just about hockey."

Frank said that there are some labor billing issues that are unresolved with SMG, but that generally the management group works hard to bring business to the venue for the benefit of the city. "In spite of a troubling wrinkle in their (SMG's) recent behavior, our organization will continue to work in good faith with them to successfully resolve any outstanding issues and to help insure the best possible outcome for the future of the team. We have spent in excess of $1.5 million dollars as a tenant and community partner at the ABC, and millions more to continue to operate as a business in our market. We don't think that it is unfair that we are respected for our substantial financial commitment and investment in the community."

Nonetheless, the team's options are limited at this time, and Frank has made it pretty clear that the future of the team will be determined through their ability to attract a new equity partner or owners for the team. "Without new ownership and/or investment, we will have to suspend our operations in the near future and consider selling our CHL franchise or moving it to a different market. Out of respect to our partner teams in the league, we are operating within a tight time frame in order to settle the schedule for the upcoming 2008-2009 season."

"I am obviously committed to seeing the team succeed in Corpus Christi. We have been here for 10 years and survived a number of hurtles. Now is an important time for members of our local business and political communities to come forward and help this market succeed. I would like to see the franchise be an active part of our community for many years to come."

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



Central Hockey League Stories from May 1, 2008


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