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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Attendance and Ticket Revenue up despite slightly downward national trend

January 19, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—Although attendance to minor-league hockey games at year's end was down nationwide about four percent, attendance at Memphis RiverKings games was up approximately seven percent during that same time frame.

"We're obviously pleased to be sharply ahead of the trend," RiverKings Vice-President of Sales and Business Operations Gary Saunders said.

Overall ticket revenues for the RiverKings are also up a whopping 35 percent from last year, with sponsorship commitments up roughly 30 percent. The RiverKings ranked sixth among 17 teams in the Central Hockey League in ticket revenues and in average paid attendance through Dec. 31, 2003.

"In a nutshell, we're on the right track," Saunders said. "Our efforts to increase corporate and ticket activity are now producing results. We feel like we've addressed some of the awareness issues that existed when our ownership first took over the team just over a year ago. We recognize that the building is not yet full every game, and that, of course, is our ultimate goal.

"We know that for us to be successful, we must have strong fan and corporate involvement from Memphis as well as DeSoto County. We're pleased with some of the progress we've seen. Overall we're taking some satisfaction in knowing that our hard work is reaping rewards."

Saunders said that the main focus of the team remains on affordable family entertainment and strong community involvement.

"We see this as simply a tremendous entertainment option for people of all ages throughout the Mid-South," Saunders said. "We also view RiverKings hockey as a great avenue for companies to reach fans and families who so closely follow our team. We're making progress, but I can promise you that the best is yet to come."

The RiverKings' next game is against the Indianapolis Ice Jan. 23, at 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Memphis RiverKings front office at 662-342-1755.

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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.

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