Trax to return to Macon for three years as part of the WHA2
May 29, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Trax News Release
MACON, Ga. - Macon Trax owner and World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2) co-founder David Waronker announced today that he is prepared to bring the Trax back for at least three more years, beginning this season, as a member of the WHA2.
"After meeting with about 50 passionate Trax fans, I am cautiously optimistic that the City is prepared to embrace the sport in the years to come." Waronker said.
"To get so many people to come out on such short notice at 9 p.m. on Memorial Day to show their support for the team cannot be overlooked. I recognize that this City deserves hockey and that I should do whatever I can to make the Trax a part of Macon's future.
Waronker is actively seeking local partners to share in the ownership of the Trax.
"I find it critical to the success of this team that there be locals who are rallying the team on and cheering when they win, and crying when they lose. Local owners, who are passionate about the sport and the City of Macon, are as critical to the success of the team as the players on the ice.
"I do not want to be recognized as the absent owner who does not care about the team, the city, and only cares about the bottom line. With local ownership, that will help the team function from an economic and non-economic standpoint." Waronker said.
Waronker had a successful meeting with Macon city officials Mayor C. Jack Ellis, City Solicitors J. Pope Langstaff and W. Eugene Jessup, and Centreplex General Manager Regina McDuffie earlier this week.
"(Macon city officials) want to provide the residents of Macon with sports entertainment and want to work with me, within reason, to see that we have a revised lease agreement which is beneficial to us and to the City.
Waronker also plans to make good with Trax creditors and fans.
"We will be requesting that all creditors remain patient with the organization of the club and that we will do our best to compensate everyone for their patience.
"Like everyone else, I too am a creditor of the team. The creditors must further recognize that the financial solvency of the Trax will depend, to a large extent, upon the creditors' willingness to compromise last season's debt.
"As for the season ticket holders who have already paid for their seats, they too will be compensated for their patience by receiving a pair of complimentary tickets to five home games of their choice.
With the WHA2 commitment in place, Waronker encourages fans to lend their voices.
"We are waiting for the City to present us a revised lease agreement. We have agreed in principal to all terms. Now, it is just a matter of getting before City Council for final approval. I urge the fans of the Trax to call and write the City to voice their support of the Trax.
The WHA2 will play a 60 game schedule beginning on Oct. 31, 2002. Waronker hopes to have the team's sales office open at the Centreplex Complex no later than June 15, 2003.
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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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