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By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor SPRINGFIELD For hockey fans and hockey families alike, entering the MassMutual Center on game night is like coming home again. The crisp smell of the rink, the sharp crackle of the blade as it shaves the ice surface, the ear piercing screams of die-hard fans and the fierce intensity of world-class athletes battling for the title of champion illustrates the rich 72-year tradition of professional hockey in Springfield. But when the final player skates off the ice this season will the lights of the MassMutual Center dim on the Springfield Falcons for the last time? In order to fulfill their contract the Falcons will remain in Springfield for the 2008-09 season; however, its future beyond that is uncertain, according to Bruce Landon, owner, president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons. "The team has been bleeding [financially] for the past five years," Landon told Reminder Publications. He added that if the team does not sell 500 '08-'09 season ticket packages by June 1 the franchise will be put up for sale with no guarantee it will stay in Springfield. Despite having a winning on-ice product after years of disappointing seasons, the team is still averaging approximately 3,300 fans per game the second lowest attendance record in the American Hockey League (AHL). Landon said the season ticket base is also very low totaling approximately 1,200. He explained that in order to "cut into the [franchise's] deficit" and "break even" a minimum of 500 season ticket packages totaling approximately $220,000 must be sold. "We [the owners] can't keep writing checks to subsidize this deficit," Landon said. In order to reach their goal 192 season ticket packages have been sold so far the Falcons have formed an aggressive campaign in conjunction with Mayor Domenic Sarno to "save the Falcons." The campaign reaches out to local businesses in order to generate season ticket sales as incentives for company "nights out" or as a way to entertain clients. Robert Bolduc, chief executive officer of Pride Convenience Inc. has already begun his own campaign to aid the Falcons by offering a 10-cents per gallon rebate for all half or full-season ticket holders every time they visit the pumps from March to May 31. Ticket holders must save their gas receipts and mail them all to Pride after June 1 in order to receive their rebate check. Bolduc explained that he approached Landon with this campaign as a win-win for the Falcons and for all those paying the exorbitantly high gas and diesel prices. "It's important that Falcons hockey stay in Springfield . because it's such a large part of the community," Bolduc said. "Pride is a big supporter of many groups that benefit the region. It's really important that we keep sports and cultural activities in the area." Sarno said he is committed to ensuring that the Falcons "not only stay here but that they prosper here." He explained that Landon provided him with a list of 40 businesses not currently involved with the franchise. Sarno said he has called upwards of 30 businesses in order to explain the benefits of season ticket packages for their companies. Sarno attributed the Falcons' lacking attendance to the misconceptions of downtown as an unsafe area. He said he has been working extensively with Acting Police Commissioner William Fitchet to ensure the highest level of safety and security. "I look to be relentless when it comes to quality of life issues," Sarno said. "People have to feel that [downtown is] clean and safe." He explained that losing a professional franchise would also generate a large economic loss for downtown businesses especially eateries which gain patrons before and after games. "Can you imagine upwards of 50 empty dates at the MassMutual Center?" Sarno asked. "If you lose a professional franchise like this it sends a very bad message. You'll be lucky to get that back." Sarno said he has already "stepped up to the ice" and bought four '08-'09 season ticket packages for him and his family. He added that he has taken his wife and two children to several games this season and the experiences have provided "great family entertainment." "The message has to be delivered loud and clear that if we don't gain 500 [season ticket holders] by June 1 we will put a plan in place to put the team up for sale," Landon said. "Why do we want another city to gain what we've worked so hard to keep?" Season ticket packages can be purchased by calling Chris Thompson, director of Ticket Sales for the Falcons, at 739-3344 or by going to www.falconsahl.com. Full season ticket packages (40 games) cost $440 for adults, $370 for seniors (over 62 years of age) and $300 for youths (17 years of age and under) and students (with identification). Half season ticket packages (20 games) cost $240 for adults, $195 for seniors and $165 for youths and students. | ||||||
