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Reminder Assistant Editor SPRINGFIELD It's getting down to the wire. There are only 20 days left until the Springfield Falcon's season ticket drive deadline and the franchise is still 79 season ticket packages shy of their 500-package goal. Decreasing ticket sales over the past several years have created deficits beyond what owners could subsidize and prompted a feverish campaign begun earlier this year to reduce the deficit by increasing the season ticket base. Bruce Landon, owner, president and general manager of the franchise said that if 500 2008-09 season ticket packages a revenue of approximately $220,000 are not sold by June 1 the team will be put up for sale. In an interview with Reminder Publications, Landon said that while the franchise is close to meeting their goal the hardest work is still ahead. "Most of the season tickets don't come in big numbers," he explained. "It [comes in] twos and fours and it takes a while. To add another 100 [season ticket packages] it might take 30 to 40 different accounts." Landon said he and three other members of his staff have focused their efforts on the season ticket drive. He also enlisted the help of local business owners and Mayor Domenic Sarno to lobby those in the Greater Springfield area to support the franchise. Several major corporations and small businesses owners have increased their efforts to keep the Falcons in Springfield far beyond just buying ticket packages many are offering incentives to all those who buy a half or full season ticket package. The Delaney House in Holyoke is offering 20 percent off meals, starting in October, for all season ticket holders; Executive Valet on Route 75 is offering one week of free parking to be used anytime before Nov. 15. The YMCA of Greater Springfield is offering a 30-day YMCA membership to anyone who buys one half or full season ticket package. Those who purchase two or more season ticket packages will receive a 30-day family membership. "People really recognize that to lose this team would be a tremendous blow to the psyche of the city," Landon said. "People recognize what we do not just economically but also in our community outreach programs." Andrea Luppi, director of development for the YMCA of Greater Springfield, noted that Falcons players participate in the Y's hockey clinics as well as other community outreach programs. "When the players come out to the [hockey] clinics they inspire the kids and give them the motivation to succeed," she said. Luppi explained that the Y's added incentive for season ticket holders is because the Y has recognized the organization's commitment and impact on those in the community. "We try to teach the kids [at the Y] caring honesty, respect and responsibility and you see the same thing from the Falcons family, whether Bruce or the players," she said. Smaller business owners such as Bill Toner, president of Sumner & Toner Insurance Inc. in Longmeadow, explained that he too was eager to do his part to help the Falcons. Toner said his company has purchased four season ticket packages to be divided up among employees and clients. Landon said the season ticket drive has reinvigorated staff and created an understanding among the owners that there is still a fan base in Springfield, despite having the second lowest attendance record in the American Hockey League. "The morale on my staff has never been higher," he said, adding that he is also encouraged by this year's high season ticket renewal rate. Landon noted that there will be an owners meeting on May 22, at which time he hopes 450 season ticket packages will have been sold. He said that if they reach the 500-mark his staff will continue their campaign to sell as many packages as they can their ultimate goal being 700 by the time the regular season begins in October. Landon explained that selling 500 season ticket packages only allows the franchise to balance the books. "It's a challenge. It's not easy," Landon said. For more information on added incentives for half or full-season ticket holders go to www.falconsahl.com. To purchase a ticket package call Chris Thompson, director of Ticket Sales at 739-3344. Full season ticket packages (40 games) cost $440 for adults, $370 for seniors and $300 for youths. Half season ticket packages (20 games) cost $240 for adults, $195 for seniors and $165 for youths. |
