May
Ti-Cats season ticket sales going well
Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:
http://thespec.com/Sports/article/571948
Despite a tight economy and years of on-field futility, Hamilton Tiger-Cats faithful continue to support the team at the ticket wicket.
Team president Scott Mitchell told a league-organized conference call yesterday that season ticket accounts are expected to be up 4 per cent from last year.
“As far as the business of the Ticats goes, things are very strong.” he said.
According to Mitchell, renewals are in the 87 per cent range — just 1 per cent off the team’s target — while corporate sales are up 12 to 15 per cent.
But the team is not immune to the struggling economy. Just as the Yankees are struggling to sell the pricey premium seats in their new stadium, the Ticats are seeing a decline in the demand for their top tier packages.
“We haven’t sold as many high end tickets as we typically have,” Mitchell said.
And he refused to divulge a specific number of the total number of season tickets sold.
“Because of the way we’ve restructured our operations, it’s almost like comparing apples to oranges from year’s past,” he said. “Total numbers will be up and total revenue is budgeted to be up as well.”
Mitchell also voiced his support for GM Bob O’Billovich and head coach Marcel Bellefeuille, saying the three had a good working relationship.
“It’s been a strong off-season for us. I think the fans in Hamilton have some genuine enthusiasm and optimism moving forward.”
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GM Bob O’Billovich said the Ticats’ rivalry with the Argos is important to the well-being of the Canadian Football League.
“It’s really important to establish those rivalries so fans can have fun when they come to the football games,” O’Billovich said.
In 1983, the Argos won their first Grey Cup in more than 30 years with Obie as their head coach, a job he held for eight seasons.
He joined the Ticats as GM in December 2007.
“Now that I’ve been in Hamilton, I’ve really gotten an insight as to the passion and the love and the support that (fans) have for their Ticats.”
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The Ticat GM also participated in yesterday’s conference call, despite having hip replacement surgery just last Wednesday.
“I just got home last night from the hospital and this is my first official business since the surgery,” O’Billovich noted.
“I’m glad to be back in the fold with everybody.”
