Seasons Tickets will seal the future

The Raiders have adopted the slogan “Relentless” for the 2011-12 season. A catchy catch word which suggests a persistent pursuit toward a proposed protracted playoff run.

However, staff has adopted an internal slogan that has crucial long term implications. Team brass has determined they will need 2,100 seasons ticket subscribers in the next few years to remain a financially viable franchise. It's not being laid out as a scare tactic. Business Manger Bruce Vance says with the rising cost of running a WHL team (this year's budget is a little over $2-million) the 2,100 figure isn't just a goal, it's a must.

There is reason for optimism. Seasons ticket sales are approaching 1,450 as 78 players invade the Art Hauser Centre for training camp, an increase of about 200 from this time last season. Fans are excited about this season. The chatter since a memorable first round playoff series against Saskatoon last spring has been very positive, the product of making the post season for the first time in four years and the resulting electric atmosphere generated by a sold out arena.

But this is just a good first step. It comes in the wake of a combined loss of $300,000 over the past four seasons which has drained the team of a considerable reserve fund built with the magical playoff run of 2005.

The front office feels a seasons ticket base of 1,700 would be a solid foundation toward breaking even after this coming 72 game regular season with hopefully another foray into the playoffs providing a rebirth of a future nest egg.

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The exciting and financially lucrative end of the 2010-11 campaign was a huge sigh of relief for a franchise under huge financial pressure.

The beginning of training camp signifies a collective inhale as staff prepares for a final push toward 1,700 before the regular season home opener September 24th against the Saskatoon Blades.

“Together to 2,100” begins today.

dwilson@rawlco.com