By Glenn Hicks

The economy of success: Raiders attendance up 500 per game

Nov 22, 2018 | 4:00 PM

All those goals and wins for the mighty Prince Albert Raiders so far this season are translating into more dollars off the ice.

The all-conquering team is bringing fans back in numbers. At a rate of about 500 extra people per game, the club said that was bringing a boost to the organization’s coffers.

“Our attendance is up around 23 or 24 per cent from this time last year,” business manager Michael Scissons told paNOW. “So, from a trending perspective it has been rather impressive to see the fans flock back to the Art Hauser Centre to witness some pretty special hockey.”

Scissons said the boost in ticket sales was also having an impact on merchandise sales which he figured were also enjoying a near 23 per cent uptick.

“It’s great seeing more jerseys in the stands and more Raiders hats and toques on the streets; it’s great to be part of,” he said.

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Scissons said while the team and coaching staff were achieving on the ice, from a business perspective, the club was all about ensuring a quality customer experience. He explained they had no problem adding some additional operational costs for things like security or increased supplies.

“From the parking lot, to the Coke and beer they drink, to the popcorn temperature, to the floor …it has all seen a boost, and with that there’s a boost economically for us as well,” he said.

The money coming through the doors has come as very welcome news for the organization which reported a deficit of nearly $170,000 for the 2017-18 campaign.

Scissons said the increase in business was “pointing us in the direction of ensuring the long term stability of the Raiders in the city of Prince Albert [which is]  something we always know will be here and the fans will support; it’s good to see them coming back again.”

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow