Post by lionsroar on Jun 30, 2009 14:52:57 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=14
Difference A Year Makes For Lions And AIFA
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (June 30, 2009) – Life can be cruel and unbearable at times. With a faltering economy and jobs getting cut each day, sports have taken a major hit financially. While a few big-league teams defy the economic logic of the times, minor league franchises and organizations continue to look for ways to help stay afloat.
What a difference a year makes for both the Columbus Lions and the American Indoor Football Association. Both the franchise and league have a bright outlook as the 2009 postseason draws near. Considering one year ago the Lions were preparing for a 2008 post-season knowing that they were going to lose money.
Last year to reach the championship game, Columbus would have had to travel from Mississippi, to Wyoming, and landed in Florence, South Carolina to capture the championship. If it were not for an early first round exit by the hands of the Mudcats, who went dark for the 09 season, the Lions would have experienced a huge negative financial impact.
With many teams and organizations suffering from financial woes, leagues such the Arena Football League canceling their season due a faltering economy and WNBA franchise Houston Comets going under, a club that won the leagues first four titles, a number of minor league franchises are finding the faltering economy as a positive influence. According to league-wide studies, the average ticket for an NFL game is $72.70 while most of the minor leagues will charge you only $6-$10.
With affordable regular season tickets ranging as low as $56, the Lions saw a 12% increase in season ticket holders from 2008 to 2009 and have even experienced a 30% increase in fan walk-ups. “Our goal each year is to provide the Chattahoochee Valley with the most fan friendly affordable football entertainment. A Lions game is a suitable alternative versus traveling to big city markets and high costs,” says Lions General Manager Jeff Gonos. “A family of four can experience our game for as low as $48, can’t beat that price at other sports venues.”
Considering the financial burdens that exist in minor league sports in a very tough economy, the AIFA has structured a plan that can ultimately assist teams through the playoffs. Knowing that there should never be a burden when it comes to making the post-season, AIFA co-founders John Morris and Michael Mink adopted a “first of a kind” incentive playoff package totaling $110,000 for the 2009 AIFA season.
Back in September, AIFA co-founder John Morris said, “Our owners should never dread making the playoffs. We want our teams to be able to play into the postseason. Each team has a projected budget going through the season. Should they advance to the playoffs and beyond, they should not have to worry about where they will fit post-season travel expenses into their budget. They need to focus on winning football games and a championship.”
“The Columbus Lions were very concerned about the negative impact of the 2009 AIFA playoffs until the AIFA adopted this guaranteed playoff pool in September,” says Lions Owner John Hargrove. “This playoff pool will at least give all playoff participants a reasonable chance of breaking even if you are the visitor and a platform for positive revenue if you are lucky enough to host a playoff game.”
While the economy continues to struggle and some professional sports leagues have gone dark for 2009 and possibly beyond, this playoff incentive package might be the light at the end of the tunnel for playoff contenders in the AIFA, and also might be the model for other leagues as they face tough economic times.
The South Division Champion Columbus Lions begin their “March to the Championship” this Monday July 6th at 7:30 PM. The Lions are offering a discounted pricing structure for all playoff games with Jungle seats rows A, B, and C reduced to $30. Lower Level seats are $15 and Upper Level seats will be $10. Get their early for the pre-game tail-gate party and come join us afterwards as the post-game party will be held at Scruffy Murphy’s located on Broadway in beautiful uptown Columbus. Call 706-322-3336 to get in the action and reserve your seats today.
:smileylions:
Difference A Year Makes For Lions And AIFA
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (June 30, 2009) – Life can be cruel and unbearable at times. With a faltering economy and jobs getting cut each day, sports have taken a major hit financially. While a few big-league teams defy the economic logic of the times, minor league franchises and organizations continue to look for ways to help stay afloat.
What a difference a year makes for both the Columbus Lions and the American Indoor Football Association. Both the franchise and league have a bright outlook as the 2009 postseason draws near. Considering one year ago the Lions were preparing for a 2008 post-season knowing that they were going to lose money.
Last year to reach the championship game, Columbus would have had to travel from Mississippi, to Wyoming, and landed in Florence, South Carolina to capture the championship. If it were not for an early first round exit by the hands of the Mudcats, who went dark for the 09 season, the Lions would have experienced a huge negative financial impact.
With many teams and organizations suffering from financial woes, leagues such the Arena Football League canceling their season due a faltering economy and WNBA franchise Houston Comets going under, a club that won the leagues first four titles, a number of minor league franchises are finding the faltering economy as a positive influence. According to league-wide studies, the average ticket for an NFL game is $72.70 while most of the minor leagues will charge you only $6-$10.
With affordable regular season tickets ranging as low as $56, the Lions saw a 12% increase in season ticket holders from 2008 to 2009 and have even experienced a 30% increase in fan walk-ups. “Our goal each year is to provide the Chattahoochee Valley with the most fan friendly affordable football entertainment. A Lions game is a suitable alternative versus traveling to big city markets and high costs,” says Lions General Manager Jeff Gonos. “A family of four can experience our game for as low as $48, can’t beat that price at other sports venues.”
Considering the financial burdens that exist in minor league sports in a very tough economy, the AIFA has structured a plan that can ultimately assist teams through the playoffs. Knowing that there should never be a burden when it comes to making the post-season, AIFA co-founders John Morris and Michael Mink adopted a “first of a kind” incentive playoff package totaling $110,000 for the 2009 AIFA season.
Back in September, AIFA co-founder John Morris said, “Our owners should never dread making the playoffs. We want our teams to be able to play into the postseason. Each team has a projected budget going through the season. Should they advance to the playoffs and beyond, they should not have to worry about where they will fit post-season travel expenses into their budget. They need to focus on winning football games and a championship.”
“The Columbus Lions were very concerned about the negative impact of the 2009 AIFA playoffs until the AIFA adopted this guaranteed playoff pool in September,” says Lions Owner John Hargrove. “This playoff pool will at least give all playoff participants a reasonable chance of breaking even if you are the visitor and a platform for positive revenue if you are lucky enough to host a playoff game.”
While the economy continues to struggle and some professional sports leagues have gone dark for 2009 and possibly beyond, this playoff incentive package might be the light at the end of the tunnel for playoff contenders in the AIFA, and also might be the model for other leagues as they face tough economic times.
The South Division Champion Columbus Lions begin their “March to the Championship” this Monday July 6th at 7:30 PM. The Lions are offering a discounted pricing structure for all playoff games with Jungle seats rows A, B, and C reduced to $30. Lower Level seats are $15 and Upper Level seats will be $10. Get their early for the pre-game tail-gate party and come join us afterwards as the post-game party will be held at Scruffy Murphy’s located on Broadway in beautiful uptown Columbus. Call 706-322-3336 to get in the action and reserve your seats today.
:smileylions:
