I love having NHL Center Ice. I can watch any game I want, and many of them are in HD.
For some reason, a ton of the Phoenix Coyotes' broadcasts are available in high-definition. I don't mind one bit, because Dave Strader and Darren Pang make for one of the best local broadcast teams you'll find anywhere in the NHL.
Many teams have taken to using their local broadcasts to hype big-time ticket specials. Even with attendance and television ratings doing okay in the NHL, there are many teams struggling to fill their buildings. Phoenix is one of these teams. There are reports they will lose upwards of $30 million this season.
In an effort to strengthen their ticket sales, the Coyotes have petitioned the league to have the Red Wings in town for all 41 home dates produced a rather bizarre series of television ads.
The good thing about them is that they probably appeal to younger kids. The bad thing about them is that younger kids don't have money.
Oh, and they're kind of dumb.
Video after the jump.
This ad is currently running to promote something called the "Howliday Pick 'Em Plan". It features Viktor Tikhonov of the Coyotes and some weird puppet.
I'm sure the phones are ringing off the hook.
Another example of this rather bizarre ad campaign is this one, which was used to promote a ticket special for the Coyotes' game the day after Thanksgiving against Colorado. Pierre just doesn't have much of a shot.
My wife and I laughed out loud at both of these, but they're clearly not working. Empty seats are prevalent at practically every Phoenix home game. Hopefully, the locals will start turning out in bigger numbers. Ticket prices there are among the lowest in the league, and this is an emerging young team.
Of course, it wouldn't hurt if the Coyotes came up with a better gimmick to sell tickets.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-18-2008 @ 12:58AM
Tapeleg said...
At least it has a little character.
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12-18-2008 @ 1:40PM
Richard Nickerson said...
Clearly the ads are working in that you have devoted a column to it. And you're not the only one, Pierre has created buzz locally and I believe the ad people who came up with it have been nominated for an award. So he accomplishes task one which is creating awareness and getting people to at least talk about the Coyotes and acknowledge their existence here in Phoenix.
The building will not fill-up until the team wins consistently. The same has been true with the Suns and Diamondbacks. The Cardinals have drawn well the past couple of years because of their new building and the fan-base for the NFL is huge. Now that they are winning they sell out regularly.
As far as the Coyotes losing $30 million, I don't believe it. They lost that much on paper a couple of years ago because of some paper transactions involved with Moyes assuming 100% ownership and giving up his stake in Westgate (a shopping/entertainment complex located adjacent to the Coyotes arena & Cardinals stadium). Phoenix is a viable sports market, even for hockey. Our population doubles every winter with people from Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, etc. Many locals (including me) are hockey converts and the base is building. All we need is a couple of playoff years and this will be a strong hockey market.
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12-18-2008 @ 2:28PM
Brent said...
Maybe if they actually stayed in PHOENIX they'd be filling more seats? I mean, that's a pretty far drive for anyone past the 60. I live in Maricopa and I'd LOVE to go to hockey games again but that's an hour long drive, at minimum.
One thing's for sure, I'll definitely be at the arena to see my Ducks slaughter the 'Yotes in January....
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12-22-2008 @ 5:36PM
PB said...
You know, I just love reading about recycled news as our Canadian brethern really wants their beloved Winnipeg franchise back.
Funny, they haven't said the same about the Quebec Nordiques - but I digress.
What I get tired of reading is the constant barrage of slamming of the franchise down here in the Valley by those that don't even live here. In fact, I always wonder why people care so much.
Well, I guess that is a good thing.
As far as the Pierre ads go...the Coyotes marketing staff won awards last year for their promotion of the team. At least they are trying to do everything possible to get people in the seats.
Plus, no one outside of the Phoenix market understands our market as the adults that have moved here still cling loyalty to their former franchises so much so that they can't let go. Theapy works for that.
Richard is absolutely correct in his assessment. When the Coyotes win consistently (and check the record), then people will take notice. However, it doesn't start with adults...
IT STARTS WITH THE KIDS. You know, those rug rats that grow up to be hockey fans. And provided they stay here and don't move away. then, the franchise has a new fan base.
Pierre is goofy, but when he is on the jumbo tron, people are laughing. If you don't get it, don't watch it.
But it's your opinion...and bashing Phoenix is easy to do...please, find another topic - be creative - if this is all you got, I wonder why I wasn't asked to write for AOL.
Oh, and before those "relocation" stories go any further, please read this:
http://onefansperspective.com/2008/06/03/the-money-and-relocation-situation/
and this:
http://onefansperspective.com/2007/12/08/coyotes-are-not-going-anywhere/
/rant
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