The Olds Grizzlys organization is happy with the attendance thus far in the season given that the team is quite young.
But the hope is that as the season goes on and the team becomes more experienced, more fans will come out to watch the Alberta Junior Hockey League club. Attendance through the first four home games of the 2013-14 season is down to an average of 483 compared to 503 through the first four home games of 2012-13.
“We know that we have to show on the ice and we're going to have to put forth the effort to be a competitive team so people are going to show,” said Ryan Vander Wal, the Grizzlys' business operations manager. “That being said, we are pleased with the numbers, and the people that are coming out are being vocal, being supportive and also supporting the team while they're there at the games.”
Vanderwal said fans have snapped up Grizzlys merchandise. The Twitter account and Facebook page have also been quite active.
“People are interested and excited and we're hoping that once the snow flies and they're thinking more hockey-mindedly that they'll come out to the games,” he said.
College students have also been coming out to support the team. The Grizzlys have offered students a discounted ticket price and they have taken advantage of it. College students also make it difficult for visiting teams to come to the Olds Sports Complex to play, which Vander Wal said is a bonus.
“On the games where you would expect the college students to come out, they've been loud, they've been vocal. I want Olds to be a difficult place to play. We always want to be fair and within the rules, but at the same time I want the visitors coming from the other team kind of grumbling on the bus when they come here because they know it's going to be a difficult game,” he said.
Vander Wal estimated that game day receipts make up about 25 to 35 per cent of the organization's revenue. Corporate sponsorship, advertising revenue and various fundraisers the organization holds throughout the year make up the majority of the Grizzlys' revenue.
“That being said we would always like to see more people in the seats,” he said.
The Grizzlys will hold a few special promotions throughout the remainder of the season to draw more fans, including a zombie night on Oct. 22 when the team plays the Drayton Valley Thunder where prizes will be given out for the best dressed fans. On Nov. 16, the organization will also be holding a Duck Dynasty night when the Grizzlys take on the Drumheller Dragons, giving out prizes for the best-dressed fans in camouflage. Duck calls will also replace the traditional music after Grizzly goals during that game.
