Flames freeze season-ticket prices as Calgary's economic tailspin continues
The Calgary Flames won't be raising season-ticket prices, the club confirmed to the Calgary Sun's Eric Francis.
The drop in global oil prices has hit Calgary's economy hard, and while the Flames have been awful on the ice, this decision is more about the community, said Rollie Cyr, the Flames' vice president of sales, ticketing, and customer service.
"We thought it was the right thing to do," said Cyr. "We're not blind to what's going on in our economy. We're looking after the consumer who has been our partner for a long time. Being a good corporate partner and citizen is important."
Oil markets were active Monday, jumping more than five percent, according to Reuters. Brent crude oil hit $40 a barrel, up more than 50 percent from $27.10 on Jan. 20, a 12-year low. A New York-based consultancy told Reuters that "major OPEC producers are talking about a new oil price equilibrium of around $50."
In addition to falling oil prices (the price per barrel was close to $100 in October 2014), a falling Canadian dollar has taken its toll on the Flames, as well. But the club is looking towards the future, and Cyr says that while cancellations have come in, the waiting list for season tickets is 3,000-people long. The Flames have the fifth-highest season ticket prices, Francis writes.
The Flames were very active at the trade deadline, selling unrestricted free agents Jiri Hudler, Kris Russell, and David Jones for draft picks and young players. General manager Brad Treliving's been lauded for how he's rebuilding his team.
"People can see the light at the end of the tunnel," Cyr said. "We are doing the right things."
- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk