Americans Top 2,500 Season Tickets
KENNEWICK, WA – Top Shelf Entertainment, Inc. (TSE) is pleased to announce today that, with the conclusion of season ticket sales for the 2010-11 season last week, the Tri-City Americans have surpassed the 2,500 mark. Officially, the Americans proudly serve 2,525 season ticket holders, a 5% increase over last season. Although previous ownership records are somewhat blemished, it is believed that this represents the largest number of season ticket holders the club has held since the early seasons of the club.
“Our staff has done a tremendous job developing a solid season-ticket base,” said Americans’ Governor/GM Bob Tory. “Credit also needs to go to our fans who have jumped on board and helped us enjoy some tremendous hockey. And to our players, who have given more than just a solid on-ice effort, but have been actively involved in the community to add to the quality of life in the Tri-Cities.”
“Only five years ago, the future of Tri-Cities as a WHL market was in question. This turnaround is a testament to our loyal fans and community, who always believed the franchise could succeed here,” expressed Brian Sandy, Sr. VP of Business Operations for the Americans. “It has been a true pleasure to be a part of this success. And, I don’t think we’re done growing.”
In the midst of its 23rd season of hockey in the Mid-Columbia, the Americans franchise has flourished under the team’s first-ever local ownership group, Top Shelf Entertainment. The group of Olaf Kolzig, Stu Barnes, Dennis Loman and Bob Tory, with a vision towards the community that has supported the franchise since 1988, has implemented a business plan that is centered on affordable, family-oriented entertainment.
Since TSE took the reigns in Tri-City, the Americans have turned into a perennial contender in the Western Conference and one of the most exciting teams to watch night in and night out. On the ice, the club has captured three division titles and one conference championship in five seasons along with the third-most wins of any WHL team entering the 2010-11 season. Off the ice, the team continues to stay active throughout the Mid-Columbia, with players and front office staff averaging 2,500+ hours of community service each year.
In return, the Tri-City community has continued to fill the Toyota Center on a nightly basis. The Americans have seen growth in each of the last five years and led the entire Western Hockey League in gross attendance increase since the 2004-05 season. In 2009-10, the franchise averaged 4,480 fans per game, the highest average attendance the club has season since the 1990-91 season. To date, over 3.5 million fans have come to watch the Americans play.
On the ice, the Americans prepare for their first tripleheader weekend of the season, traveling to Chilliwack on Friday before hosting the rival Spokane Chiefs and Everett Silvertips at the Toyota Center on Saturday and Sunday. Game times in Kennewick are 7:05 and 5:05 p.m. respectively. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer outlets, or online at ticketmaster.com.
