How to sell hockey tickets in non-traditional markets

Two new interesting promotional campaigns have been launched by two of the NHL's worst attendance leaders. The Atlanta Thrashers and the Florida Panthers both draw on average less than 15,000 fans per game and in an attempt to change that they are trying to entice fans with some novel ticket packages.

The Florida Panthers who have not made the playoffs in nearly 10 years and who currently occupy the 8th and final playoff spot are offering their fans a "Panthers Playoff Promise" package. If fans purchase a 4-game pack for this year, they will receive tickets for 4 free games next year if the Panthers don't make the playoffs.

Funny you would expect someone like Columbus to offer a deal like this to their fans considering they are the only NHL club to have never made the playoffs.

The Thrashers meanwhile are one upping the Panthers by offering lower bowl tickets for $30, yes, you heard that right $30. But no that's not all, whatever amount you spend on these lower bowl tickets will be credited at a 50% rate towards tickets for next year. Essentially this means Atlanta fans are getting tickets that sell for well over $100 in other NHL arenas for $15 per ticket. Wow! It's no wonder that Atlanta constanstly gets bandied about as an example of some of the NHL's struggles.