Blueline Bargains: Coyote Saves = Fan Savings

So far in this lockout-shortened season, the NHL's boffo box office got lost in the desert.

Even more unfortunately for the Phoenix Coyotes, the same can be said for a new ownership group and a sweeheart arena management deal. The uncertainty has played a major part in keeping fans away in droves from Jobing.com Arena. It's unfortunate, because the team itself has become not only entertaining, but competitive.

The 'Yotes are well worth watching, but if winning isn't enough to overcome the turmoil surrounding their business affairs, what is?

Well, Marketing 101 says a key technique in closing a sale is to turn a negative into a positive. As noted, the negative is obvious: uncertainty. So, that's the answer!

Uncertainty. The franchise needs to sell the 'uncertainty' factor. That's clearly the ticket.

The GOALden ticket, to be precise.

This is a clever promoton based on goals allowed. The fewer Phoenix yields, the more yield fans get on their purchase price. Briefly, here's how it works:

• The GOALden ticket applies to the last ten home games of the Coyotes' regular season, starting Sat 9 March against Dallas.
• Only goals scored in regulation or overtime apply.
• A GOALden ticket allows fans to sit in the lower bowl (seats normally priced at $75).
• A $100 GOALden ticket purchase buys five goals against; fans keep their seat upgrade for as long as the Coyotes can keep their cumulative goals-against total to five or less.
• A $250 GOALden ticket purchase buys 25 goals against; again, fans keep their seat upgrade for as long as the Coyotes can keep their cumulative goals-against total to 25 or less.

To date, Phoenix is surrendering an average of just over two goals per home game. While that includes two shutouts, it also includes two six-goal howlers. Now, that's uncertainty!

The reality is this promotion is slightly better than a buy-one-get-one-free proposition, but the upside can be so much more of a deal. It will definitely give the cost-conscious fan every reason to be on edge whenver the 'Yotes are in their own zone!

All that's missing is for Bovada to offer props.

Click on a photo to enlarge.