Hawks offering refunds if team doesn't make playoffs Posted: Tuesday June 18, 2002 6:58 PM ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks are offering season-ticket holders somewhat of a money-back guarantee. If the Hawks don't make the playoffs next season, those fans who have full-season ticket plans will receive a $125 refund. The Hawks have missed the last three postseasons. The offer is the first of its kind among Atlanta teams. Hawks president Stan Kasten called it an attempt to repair the team's public image and a testament to coach Lon Kruger's confidence. "Lon came to upper management and said he wanted to do this, to change perceptions. He wanted the fans to know how strongly we believed in the team," Kasten said. The Nashville Predators, who have never made the NHL playoffs, made a similar pledge to their fans for next season. The wager could cost the Hawks as much as $500,000, based on 2001 sales of about 4,000 full-season ticket packages costing between $1,025 and $3,485 each. But Kruger isn't worried about losing the bet. "We like our team. We expect to make the playoffs," he said. If the Hawks make the playoffs, full-season ticket holders will get the first playoff game free.
At first I was going to say, "Oh great, now Atlanta fans will be rooting against their team making the playoffs." But then I read the last line. Overall, pretty cool idea. I don't think the Hawks will make the playoffs.
If Theo Ratliff can stay healthy (I know, I know, he never has) they are a lock for the playoffs in that weak eastern conference.
THink about it, there's 8,000 season ticket holders. Only 125 bucks for each person is worth it. COnsidering more people may buy season tickets for that 125 dollar refund. It comes out to $100,000.00. THink about it, They pay bench warmers between $300,000 and $500,000 dollars to do nothing but sit the bench and participate in practice.
Now the Falcons are offering season tickets for $100. All in all, it's pretty good to be a sports fan here in Atlanta right now.
Htownhero, is there any kind of stipulation "if injuries happen, we are not liable" when you sign up for season tickets?
wow, people say Atlanta is a bad sports town... but wow, it must be to have these kind of gimmicks! man i really wish i lived in GA right about now!
