
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 15, 1994                   TAG: 9405150032
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: D-13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MORE WEEKEND DATES FOR EXPRESS

As a true fan of the Roanoke Express hockey club, I feel I must comment about the recent actions of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission. While I understand they do have some previous commitments, I can't believe the schedules of other events aren't flexible. In reviewing newspaper articles from last year, it appears the Civic Center rearranged several events to produce a workable schedule.

The Roanoke Valley has long needed family entertainment. One of the complaints heard so often (before last season) was there was nothing a family could do together. Now, at long last, there is quality entertainment for everyone at the civic center. Anyone who attended a hockey game last season can testify to that. Children of all ages literally flocked to "Loco," the team mascot. The music kept everyone involved and, of course, the quality of the players - on and off the ice - provided the best family entertainment seen at the civic center in years. The one word I kept hearing last year relating to the hockey games was "fun."

What a success the first season was! In a league with 19 teams, the Express completed the 1993-94 season ranked 10th in attendance, averaging more than 4,600 per game. There were 14 Tuesday night dates and five Thursday night games. This obviously created problems for many families with children in school.

I attended every game last season and can attest to the fact that there were at least 2,000 to 3,000 more fans in attendance for Friday and Saturday night games. What must the Civic Center Commission be thinking of when it can't provide quality dates for this top entertainment (not to mention revenue for the city)?

The Express' owners and staff have worked long and hard to put together a great organization. I went to games in Raleigh, N.C., Greensboro, N.C., and Richmond last season and can attest to the fact that the Roanoke Express is first-class!

Let's hope the Roanoke Civic Center Commission sees fit to keep our Roanoke Express on track with some great weekend dates so everyone will be able to enjoy our team.

MAGGIE DREWRY ROANOKE

NOTE: After this letter was received, the Roanoke Civic Center agreed to secure 24 available weekend dates plus Thanksgiving night for the next season.)

by CNB