THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 12, 1996 TAG: 9602090005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
I was amazed when I read that Norfolk and Virginia Beach mayors did not want the CFL for fear of hurting our chances of getting an NBA or NHL team.
As a season ticket-holder of four Tides tickets, two Admirals tickets (until this season), and one who tried to purchase four Pirates tickets, I consider myself a typical Hampton Roads sports fan. What the Mayors need is a lesson in math and a study of what this market can afford.
The best season ticket to the Admirals is $225; the Tides $325; for the Pirates the cost was $235. The cheapest NBA seat (Atlanta) is $33 a game. This would make a season ticket nearly $2,100.
Though I consider myself a typical fan, I would be able to take my family to only an occasional NBA or NHL game. I cannot afford season tickets.
The mayors need to face the fact that we are a small sports area, which is not an embarrassment. The quality of play of AAA baseball, ECHL or CFL are well worth the admission, and families can attend games for less than seeing a movie.
We should revel in the fact that we are ``small-time.'' Many people who live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc., are trying to escape the expensive rat race everyday.
DAN EVANS
Chesapeake, Feb. 2, 1996 by CNB