Sports leaders pleased with buzz in Winnipeg market

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This article was published 13/01/2012 (5010 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sports organizations in this town — namely, the Blue Bombers, Goldeyes and organizers of events like the Canadian Tour’s Players’ Cup golf tournament – are finding the disposable income of fans and advertising dollars available have not shrunk with the triumphant return of the Winnipeg Jets.

In fact, it could be said business is growing.

That was the consensus at a sports marketing/advertising luncheon today at the Convention Centre sponsored by the Advertising Association of Winnipeg that featured Jets’ co-owner Mark Chipman, Bombers vice-president of marketing Jerry Maslowsky, Goldeyes marketing director Dan Chase, Ryan Hart of the Players’ Cup and Mark Maheu, head of TSN Sports Radio Winnipeg.

“We keep talking about the buzz that’s in this city and the energy we have,” said Chase. “It’s a real thing. “The bottom line is our city is moving in a great direction. It’s good for all of us: sports, arts… everything.”

The Goldeyes enjoyed the latest in a string of successful summers at the ball park this year while the Bombers, who are moving into a new facility this year, played to eight sellouts and 98 per cent capacity in 2011. The Canadian Tour event was also an unqualified success.

What the past few months has taught all involved is that the sports teams in this town can not only co-exist, but thrive.

“It’s the brand that people really feel connected with,” said Maslowsky. “In football, in all sports, the players change. They come and they go. But the brand itself is what is important to the community.”

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait