Rockets struggle to fill building

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Filling the seats is a top priority for the Kelowna Rockets.

Oh, for the return of the good old days.

For years you couldn't find a ticket for a Kelowna Rockets game at Prospera Place - now, the Western Hockey League club has to get creative in order to sellout the building.

The Rockets ran an impressive streak post Memorial Cup where they sold out every game several seasons in a row.

Back then, the club had between 5,000 and 5,100 season ticket holders and a long waiting list.

Those day, at least for now, are over.

Gavin Hamilton, the Rockets VP Business Development, says things changed a few seasons ago.

The club lost about 900 season ticket holder prior to the 2012-2013 season.

Now, Hamilton says the club is sitting around the 4,000 mark for season tickets.

"We've lost some (from last year) but we are about 70 per cent towards getting those back," says Hamilton.

"This is kind of when we start actually selling a number of season tickets is September and into October. Once the season gets started people seem to catch on again."

During the glory years the Rockets were also victims of their own success...people got used to the fact tickets were never available.

"For many years people didn't think there was anything available so hopefully they know now with us not having a sellout of season tickets all the time."

Hamilton also says the schedule, which packed a lot of home games into a short span last year, should be more fan friendly this season.

"I think our schedule is a little more balanced this year. Last year we had a lot of Wednesday, Friday, Saturdays. Three games in four nights is a little tough and then we'd go a couple of weeks with nothing," says Hamilton.

"I think this schedule is a little more balanced and hopefully makes it easier for people to attend."

Not filling the building on a consistent basis also means being more creative in order to draw fans in.

The Rockets added six and 12 game flex packs two years ago which Hamilton says continue to catch on with fans.

The teams is also trying to ramp up group ticket sales as well.

And this year they are trying to work with the building operators to offer some special night promotions.

"We're looking at some nightly specials - family pack type of things."

It's not like the Rockets have played poorly the last two seasons.

The team has won back-to-back BC Division titles with consecutive 50 win and 108 plus point seasons.

Last year the club established records for wins (57) and points (118) in a season.

The Rockets open up the regular season Saturday when they host the Kamloops Blazers.

Along with the home opener the Rockets will also raise two more banners to the rafters prior to the game signifying regular season BC Division and overall WHL champions.

Get your Rockets' tickets here!