Ever wonder what the state of the Bobcats is? JB SportsCorner sat down with GM Jane Link to find out what the health of the Bobcats is. If you want information, stick right here where hockey is always on.
Sponsorships are a big issue for the health of the ‘Cats. “Sponsorships are huge,” Link stated, “we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have sponsorships.” The Bobcats would not be able to have 33 games without the help of their season ticket holders and sponsors. “A big part of the success is that we went after a lot of groups. We didn’t rely on just walk-up crowds,” Link stated about game nights where the Wizards play too. “We don’t worry about other events going on. We just focus on the Bobcats.”
According to GM Link, season ticket prices are within range for hockey fans. “I think for thirty-three games with limited seating, you’re paying for a premium seat. You don’t have to wait in line, and we have the no-waste policy. We also have payment plans. We want it to be affordable to people,” Link said.
Link was asked about the recent subtraction of the FM Jets and how it would effect hockey in the Bismarck/Mandan area. “We are definitely sad to see FM go,” Link stated, “but we are excited to start new rivalries. We are excited to form new relationships. The Bobcats are not going to go anywhere; we have a very secure fan-base and sponsor-base. Fargo leaving does not have any direct effect on the Bobcats.”
Link was questioned about the NAHL franchise’s lease with the Bismarck Parks and Recs. and the VFW Sports Center. “Our lease is for another year, but it’s basically something that is ongoing. We are going to be here, so there’s definitely no worries,” Link said.
Jane Link was asked what her biggest talent was as a GM, and according to Link, it’s being able to multi-task. “This isn’t a regular job where you sit at a desk and just answer the phone. There is a lot going on at once, and it changes so much from season to season. I think it’s being able to juggle a lot of different tasks,” she said. Link attributed it to a lot of her staff. “We have a great staff that helps with all of that. I think that the Bobcat’s biggest strength is it’s staff. I think that we have the top staff in the league.”
The Bobcat den is going to go through a lot of renovations , including: a new painted ceiling, new seating (with 200 more seats), a press box, new signage, and a Bobcat team that is ready to play under the new head coach Byron Pool.
