The worst is confirmed for the Quebec Nordiques and it's financially catastrophic
A week before the Los Angeles Kings' visit to Quebec, we learn that many tickets are still unsold.
According to Julien Arsenault of La Presse, around 20% of tickets (about 8,000 seats) are still available for the two games that will be played at the Videotron Centre on October 3 and 5.
La Presse - Nearly 8,000 seats unoccupied in Quebec
It's worth remembering that Quebec's decision to subsidize the visit of the California team to the provincial capital sparked a wave of discontent. The government gave almost $5 million to the promoter, Gestev, a subsidiary of Quebecor, to finance the event. The agreement also included a clause stating that Quebec committed to covering Gestev's deficit, which is hosting the event, as well as any loss of revenue for the Bruins and the Panthers.
According to the office of Finance Minister Eric Girard, it will be necessary to wait until after the event to see if there will indeed be losses. With the number of unsold tickets, the chances of a deficit are quite high. However, we are assured that the total subsidy cannot exceed the $7 million promised.
In my opinion, this lack of interest from the people of Quebec should be seen as a reaction to the subsidy rather than a lack of interest in hockey. The frustration has overshadowed the opportunity to prove to the NHL that the city is ready to host an NHL team.
It's even more frustrating given that before joining the league last June, Salt Lake City (Utah) reached a deal with the Kings for a preseason game-a visit that was not subsidized.
Adding to this is the fact that Quebec, once again, is not featured in recent expansion rumors, and it is understandable why fans in the city are fed up.
| POLL | ||
Are you interested in the Kings' visit to Quebec? | ||
| Yes | 96 | 22.2 % |
| No | 337 | 77.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
