Wild Season Ticket Holders Face Decision Due To Lockout
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- Monday was the second day of the NHL lockout, and there are no signs of progress towards a deal between players and owners.
That's especially disappointing for Minnesota Wild fans, because of all the enthusiasm after this July's signings of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
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The Wild got more than 4,000 new season ticket holders after signing them. But on Monday, the team announced fans can get refunds, or -- if they let the Wild keep their money -- a full credit for each game played, plus10 percent interest.
Wild Fan Luke Anderson said he's going to miss the hockey.
"I got excited about the new additions, so I bought a 10 game package," he said.
Anderson knows his only chance to see the team play now is at workout at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center.
"The guys look really good out here, and I am disappointed that the season won't start on time," he said.
Miko Koivu and Zach Parise were among the Wild players on the ice.
"[The lockout situation] is really frustrating, I think, for everybody," Parise said.
He is hoping the lockout ends soon.
"We hope we can get this done as fast as possible, because we know how much excitement there is," he said.
Matt Majka, the Wild's the chief operating officer said, for now, none of the 200 full-time employees will be laid off. However, 500 part-time workers, who work every game, will not be working.
The Wild's 10 percent interest incentive for keeping season ticket holder money with the team is one of the best in the league. For example, the Stanley-Cup-winning L.A. Kings are offering just 5 percent.
Credits, which include the 10 percent interest, can be applied toward future games or subsequent season renewals. Credit will be issued when a new collective bargaining agreement is reached between the owners and players.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
