CEO CORNER

Posted on 3 August 2012

Following the signing of our final players Devin, Stuuuuuu and Jamie Milam on Wednesday night, there is little doubt G & Franny have compiled a team we as a club can be truly excited about for the forthcoming season.

Personally I consider the club to be on the verge of great things over the next 3 years, and I see this season as the most important year in Devil's history for some time since the BBT was announced our temporary home. The reason I say that, is from both a business and on-ice perspective, we are so close to achieving far more than we have done for many years.

I thank all the staff both on and off the ice who really do appreciate the huge amount of work which has been necessary to get this club and business off its back, onto its knees, and I hope by the end of this season, standing tall and proud!

Below I have provided a quick update ahead of our first game on Wednesday 29th vs. our old enemy the Coventry Blaze.

WHY HAVE MATCH TICKET PRICES INCREASED?

Both G & I discussed this at length, however we both believe that what drives the crowd numbers is the performance on the ice. Therefore, we decided to increase the player budget, which has meant prices will increase for the 2012/13 season to Adults £17, Concessions £11 & Children £6. In terms of the rest of the league, we are no longer the cheapest, however we are not the most expensive either. The good news is that the Season Ticket Prices have remained, which simply means there is more value now in becoming a Season Ticket Holder than ever before.

THIS IS A BRAVE MOVE, WHERE DO WE SIT FINANCIALLY?

Speculate to Accumulate springs to mind! Yes, this is a very brave move, especially as this is a season we have to break even for a whole number of very valid commercial reasons. That said, as long as the team perform well and entertain, I am confident the increased marketing and social media machine will ensure a far wider reach than previous years, leading to much improved attendances over last season. In short we need average gates pushing 1,800, which is a 1,000 paying customers plus seaon ticket holders and corporates every game, which is why we all can do our bit and bring a friend.

WILL THE BUDDY SCHEME EXIST THIS SEASON?

Unfortunately not, nore will the numerous third party website offers either. We need paying customers in, and we will be working very hard this season to limit our additional offerings. At £23 for an Adult & Child to experience the fantastic atmosphere and product we have to offer, it remains extremely good value compared to the excessive pricing of other sports. We need exposure, and we need our fans to spread the word....every paying customer counts! We also need to work far harder at utilising our sponsor partner databases. We will however be promoting a few "Bring A Buddy" games on a selected basis for our STH.

WHEN WILL TICKETS BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE FOR OUR FIRST GAME VS. COVENTRY on 29th AUGUST?

I would anticipate they will be available via Planet Ice on 02920 382001 with effect the week commencing Monday 13th August. Please spread the word, lets start the season how we intend to continue and fill the tent, we want to welcome our 8 new guys with our Devils Chants and drums, a welcome they will never forget! To assist the communication of our first game, we are also out promoting on the 25th August at British Speedway Fanzone in the Millenium Stadium, plus we are in the Cardiff Bay on August 26th at the Harbour Festival and in the Bay again on August 27th at a Sport Cardiff & Cardiff Council Community Initiative.

OUR WE MOVING BACK TO CH SPORTS JERSEY's THIS SEASON?

Yes we are, and we hope the fans will pay attention to the shop on the website as the product offerings via CH will be greater than its been for years, as this remains a vital part of the revenue generation for the club, so please check it out every week, and especially for those Birthdays & Christmas Pressies! It goes without saying however that a huge thanks to Rhino and we will know doubt do business again.

WILL WE BE ADVERTISING THE NEW SEASON?

Yes, we have again committed to our partners Capital FM and Media Wales. We are also currently recruiting for someone to head Corporate Sales & Marketing, to deliver more consistent relations with our proud sponsors. We have already benefited from one very successful Business Networking Event at the Odeon Cinema's at The Red Dragon Centre a few weeks ago, which was received fantastically. This new role will focus on driving social media with our partners Peacock Media, plus working with Sponsors on cross-marketing initiatives. The role will also be responsible for Hospitality on game nights, where this season our target is to sell every match night sponsorship. We have also been working with Dover & Co to provide much more marketing material for leafleting, improved the mascot suit, put in place a new website, increased Social Media activity and committed to School & Community visits every week.

WILL THE VIP/STH SIDE ENTRANCE STILL EXIST?

No, this season to gain greater control of all persons entering the building, we have decided to create two entrances at the main entrance. All persons except players and coaching staff, will have to enter via the main entrance and be clicked in. A separate gated entrance will be provided along side the front of CH Sports Shop for VIP/STH, with all other ticket holders and purchasers to enter as normal.

MANY NEW SPONSORS?

Yes, we have a number, and will be reporting on these shortly. At present we are working on collating all logo's, signing all contracts and collecting monies, as August is a crucial month to ensure we remain on budget for the season.

IS THE NEW STADIUM ON TARGET?

The new stadium goes into planning in September, with a view to it being approved by October, meaning building will start on our new facility by January 2013, ready for occupation April-June 2014 subject to the weather being kind! Watch out for the new stadium video on our website!

WHATS HAPPENING WITH CDSL (RED ARMY)?

I see a stong vibrant Supporters Club very important in providing a voice and offering something special for all its members. Our plan is to build the role of the "Red Army" and to promote it heavily from now on in. An example of this could be that the Red Army Members will be the first to visit the new facility and choose there seats in 2014, so a great time to get involved. I also intend to discuss subsidised travel schemes, merchandise and events, plus a number of exclusive opportunities to drive membership, plus to incororate membership in the March 2013 "End of Season" STH renewal process, subject to all parties agreement.

HOW IS THE DCF?

Much work has been done by the Coaches and Managers in supporting Brent Pope in creating a more streamlined business model. We have had a number of positive meetings with Planet ice, and remain very focused on continuing the monthly meetings to ensure standards and profile of the Juniors continue to rise. DCF is a professional not for profit registered charity, it remains extrememly important in introducing children into Ice Sports in general. As a commitment to growing our sport we have made an offer to all standing order paying DCF members under 16, to apply for a free season ticket.

WHERE ARE WE WITH SEASON TICKET HOLDERS?

Despite a fantastic start, we seem to have hit a brick wall at 615. Our target remains north of 650, and we currently have around 190 STH who have not renewed, who we will be contacting over the next 3 days to urge a decision. We can understand why some people simply can't renew, but I remain hopefull there are 50+ who were simply waiting for the new roster to be appointed first. 700 Season Ticket Holders would make us one of the most well supported teams in the UK in terms of percentage of seats, and the work over the next two seasons is crucial if 1,000 STH is to remain a viable target.

Well that's all from me, I hope the update is welcomed, and you willl join me in wishing our guys the best of season's this year.

Thank You,

Paul Ragan