The Carolina Hurricanes’ five home playoff games this year have generated the biggest five nights for merchandise sales in franchise history.
Each of the team’s playoff home games -- two against the New York Islanders and three against the defending champion Washington Capitals -- eclipsed US$200,000 in merchandise sales, according to Mike Forman, vice president of marketing and brand strategy. The previous record for the National Hockey League franchise was US$187,000.
The numbers are a reminder about the lucrative revenue implications of making the playoffs, and the evolution of in-arena merchandise sales. The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2006, but this is their first playoff appearance in 10 years.
“It’s tough for a lot of organizations to be profitable until you make the playoffs,” Forman said. “And that’s when you make your hay in terms of ticket revenue and additional corporate revenue and additional merch revenue. It’s hugely impactful for the organization.”
The Hurricanes host the Boston Bruins Tuesday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, which they trail 2-0. During the previous round of the NHL Playoffs, no team sold more merchandise per fan than the Hurricanes, according to Forman.
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