Charlotte
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
There are two main sources of revenue for a basketball franchise: television and attendance. On October 2, the Bobcats will find out just how much their strategy of staying cheap, flexible, and young will pay off. Single-game regular season tickets will go on sale.
As the latest expansion team, the Bobcats have not seemed to want to take on salary in the expansion draft or take long-term high-school projects in the draft. They are looking to contend for at least a playoff berth in 2-3 years, when Emeka Okafor will be at his prime. Their strategy depends on fans coming out to watch them for the next two seasons with virtually no expectations of a post-season run.
If the fans do not start coming, will the Bobcats be forced to rethink their strategy? Will they look to start signing veteran free agents or orchestrating trades with the hopes of increasing attendance? Or will they have the patience and stomach to be able to ride out the tough times, give quality playing time to their young stars, and build a solid base for the future? Just look at the turnaround the Denver Nuggets made in one spectacular season. From tied for the worst record in the league to a playoff berth to a potential championship contender this year. They did it by being flexible, by having draft picks, and by being an attractive free agent market.
The Bobcats hope to be in the position Denver was in last season in approximately two or three years. As long as they can ride out the potential storm. Ticket sales will help determine if they are able to ride it out.
TEAM NOTES
Rally/Concert for the Charlotte Bobcats and Johnson & Wales University: This rally has been rescheduled for September 23 at 9:30pm, and will be held on the main stage of the Culinary Arts Experience at the Gateway Village Promenade. The event is still free and open to the public.
Vote Emeka Okafor in 2004. Check out Charlotte's new webpage at okaforin04.com: Join the Okafor in '04 campaign today and watch this champion and patriot lead his franchise forward. He's a born leader A tireless worker. And he is the people's choice!
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From a Bobcats press release, as quoted inThe Charlotte Observer: The Charlotte Bobcats will begin regular season single-game ticket sales on Oct. 2, and preseason ticket sales on Saturday.