Recently, I had the opportunity to get an inside look at the Chicago Express, an ECHL team (and an affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets) in its first year of existence.

Our experience started with a tour of the Sears Centre, home of the Express. It seats 9,400 for hockey, and every seat offers a great view of the action. At the east end of the arena is a kids section, where Trax (team mascot) can often be found interacting with the younger fans. The Club Seats sections are part of the Sears Centre premium seating plan. You can watch the game from extra-comfortable seats (similar to suite seating), or you can relax in the casual and comfortable concourse area.

Next, at a team practice we met Bob Mills, director of media relations, who told us about marketing the team to families. Every Friday features $1 hot dogs and $1 beers. There is also a family pack which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $49.

Mills introduced us to Coach Steve Martinson, who talked about how he enjoyed coaching this new team, especially in Chicago. Coach Martinson’s experience (30 years as a player and coach) is a perfect fit for the young team, and his style of hockey is loved by Chicago hockey fans.

We also talked a little travel. Express players Allen York and Pierre-Luc Faubert talked about hockey allowing them to see many cities in the United States and around the world. York mentioned New York City as his favorite, Faubert said Cincinnati, and Martinson listed San Diego. All three also said how much fun they were having in Chicago.

Hockey fans aren’t the only benefactors of the Express. Nearby hotels, like the Marriott and Hyatt Place, have seen increased business, especially on game nights. Located right off a major expressway 30 minutes outside of Chicago, the Express is attracting fans from all over Illinois.

With the Express poised to make the playoffs, attendance and fandom is on the rise.  Not only is this a great example of a hockey franchise, it is an excellent business model.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist