Report: Winter Classic generated $20-million in revenue
The 2014 Winter Classic generated interesting numbers on several fronts: a 3-2 shootout win for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Detroit Red Wings in front of a record-breaking 105,491 fans, and, according to the Sports Business Journal, a profit of approximately $20-million.
From the report:
According to an NHL source, the Jan. 1 game at Michigan Stadium posted more than $30 million in revenue against costs of $10 million. Approximately two-thirds of the revenue was derived from ticket sales, with 105,491 fans paying an average ticket price of $186 for an estimated take of $19.6 million. An additional $10 million in revenue came from retail and advertising sales.
“This game exceeded our expectations across every measurable medium,” said Brian Jennings, the NHL's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “The picturesque uniform designs of two Original Six teams, the transformation of the Big House, Mother Nature giving us an assist with the snow — it all made for an amazing visual presentation of our brand.”
Next year's Classic will be played in Washington, D.C., although a venue and an opponent for the Capitals has yet to be determined.
Either way, it will be hard to top this memorable and profitable game at the Big House.