Free Panthers Tickets...Yes Free

[St. Jimmy]

Never been to a Panthers game? Now’s your chance to go … for free. The Panthers have launched a First Timer program, in which people who have never attended a Panthers game can sign up for a free pair of tickets to certain upcoming games with a Florida driver's license. (There is also a sign up option if you don’t have a license). Sign up at the Panthers Web site. Team officials are convinced that once you attend a Panthers game, you’ll want to come back. “We’re giving people an opportunity to test our product, to enjoy a night of hockey on us,” Panthers President Michael Yormark said. “Hopefully they have a wonderful experience, hopefully they’ll see the value of coming to a Florida Panthers game. It’s the greatest game live and if they walk away saying 'this is the greatest game live,' we think we’ve potentially hooked a new fan.” But be prepared for a sales pitch. After all, this isn’t just about filling seats and selling hot dogs and beer. It’s also about capturing the data of potential season ticket buyers. “Our sales people follow up with all the attendees within 24 hours,” Yormark said. Sales representatives will ask if the first timers enjoyed the game, plan to come back and whether they want to invest in a six- or even a three-game pack that’s to be introduced in the coming weeks. There are typically 500 tickets available per game – two per individual – but tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks and Thursday’s against the Ottawa Senators are considered “family nights” so as many as five tickets per individual are available. Already more than 1,000 people have signed up for a number of games this month and next and Yormark said the team saw spending per individual on concessions increase by $1.50 on Opening Night compared to the team’s 2007 opener. “It’s about building our fan base one at a time. These people, for the most part, have never been to a Florida Panthers game before,” Yormark said. “It’s a great way to expose people, to collect data, get their feedback and hopefully turn them into fans.” Have you taken advantage of this promotion? Do you plan to?

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PANTHERSFIRSTTIMER.COM

[Chewie]

I will probably take advantage of this even though I have been to many, many, many, many games.

[Matt Wilson]

My buddy got like 10 free tix at his health club and still hasn't gone once.

[Fritz]

I went to games when they played at the Miami Arena. It's good stuff.

[McLevin]

We used to have season tickets for the Panthers, from the moment the National Car Rental Center opened (1998) until the strike. I almost feel dirty taking advantage of this "first timer" promotion but I'll probably do it anyways

[Count Bass D]

I'm definitely going to some games this year.