Survey asks fans about ticket prices, opinion of QMJHL

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs sent out their annual fan survey last week.

The survey's questions weren't quite a "juicy" as last year's but some interesting things were still asked. The biggest takeaway came from the final few questions of the survey, which focused on ticket prices.

The survey asked fans to rate the following on a scale from 0-5 with zero being extremely negative:

• How would you rate the value of $25 + taxes and fees for an adult ticket to see a Sea Dogs game?
• How would you rate the value of $12 + taxes and fees for an under 25 years old ticket to see a Sea Dogs game?
• How would you rate the value of $22 + taxes and fees for a senior ticket to see a Sea Dogs game?
• How would you rate the value of $55 + taxes and fees for a family pack which includes 2 adult tickets, 2 youth tickets, and 4 small popcorn ($13.75 + taxes and fees per person) to see a Sea Dogs game?
• How would you rate the value of $46.99 + taxes for a Costco pack which includes 2 adult tickets and 2 large popcorn ($23.50 + taxes per person) to see a Sea Dogs game?
• How would you rate the value of $7 + taxes and fees for all ages, as a special promotion to see a Sea Dogs game?

The cost of single game tickets seemed to be a regular complaint from fans this past season. Once taxes and fees were added, it cost nearly $30 for an adult ticket — which doesn't include parking, food. etc. That ain't cheap.

The team did have several discounted ticket nights throughout the season but, of course, can only do so many of those without devaluing season tickets.

The Sea Dogs averaged 2,760 fans per game this past season, placing them eighth in the QMJHL. Saint John is one of the only CHL markets that hasn't fully bounced back to pre-COVID attendance figures yet.

This year's survey didn't ask much about the team's in-game experience, which was a big focus last year. Instead, questions were much broader.

Question five asked fans to rate their opinion of the QMJHL on a scale from 0-5 with zero being extremely negative. If the respondent gave a low score, the following question was asked.

And respondents who gave a high score were asked the following.

The survey also asked fans for their opinions of Hockey Canada, the CHL and the Sea Dogs.

Question 11 was a low key brag. Stay humble, kids.

Question 17 asked fans why they attend Sea Dogs games.

So there's that. A pretty traditional survey this year with not a lot of hot takes to come from it.