Monday, March 06, 2000
Mighty Ducks grow at Gardens
BY JOHN P. WISE
Enquirer contributor
When the Mighty Ducks came to Cincinnati before the 1997-98 season, many thought the existence of two minor league hockey teams in the same city could only last three years. Not so fast, said team president Pete Robinson.
Robinson is the president of the Gardens and the son of Jerry Robinson, the chairman of the team and the arena. Pete pointed to several reasons why Mighty Ducks fans should feel optimistic that the team won't leave Cincinnati anytime soon.
“We just spent a considerable amount of money on the construction of the Mighty Ducks Skating Center, and we've established several programs in the community that require the involvement of our players and coaches,” Robinson said.
The $1 million construction project should be completed by the beginning of next season. Phase 1 provided a practice rink for the team, as well as for public leagues and open skating sessions. Phase 2 will have locker rooms and a heated lounge in place by the fall.
Now, with Xavier University basketball having played perhaps its final game at the Gardens Sunday, the Ducks are top priority at the 51-year-old facility.
“Mighty Ducks hockey is now the centerpiece of the Gardens,” Robinson said. “The business was great with Xavier, but this is a changing world and we have to adapt to it just like Xavier did.
“Down the road, we'll probably try to bring in more family shows, concerts or maybe even a new tenant. But we won't do something just to do something.”
Does that mean a minor league basketball team could rival the Firstar Center's Stuff in the near future?
“The Gardens has had a rich tradition of hosting top-flight basketball,” Robinson said. “Never say never.”
Speaking of Firstar Center, its IHL Cyclones, former Gardens tenants under the Robinsons, are wrapping up their tenth regular season in Cincinnati.
Robinson said his busy schedule keeps him from being able to follow the Cyclones' progress, but admits the two teams have certainly helped grow the game in Cincinnati.
“I think it has helped raise the awareness of hockey in the market,” he said. “Having two teams here improves the image and popularity of the sport.”
For those looking for evidence of the popularity of the sport in Cincinnati, look no further than the attendance figures Feb. 26. Playing head-to-head, as the teams have done occasionally this season, each team drew better than 10,000 fans to their games.
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