It’s no secret that the ownership group led by majority owner John P. McConnell has given the green light for General Manager Scott Howson and his staff to construct the best possible 23 man roster. Case in point, roughly $52.4 million was spent on players’ salaries for the 2010-11 season. A franchise high for the organization. Just slightly under a $5 million dollar increase from the 2009-10 campaign. The problem is, 13,350 fans on average, bothered to take part in home games at the Nationwide Arena this season. According to the Columbus Dispatch, that’s a 2,067 decrease per game from the 2009-10 season.
Adding to the financial difficulties is the lease agreement with the Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets claim to lose $12 Million per season due in large part to not getting A. Parking revenue B. Naming rights revenue and C. some luxury box revenue. It’s all in the agreement with Nationwide.
During these difficult times financially, Scott Howson continues to get support from ownership. The Payroll increases, it doesn’t decrease. If you look at the on-ice production though and the empty seats to go around, the Columbus Blue Jackets are simply not good enough and the Blue Jackets fan base knows it.
