News

QUAD CITIES NUMBER ONE IN MINOR LEAGUE SPORTS

By: Mallards Communications Staff
Photo: Sean Flynn Photography/Quad City Mallards

The Quad Cities was today declared the top minor league sports market in the United States by the Sports Business Journal after completing a climb to the top spot in the biennial survey that coincides with a string of successes enjoyed by the Quad City Mallards hockey club over the last two years.

“We acquired the team because we believed in the Quad Cites market and we’re thrilled to see the strides we’ve made validate that belief,” said Jordan Melville, director of QCM Holdings, the Mallards’ ownership group.  “We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Quad Cities community to continue to grow the Mallards and we remain committed to putting a product on the ice our fans can be proud of.”

The Mallards have combined with the Quad Cities River Bandits- the area’s Midwest League baseball team- to propel the Quad Cities to the summit of the Sports Business Journal rankings after the market finished forty-eighth in the nation in 2013.  The Mallards have built considerable momentum in recent seasons:

•    The Mallards’ season ticket base has more than doubled in the last two seasons.

•    Weekend attendance increased by 25 percent last season.

•    Group ticket sales increased by 50 percent last season.

“It’s a tremendous honor for the Quad Cities to be named the top minor league market in the nation,” said Mallards president Bob McNamara.  “It’s a testament to the great support we’ve received from the fans of the Quad Cities area and their commitment to their teams.  This is also a wonderful validation for the hard work we’ve put in as an organization over the last couple of years and the significant improvements we’ve seen as a result.”

The Mallards’ upswing began shortly after QCM Holdings’ assumption of ownership in 2012 and McNamara’s arrival in 2013 and continued last season when the club moved to the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America.  

The Mallards’ off-ice success has been replicated on the ice.  The Flock has made three consecutive playoff appearances since Terry Ruskowski took over as the team’s coach and general manager in 2012.

The Mallards will begin their nineteenth regular season on the road against the defending ECHL Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans on Friday, October 16 before returning to the Quad Cities to play their home opener on Friday, October 23 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  

Mallards 2015-16 season tickets are now available.  Season ticket holders enjoy significant savings of the walk-up ticket price and receive a host of exclusive benefits.  For more season ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.



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