Grizz see increased attendance

WEST VALLEY CITY — The team may have had its worst season ever, but the fans still turned out to see the Utah Grizzlies. Executive vice president Jerry McBurney announced that paid attendance totals for 2003-04 were the highest since the 2000-01 season, increasing by close to 200 fans per game compared with last season.

The total paid attendance increased by more than 7,000 fans from the 2002-03 season and was close to 20,000 fans higher than the 2001-02 season.

"We would like to thank all of our fans who came out to support the Grizzlies during this past season," McBurney said. "Even though it was a down year on the ice, Utahns showed a tremendous amount of loyalty to the Grizzlies. We truly appreciate that."

The Grizzlies drew more than 225,000 fans this past season, finishing 10th in the 28-team American Hockey League with an average of 5,672 fans.

"Finishing in the top 10 in league attendance shows that Utah has a tremendous hockey base," McBurney said.

Season tickets are on sale for 2004-05 set to begin in October with a new NHL parent team, likely the Phoenix Coyotes. It will be the Grizzlies' 11th season, 10th in Utah.