2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup Expecting Increased TV Exposure

MasterCard Memorial Cup will put Saskatoon in TV spotlight

SASKATOON – Based on audience numbers released this week by Sportsnet, Saskatoon can expect significant national television exposure during the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

This year’s championship, which saw the host Shawinigan Cataractes defeat the London Knights 2-1 in overtime, was one of the most-watched MasterCard Memorial Cup tournaments in Sportsnet history. An average of 575,000 viewers watched the final and audience levels peaked at 966,000 viewers during overtime. (*Source: BBM Canada)

The only MasterCard Memorial Cup to have a higher average audience for the final was the 2005 event (806,000 viewers) which occurred during an NHL lockout and featured Sidney Crosby as a member of the Rimouski Oceanic.

“The atmosphere in Shawinigan was electric and we plan to replicate that in Saskatoon next year,” said 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup co-chair Tim Gitzel, who attended Sunday’s final. “Sportsnet will put us in the national spotlight for 10 days, so we have the opportunity to cement our reputation for hosting top-notch events, and show the rest of the country why Saskatoon is one of the most vibrant cities in Canada.”

The timing of the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup – May 16-26 – couldn’t be better, added Tourism Saskatoon president and CEO Todd Brandt.

“Any time Saskatoon hosts a major event, we notice a significant increase in the number of requests for travel literature about the city,” said Brandt. “The MasterCard Memorial Cup is in May, just ahead of our peak travel season, so we’ll be able to profile our attractions and upcoming events to a wide audience.

Early-bird deadline is Thursday! – Reserve your seat at the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup by becoming a Saskatoon Blades season ticket holder today! Choose from the best seats and, if you purchase your season tickets by Thursday, May 31, you’ll also enjoy early-bird pricing. All season ticket holders can reserve their own seat plus one more for the eight-game MasterCard Memorial Cup.

For more information on becoming a season ticket holder and to secure your seat, call 975-8844 or visit www.saskatoonblades.com.

 

For more information, contact:

Cory Wolfe,                                                                           Cheri Hamilton,

Media Communications Director                                                 Event Manager

2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup                                      2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup

306-956-8079                                                                          306-975-2013

[email protected]                                                  [email protected]  

 

About 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup

The MasterCard Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League championship and will feature the top team from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, as well as the host team, Saskatoon Blades. The championship will take place May 16-26, 2013. The 10-day event will include a community-wide celebration showcasing alumni events, concerts and the CHL Awards. The Saskatoon Blades last hosted the MasterCard Memorial Cup in 1989.