panoo

by WKRN Nashville Tennessee
June 1, 2007, 5:17 pm

Craig Liepold, the current owner of the Nashville Predators, was blunt about the reasons why he decided to sell the franchise.

He said the average fan was supportive of the team but the corporate community never did step up to the level that would make the team profitable.

Jon Keene is a big fan of the Preds and Vice President of Sales for Ajax Turner, the Budweiser distributorship in Middle Tennessee.

His company has stayed with the Preds, through thick and thin.

He said, “We have been involved with the Predators since day one.”

Keene said his company would like to continue doing business with the Preds for many years to come.

He knows beer and pro-sports go together adding other businesses could also benefit from a relationship with the Preds.

Keene said, “It’s a great vehicle for us to marry with other corporations like Kroger with ticket giveaways promotional activity, equipment, Predators memorabilia. Without the Predators in town, I don't know what we'd do without it.”

Keene said if the Preds ever leave town, his company would have to do without the extra sales that 41 home games provide.

While his company would survive, he fears many of his downtown retailers would be left on thin ice.

Keenesaid, “I’m a fan. It would present a void in Nashville that can't be replaced, and never would be replaced.”

He wonders whether the prospective new owner Jim Balsillie will really give Nashville a chance to keep this team, or if will turn into a lame duck situation.

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