Lynx add incentives in latest ticket push

The Augusta Lynx front office staff picked a good time to kick off its season ticket sales for 2005-06.

Sales began at Saturday's game against Greenville, which was the first of seven consecutive home games. And it didn't hurt that the Lynx went into the weekend riding a six-game winning streak at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.

Lynx vice president of sales and marketing Thomas Tomlinson, who manned the season ticket booth before games, said a majority of sales at games Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday were renewals, but he did sign up some new customers.

Heather Griffin, the team's box office manager, said Thursday that she didn't have an exact figure, but she estimated that 30 to 35 percent of season ticket holders have already renewed.

This year, the Lynx have several new offers for season ticket holders, including free financing (five months same as cash), a one-year subscription to The Sporting News magazine with each season ticket ($60 value) and a vehicle package (includes a car decal, license plate and rally flag). Season ticket holders also earn a $40 credit to their account for each new season ticket they refer, get insider access on the Lynx's Web site, are guaranteed giveaway items regardless of when they arrive at the game, are included in VIP outings with Lynx players and can redeem any unused season tickets for tickets to any game.

If fans pay in full by June 1, they can save as much as $69 off the box office price.

Preferred level tickets cost $435, lower level tickets cost $405, and mezzanine tickets cost $340 at the early-bird rate. If you want to go the financing route, which means paying in full by Aug. 1, preferred level seats cost $470, lower level cost $435, and mezzanine cost $340.

Fans can sign up at home games - including tonight and Saturday night - and by phone at (706) 724-4423.

For more information, go to www.augustalynx.com.

Reach Kristy Shonka at (706) 823-3216 or kristy.shonka@augustachronicle.com.

WHEN: 7:35 tonight, Saturday

WHERE: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center

RADIO: WRDW-AM 1630

WEBCAST: www.augustalynx.com

TICKETS: Available at the door, by calling (706) 724-4423 or by going online at www.ticketmaster.com

THIS SEASON: The Lynx are 1-3 vs. the Ice Pilots, with their only win coming in a shootout at home Nov. 26. Pensacola has out-scored Augusta 13-5 in its three wins. Pensacola is the only team in the ECHL that has already clinched a playoff berth.

ABOUT THE LYNX

COACH: Stan Drulia

RECORD: 24-29-7, 55 points, 10th place American Conference

KEY PLAYER: Forward Jamie Johnson leads with one goal and four assists against Pensacola. He's first on the team and third in the league with 67 points.

ABOUT THE ICE PILOTS

COACH: Dave Farrish

RECORD: 41-14-5, 87 points, first place American Conference

KEY PLAYER: Aaron Phillips has scored five of his 11 goals against the Lynx, including a hat trick Jan. 29. The right winger leads the team with a plus-24 rating.