Published: October 24, 2009 11:55 pm      

NHL game: A pricey night out

Watching a sold-out Buffalo Sabres game at the HSBC Arena, you would never think for a fleeting moment that the National Hockey League action is in the midst of a poverty-stricken area.

As was widely reported in the past month, Buffalo ranks as the second poorest city in the nation, right behind Detroit.

In fact, based on a recent survey of the NHL teams and what their fans spend for a night out, you might be surprised to find that pro hockey isn’t exactly a family affair. At least not in the Queen City. It’s more for couples from upscale suburbs or well-healed professionals sharing their season tickets with other guys from the office.

Still, for the record, the survey shows that for a family of four — the cost of tickets, drinks, food, programs and parking — a game at the HSBC would cost an estimated $223.72, up 05. percent from a year ago.

That sounds like a pricey event until you consider that same family attending a Toronto Maple Leafs’ game at the Air Canada Centre will spend $628 (Canadian) or $585.57 (U.S.).

The average ticket price there is equivalent to $117.49 (U.S.) for the 2009-10 season.

The Team Marketing Report, a Chicago-based research publication, said its “Fan Cost Index” covers the cost of four general-seat tickets, parking, two small beers, four soda pops, four hot dogs, two games programs and two caps.

That’s questionable.

Few families at any game appear to buy even one program. And fewer are interested in spending $50 for two “official” caps before taking their seats. (That same reluctance is evident at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the Bills’ games.)

If you’re wondering, Buffalo ranks 28th on the list of the 30 NHL franchises in what it costs the family for that one game.

Only in Phoenix, where the NHL should never have allowed a franchise in the first place — even if Wayne Gretzky would be the Coyotes coach — and Tampa Bay, Fla., offer a less expensive package.

Still, the family tab for attending the Tampa game is estimated at $221.04.

•••

IN THE PARK: Cindy Abbott-Letro, a former co-host of “AM Buffalo” on WKBW (Channel 7), has been named vice chair of the regional state parks commission.

A commission spokesman said Abbott-Letro will represent the commission at meetings in Albany and other sessions when Jean Knox, who heads the regional parks agency, is unable to attend.

Abbott-Letro is known to thousands of Western New Yorkers for her work on the Channel 7 morning show in the 1980s. Brian Kahle was co-host.

Recently Abbott-Letro chaired the $35 million fundraising campaign to complete construction of the new Burchfield Penney Art Center on Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. In addition, she chaired its board of trustees.

A graduate of the College of Wooster in Ohio, she has a master’s degree in communications from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

Another recent addition to the seven-member parks commission is Gerard J. Mosey, who teaches at Niagara University, Medaille and D’Youville colleges.

Active in several community groups, Mosey also is board president of the Lewiston Council on the Arts.

•••

ON THE ROAD: While the weekend weather has been less than ideal for viewing the fall colors, the brilliant foliage is expected to be at its peak.

A spokesman for the “I Love New York” program, which tracks the changing scenery, says that Niagara County could experience up to a 90 percent color change.

If you’re looking to extend your leaf-peeping tour, check out Letchworth State Park in Wyoming and Livingston counties.

It’s worth the trip, about 60 miles southeast of Buffalo.

Contact reporter Don Glynn at 282-2311, ext. 2246.