WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ticket Pros USA announces that ticket sales are hopping again thanks to Michael Jordan. Sports and entertainment ticket sales, which had hit all time lows since the September 11 terrorist attack, have slowly started to spring back.
Jordan made formal his intention to play for the Washington Wizards this season in a press release last week. Since then, ticket sales have been "jumping."
"Michael Jordan's return was the equivalent of a Congressional aid package for the ticket industry," said James Guajardo, president of Ticket Pros USA.
However, Guajardo was also quick to note that the shutdown that resulted within the sports world was appropriate to both respect the victims and ensure that the public could feel secure in returning to their favorite venues.
Ticket Pros USA is a Washington, D.C.-based ticket broker that took a gamble in stocking a large number of this year's Wizards tickets in anticipation of Jordan's return.
"After the 11th, America didn't care who was going to the World Series or what Jordan was doing," said Guajardo. "They were worried about their loved ones and the country. Now, the ardent fans are quietly turning past the headlines to check their favorite team's standings."
In the days following the attack, Congress quickly jumped in to help the high-profile industries most directly affected by the attack; however, dozens of less visible ones, like professional sports, have shared the financial struggles resulting from the attack and shutdown which followed.
Numerous Broadway shows shut their doors for good in the days following the attack. In the thin-margin world of New York Theater, the revenue lost from a single missed show can be devastating.
Entertainers are also doing their part to slowly help America move forward and return to their favorite pastimes. After postponing their D.C. show the weekend following the attack, Aerosmith returned to the stage in Atlanta the following Monday. Standing in front of a stage-wide American flag, lead-singer Steven Tyler told the packed house, "Tonight we are going to turn off CNN for a few hours and play some rock 'n' roll for you!"
"With Michael Jordan, the World Series and Aerosmith concerts working their way into people's daily conversations, things seem to be getting a little closer to normal," said Guajardo. Ever the salesman, "If you need a ticket, give me a call!" he smiles.
Ticket Pros USA provides premium seating and hospitality to events worldwide. Based in Atlanta, they also have offices in Washington, D.C. (just a few blocks from the MCI Center) and Tampa (in Ybor City). Tickets may be ordered at 800-864-4459 or on their Web site www.ticketprosusa.com
D.C. at 1-800-864-4459 Atlanta at 1-800-962-2985 Tampa at 1-888-798-PROS