Photo: Allison Babka
Twister (front) and Puckchop are surviving inflation on the Cincinnati Cyclones' ice.
Nothing says autumn like cheering for the home hockey team while buzzed on delicious, cheap beer.
The Cincinnati Cyclones know that just about better than anybody. For years, the Cyclones have attracted hockey fans to Heritage Bank Center with its highly anticipated dollar-beer promotions. Who doesn't love beer for just $1?
The economy, apparently.
The team released its 2022-2023 promotional schedule Aug. 16, and it's packed with the traditional jersey nights, bobblehead giveaways and theme nights. But, as some fans are noticing, the $1 beer promotions have become $2 beer promotions, thanks in part to an overall rise in the cost of goods and services within the United States. Several games will feature $2 beer, hot dogs and soda, while others will stick to just the $2 beers.
Sean Lynn, director of marketing and public relations for the Cyclones and Heritage Bank Center, tells CityBeat that inflation finally caught up to the venue.
"We introduced $1 beers in 2007 and held that price for nearly 15 years. While most things saw annual increases, we held the line and not many people can say that," Lynn says. "With the latest increases in cost of goods, fuel, and labor, we felt now was the proper time to make this change."
He adds that while the $1 beers won't return, $2 is nonetheless a heck of a deal for Cincinnati's thirsty hockey fans.
"We still feel that $2 is a great value and look forward to seeing people enjoying their ice cold beer while enjoying a professional hockey game," Lynn says.
The Cyclones will enter 2022-2023 after a valiant run at the Kelly Cup. On May 3, the 'Clones entered the final game of the ECHL semi-finals for the Central division tied 3-3 with the Toledo Walleye, each looking to take the best-of-seven series. Ultimately, though, the 'Clones fell to the Walleye 4-2, ending Cincinnati's hopes for the Cup. Before that, It had been three years since Cincinnati last saw Kelly Cup playoff action. The 'Clones have been crowned Kelly Cup champs twice in their history.
The team finished the 2021-2022 regular season on April 16 with a 36-32-3-1 record.
The Cyclones will kick off the new season by visiting the Fort Wayne Comets on Oct. 22.
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