The Bakersfield Condors’ now-changed, promotion which took a shot at Stockton’s bankruptcy was meant to garner publicity. In that sense, it was successful.
The Condors even got mentioned in Sports Illustrated’s “Sign of the Apocalypse” section this week. And I quote from SI:
“The Bakersfield (Calif.) Condors minor league hockey team originally billed its Dec. 27 game against the Stockton Thunder as Our City Isn’t Bankrupt Night – a reference to Stockton’s filing for Chapter 9 protection in June – then, after complaints of insensitivity, changed the name to Bakersfield Boom Night.”
I’d say the Condors should be thrilled by this, but on the other hand, it does point out that they realized it was a bad idea and backed down to public pressure. Not the strongest image they could convey.
Now on to a busy first full-week of camp for the Thunder, who will squeeze in three preseason games this week. two against Bakersfield. Stockton plays the San Francisco Bulls on Wednesday and at Bakersfield on Friday before playing the Condors at Stockton Arena on Saturday. We’ll see what kind of welcome the Condors get in Stockton.
The annual Thunder Fan Fest is Sunday at 4 p.m. at Stockton Arena.
