City might cash in on CP's new discounts

Thursday, 18 August 2005

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Although Cedar Point will review if its new discount program will continue next season, the city stands to benefit from this year's possible windfall.

Sandusky Finance Director Ed Widman said Wednesday the city's admission tax collection has been flat since its peak in 2000, but Cedar Point's new strategy, if successful like past marketing approaches, could affect city coffers.

However, despite a possible boost in attendance, the city only collects 3 percent of the ticket price, Widman said. So even if more people come to Cedar Point, they will be paying less, he said.

"I don't recall any similar packages in the past," Widman said. "I guess we will know at the end of the year.

"We hope it works out for everybody," he said.

Cedar Point announced Tuesday a series of discounts for senior citizens, juniors and residents of Erie County.

Through Sept. 18, Erie County residents can get into Cedar Point for $24.95 -- $20 off the one-day ticket.

Also new through October, seniors citizens, 62-older, can get into the park for $9.95, compared to the $44.95 general admission Funday price.

The city collected $286,852 in admission tax this year through June compared to $269,482 last year.

Widman said Cedar Point didn't discuss its new discounts with the city.

Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards said Tuesday the discounts weren't aimed at increasing attendance, although the latter part of the season tends to be less busy.

The park doesn't release information about guest demographics, including how many juniors and seniors visit the park each year, he said.

Cedar Point's competitor, Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, isn't changing its discounting program this season, but is continuing with discounts already in place, said spokesman Jeffrey Siebert.

For $44.99, guests can get into the park for two days. One-day tickets are $26.99, but have to be bought in advance at Blockbuster or Speedway, Siebert said.

At the gate, one-day admission for adults is $34.99. The two-day tickets are available at the gate and at Blockbuster and Speedway.

FunCoast.com is your online guide to summer fun for Cedar Point, the LakeErie Islands and Sandusky area. Our site offers up-to-date information on area attractions, restaurants, hotels, gasoline prices, ferry schedules, swimming, birding and fishing, along with a complete listing of events happening in the Sandusky/Cedar Point area. To use our Webcam and zoom in on Cedar Point's rollercoasters, go to http://funcam.funcoast.com

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