Gorillas Owner Sanders becomes new Dusters majority owner
09/17/08 - Central Hockey League (CHL) Amarillo Gorillas

Amarillo, TX 9/17/08 - First, he took over the Amarillo Gorillas hockey team in April.

Then, he rescued a kitten from the side of the road.


Now, Randy Sanders has found another way to impact the Amarillo community in a positive manner.


At a press conference Wednesday, Sanders was announced as the new majority owner of the Amarillo Dusters, the area's arenafootball2 franchise. While speaking, Sanders was optimistic about what the future holds for both teams.


"The opportunity for an arenafootball2 team to succeed in the Texas Panhandle is great," said Sanders. "We hope to pool together resources from both the teams in a synergistic effort to bring a new era of family entertainment to the Amarillo area."


The Gorillas front office structure will remain unchanged, as the current staff members of the Gorillas will retain their current positions. Sanders hopes the chance for the teams to move forward together will benefit the greater Amarillo area.


"The cross-marketing opportunities between the two teams are fantastic...by improving the level of entertainment available to Amarillo residents, we feel that we can provide a quality product for our fans and corporate partners in the future."


Sanders' newest endeavor in the Texas Panhandle will not affect the Gorillas schedule as they near training camp. As planned, the dates for the Operation Hungry Gorilla Golf Tournament (October 3), the first day of training camp (October 5), and the Jungle Dessert Challenge Presented by Bud Light (October 5) will remain unchanged.


The Gorillas first pre-season game of 2008 takes place at the Amarillo Civic Center October 10, against the rival New Mexico Scorpions. Tickets for the contest will be available the day of the game through the Civic Center box office, at a discounted rate of $5 (not including a $2 facility fee).


Enjoy all the benefits of being an Amarillo Gorillas season ticket holder, including pregame meetings with Coach Coolen and one-of-a-kind access to special events! Gorillas season tickets for 2008-09 are available by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Gorillas office at 901 Buchanan in Amarillo.

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/091808/new_news4.shtml

Randy must be made of money. Too bad he couldn't keep CHL hockey in Austin...

I think it shows he is good at recruiting investors.

The Amarillo franchise was bleeding money like crazy before Randy came along. They were listing ownership shares online!

Though, having gone to 3 or 4 games in Amarillo over the past few years, I'm really surprised they're still around in the CHL. I don't have the figures in front of me, but I remember that barn having about as many people in it as Chap did. Maybe its due to cheaper rent, cost of living, the fragrant smell of cow shit......

Now if I can just remember to call my one customer (who's wife works the bar at the games) ahead of time so I can get in free with some free drinks.