Ep. 10: How the Savannah Ghost Pirates Sell Out EVERY Game with Isaac Basinger
Note sull'episodio
How does a professional hockey team in coastal Georgia sell out every single home game it plays?
In Episode 10 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad heads south to uncover the formula behind one of the most remarkable success stories in Georgia hockey. Savannah Ghost Pirates Broadcasting and Media Relations Manager Isaac Basinger joins the show to explain how a young ECHL franchise has built a passionate fan base, packed Enmarket Arena night after night, and transformed Savannah into a legitimate hockey community.
After opening with the latest developments surrounding Atlanta’s pursuit of an NHL franchise, including progress on the proposed North Point Mall redevelopment in Alpharetta, Matteen turns his attention to a Georgia city that may already provide a blueprint for building a successful hockey market. Isaac shares his journey from his hometown Wheeling Nailers to becoming the voice of the Ghost Pirates and explains what immediately stood out when he arrived in Savannah, including something almost unimaginable in many minor league markets: packed stands regardless of the team’s record.
The conversation dives into the Ghost Pirates’ connection with Savannah and why the organization has succeeded in making hockey feel like part of the city’s identity. From community appearances and military outreach to youth hockey and opportunities for fans to interact directly with players, Isaac explains how the organization has built relationships that extend far beyond what happens on the ice. That investment is about to grow even larger with the opening of the Ice Cove in Port Wentworth, bringing two year-round ice sheets, expanded youth and adult hockey opportunities, tournaments, public skating, and a permanent practice home for the Ghost Pirates.
Then comes the number that defines Savannah’s success. After Matteen points to a 95 percent sellout rate, Isaac makes an incredible correction. With adjustments to Enmarket Arena’s capacity accounted for, the Savannah Ghost Pirates have sold out 100 percent of their home games across all four seasons of the franchise’s existence. Together, they explore why fans continue filling the building, how game presentation turns each night into an event, and why the experience has remained popular even before the team’s first trip to the ECHL playoffs.
Isaac also discusses the Ghost Pirates’ relationship with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, head coach Jared Staal’s vision for a fast and aggressive team, Savannah’s rising expectations following its first playoff appearance, and what an NHL franchise returning to Atlanta could mean for hockey throughout Georgia.
Ultimately, Episode 10 asks a question that reaches far beyond Savannah: What does it actually take to create a hockey market? The Ghost Pirates’ answer appears to be bigger than wins and losses. Build an identity that belongs to the city. Invest in the community. Give people opportunities to experience and play the sport. Create a game night worth coming back to. Then turn casual spectators into hockey fans.
Savannah has done exactly that, and the results speak for themselves.
00:00 - Welcome to Peach State Puck
02:02 - Atlanta’s NHL Pursuit
05:06 - Meet Isaac Basinger
08:00 - Building Hockey in Savannah
12:46 - The Ice Cove Changes Everything
15:38 - How Savannah Sells Out Every Game
19:30 - Building a Winning Hockey Team
25:39 - What an NHL Team Could Mean for Georgia