Students learn about the business side of sports at UW-L

Dan Kapanke talked about running the Loggers

A symposium Monday helped students learn the kind of budget a local team like the La Crosse Loggers or Coulee Region Chill has.

The talks took place at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where students filled an auditorium in the Graff Hall to learn more about the economics involved with athletics. 

La Crosse Loggers owner Dan Kapanke says its had to be smart with money.

“In the past we’ve had maybe two- to maybe five-percent profit,” Kapanke said. “That’s pretty tight, but with the help of our corporate sponsors and our big fan base we’ve put about $1.7 million into the stadium in Copeland Park private money.”

Kapanke says there’s only 36 home games a season and outside factors, like weather, could deeply affect the teams revenue if there’s a rainout … or snowout.

Last October, the city and Loggers agreed to a deal to keep the team in town, likely, until 2033.