Eskimos make $3.6 million profit in 2014

The 2014 CFL season was a successful one, on and off the field, for the Edmonton Eskimos.

The community-owned CFL club announced Tuesday at its annual general meeting it recorded a profit of just under $3.6 million in 2014. After finishing last in the West Division with a 4-14 record in 2013, the Eskimos were second in the conference last year with a 12-6 record under first-year coach Chris Jones.

The Eskimos beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 18-10 in the division semifinal at Commonwealth Stadium before dropping a 43-18 decision to the eventual Grey Cup-champion Calgary Stampeders in the conference final.

According to treasurer John Moquin’s report, the club’s operating revenue was $24.3 million, an increase of $5.7 (or 30.5 per cent) over 2013. The Eskimos also registered increases in gate receipts ($821,000), game-day revenues ($610,000) and merchandise sales ($428,000) over last year.

Edmonton’s total operating expenses were $21 million, an increase of $3.8 million (or 21.9 per cent) over 2013.

The Eskimos’ regular-season attendance increased 4.3 per cent as they averaged a CFL-high 32,733 fans per game. Three times Edmonton attracted over 40,000 spectators to a game.

Moquin now becomes board chairman while Brad Sparrow assumes the role of treasurer. Chris Bruce will remain as secretary. The board of directors include: Rob Herron; Ian Murray; Marshall Sadd; Janice Agrios; Douglas Cox; and Murray Scambler.

Chairman Bruce Bentley and director Terry O’Flynn both concluded their terms.