The Mega Millions jackpot is up to $1.2 billion and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Everyone, including the New York Islanders, which purchased $50,000 in tickets, the team announced.
Why $50,000? Apparently, the figure is in honor of the team’s 50th anniversary. Per Newsday’s Andrew Gross:
“As we prepare for our historic 50th anniversary season, we want to show our appreciation for our Islanders’ season ticket members and staff and give them a chance to participate in this massive Mega Millions drawing,” Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said in a statement. “Revenue from lottery tickets is dedicated to education in New York state, so no matter what happens in today’s historic drawing, important funds have been generated for education in the state, which supports our fan base and their families.”
The $50,000 equates to 25,000 entries and the potential prize money would be split evenly between the team’s full-season ticket holders, suite holders, staff and the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation — but only for earnings above $250,000. Anything below will go solely to the foundation.
As it stands, there will be many Islanders faithful paying extra attention to the lottery. Maybe it’ll set the tone for New York’s upcoming NHL season.
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