Attendance Records are Shocking

Submitted by Micheal A. Aldred on Mon, 02/15/2010 - 12:45

The NHL released their attendance average numbers this season, and the numbers are a bit confusing. Not only have some teams not seen a large improvement, but as many as 11 teams are down 500 or more fans, with the Coyotes - a team looking to stay in Phoenix - showing their true fans appreciation as they are down an outstanding 3870 fans per game this season, despite being in a playoff position. The stats are somewhat embarassing, and even though the Leafs have had perhaps their worst season in the last 20 years, they are still on par with last year's attendance.

But nothing will take away the fact that the Coyotes are down over a quarter of their average attendance from last year, when the team failed to make the post-season. I can see the promise of them really making a financial impact on the NHL, but it won't be in favor of what Bettman and Daly were hoping. With numbers like that, perhaps Ice Edge's 5 year plan will now be a 2 year plan. Not only does this team have to turn it around to become more profitable, but next year they'll have to overcome this season's 26% drop in order to even get close to matching the losses from 2008-09. That doesn't sound too promising.

Micheal A. Aldred

michealaldred@hotmail.com

Comments 4

George Prax says:
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 12:57

I don't think it's that surprising that the Coyotes aren't doing well in attendance... regardless of their position in the standings NOW, fans usually come with playoff success. If the Coyotes win a round in the playoffs this year, or even have a good showing in round one, then the fans will start coming back. But I don't think it's that fair to expect a 180 degree turnaround in attendance not a few months after everything that happened last year, including their performance on the ice.

Not that I think the team should stay in Phoenix, just saying that it's too soon... especially considering the Cards and Diamondbacks were playing for the majority of the time they were tallying those stats.

Phil T says:
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 13:36

It's make or break for the 'Yotes in the playoffs. If the attendance stays abysmal and they make a long playoffs run (could happen), we'll finally have all the proof we need to hang Bettman.

kmf418 says:
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 17:04

very interesting, kind of surprising to see st.louis at the top.
nice find.

George Prax says:
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 17:59

Yes, I just noticed that the Blues were up towards the top. Even though they're having a so-so season, it shows that making the playoffs will usually lead to an eventual increase. Boston too.