Hitmen and Giants attendance

[Resolute 14]

Well, they figured the Hitmen and Giants would see attendance increases due to the lockout, and they were right.

Updated through February 05

Calgary Hitmen after 26 home games:

2003 Avg: 7030 ; 2004 Avg: 9197 ; +30.83%
High: 16,073 (7626 last year) ; Low: 6431 (4997 last year)
Rank: 1st in WHL; 1st in CHL

Vancouver Giants after 26 home games:

2003 Avg: 4755 ; 2004 Avg: 7851 ; +65.12%
High: 12,231 (7939 last year) ; Low: 5589 (2928 last year)
Rank: 2nd in WHL

And, because I can:

Edmonton Roadrunners after 30 home games:

Avg: 8626 ; High: 16,839 ; Low: 6011

[Oxygen-Supply]

Very cool,

I thought it would be more.

[Flickered Flame]

It is great to see attendance up but when you have the largest or 2nd largest arena for seating capacity (Portland might be 1st) you should rank #1 or #2 in the league. I thought they would be closer to 9-10 thousand a game.

[Resolute 14]

The first few games are typically the lowest attended games for the Hitmen. The numbers should continue to climb. I'm looking forward to the Teddy Bear Toss game. 14,000 last year, I wonder if we can sell out the dome this year.

And Calgary's overall capacity is the highest in the league. Portland actually plays out of two arenas. Most of their games are in their Memorial Coliseum, which seats around 12,000 (but the Winterhawks average about 3500 out of there) while big games are played out of the Rose Garden (often drawing 9000+)

The Giants play out of the PNE, but the capacity is listed as 8000 or so. I'm not sure I get that one.

[Oxygen-Supply]

BC

Pacific Coliseum 16 553 odd

World Stadiums (http://www.worldstadiums.com/north_america/countries/canada/british_columbia.shtml)

They are missing some for Alberta

If you know what some of the capacity are you should send them in.

World Stadiums (http://www.worldstadiums.com/north_america/countries/canada/alberta.shtml)

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, my impression is that the Giants dont open the upper bowl.

[Fobulous]

Thats good to see.

I know a lot of people that just saw there first hitmen games this year due to the lockout.

[Flickered Flame]

I came across this article today. The lockout is helping the CHL's attendance.

particularly in the Western Hockey League where numbers were up almost 50,000, or 10 per cent, over the first 127 games of the season.


The Vancouver Giants and Calgary Hitmen, who play in two of the larger buildings in the WHL, are the driving the attendance boost. Vancouver's average per game was up 2,255 over last season and Calgary increased 2,530 per game.

Full article:


http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/Junior/20.../648682-cp.html (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/Junior/2004/09/29/648682-cp.html)

[Resolute 14]

Of that 50,000 extra fans through the turnstiles, a full 30,000 alone are from Calgary and Vancouver. The Hitmen have pulled in 11,179 more fans, and the Giants 19,431 more.

Not sure where they got their numbers though. By my count, Vancouver is up 2429 per game, while Calgary is up 1597.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Originally posted by fotze+Oct 28 2004, 06:17 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (fotze @ Oct 28 2004, 06:17 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Snakeeye@Oct 24 2004, 08:07 PM
Well, they figured the Hitmen and Giants would see attendance increases due to the lockout, and they were right.

Calgary Hitmen after 7 home games:

2003 Avg: 6068 ; 2004 Avg: 7665 ; +26.32%
High: 8553 (6941 last year) ; Low: 6431 (4997 last year)
Rank: 1st in WHL

Vancouver Giants after 8 home games:

2003 Avg: 4337 ; 2004 Avg: 6766 ; +56.01%
High: 8864 (5584 last year) ; Low: 5589 (3488 last year)
Rank: 2nd in WHL

And, because I can:

Edmonton Roadrunners after 4 home games:

Avg: 9002 ; High: 16,001# ; Low: 6011
By those numbers shouldn't Edmonton be first? [/b][/quote]

You would Think so, BUT

AHL is not the WHL, one is pro players the other is kids!!!!!!!

[Sylvanfan]

I believe that the upper deck is closed off for Giants games, so the capacity of the lower bowl is 8000. Who knows since the Canucks left that dump no one's probably been in the upper deck of that relic :lol:

Portland only draws big crowds on select weekend games. During the weeknights their attendance is pretty average.

As the season goes on you'll see attendance go up in Calgary.

[Julio]

Originally posted by Sylvanfan@Oct 28 2004, 04:42 PM
I believe that the upper deck is closed off for Giants games, so the capacity of the lower bowl is 8000. Who knows since the Canucks left that dump no one's probably been in the upper deck of that relic :lol:

Actually, the PNE gets a fair amount of concerts and such, more activity there than, say the Stampede has at the Corral.
As for the attendance, the numbers are really great, but I think that there is a LOT of people posing as empty seats at the midweek games. I was at a Wednesday game where they announced 7000 or so, and then a Friday game where they announced 8000. The 800 was pretty close, wheras on the Wednesday there couldn't have been more than 4000. The Hit's must be counting paid attendance, which would include all the suites and the club seats, which were at least 1/2 empty on the week night game and about 3/4 full on the Friday.

[Resolute 14]

The Hitmen do count paid attendance, but the empty club seats dont count for anything. The Hitmen dont sell season tickets to the AYC.

The nice thing about Hitmen season tickets is that you dont have to be at every game. I've missed four of 11 home games thus far (all weekend games, oddly enough) but have been able to bring friends to others on the cheap because of it.

[Julio]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 5 2004, 10:17 PM
The Hitmen do count paid attendance, but the empty club seats dont count for anything. The Hitmen dont sell season tickets to the AYC.

Well they may not...as I recall part of the deal with Flames season ticket holders there is that they get it as part of the package...but I have a feeling those tickets are counted. I have gone in the AYC for a couple of Hitmen games courtesy of a friend's company, and they were the nice 'seaon tickets, not Ticketmaster stock, so I'm sure all those club seats and suites are counted empty or full.

[Resolute 14]

If they were counted, the Hitmen would be averaging around 9,000.

The Hitmen sell gameday tickets into the AYC. If they were counted as sold via Flames season ticket holders, they could not do that.

[Resolute 14]

Updated through tonight. The Hitmen crossed the 100,000 mark in attendance, the only other team within 50,000 of that is Vancouver, at 70,000, though in two fewer games.

League high was set by Saskatoon a couple nights ago, as they drew 10,512. Amazing what a massive turnaround can do after a 7 win season.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 11 2004, 05:31 AM
Updated through tonight. The Hitmen crossed the 100,000 mark in attendance, the only other team within 50,000 of that is Vancouver, at 70,000, though in two fewer games.

League high was set by Saskatoon a couple nights ago, as they drew 10,512. Amazing what a massive turnaround can do after a 7 win season.
wait for the teddy night

[Resolute 14]

Didnt have to wait. 10,768 tonight, a league high.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 14 2004, 05:35 AM
Didnt have to wait. 10,768 tonight, a league high.
How about the rest of the CHL?

[Resolute 14]

As of November 13:

1. 8022 Calgary
2. 7100 Vancouver
3. 6047 Red Deer
4. 6021 Spokane
5. 6002 Kelowna
6. 5514 Everett
7. 5406 Saskatoon
8. 5058 Kamloops
9. 4651 Portland
10. 4039 Regina
11. 4006 Medicine Hat
12. 3658 Seattle
13. 3542 Brandon
14. 3271 Tri-Cities
15. 3256 Prince George
16. 3223 Lethbridge
17. 3110 Kootenay
18. 2283 Prince Albert
19. 2003 Moose Jaw
20. 1847 Swift Current

League Average: 4446

[Oxygen-Supply]

I ment the Q and the Ohl numbers

[Resolute 14]

Heh. No idea. I havent been following them. I'd guess Halifax went over 10,000 whenever Crosby came to town. Ottawa and London probably have topped that figure. Dont think any other markets have arenas large enough.

Edit: looking over the other two leagues, there have been no games with attendances above 9050 (London). Calgary has the high attendance for the entire CHL, and will put a firm grasp on that once the teddy bear toss game goes. It also appears that Calgary is second in average attendance for the CHL behind London, averaging over 9000, and just ahead of Ottawa.

[RedHot25]

Originally posted by Sylvanfan@Oct 28 2004, 11:42 PM
I believe that the upper deck is closed off for Giants games, so the capacity of the lower bowl is 8000.
Yuppers, this is correct. Saw a game there and this is the case.

Poor Marek Schwarz too (I know I just butchered his name) ;)

[Resolute 14]

Well, the Giants opened their upper bowl for a tribute to the Canucks past goaltenders game this weekend, and set a new league high for the year - which will last all of a week - drawing 12,231 fans.

Note that the Hitmen have passed the Roadrunners for overall attendance. Having finally made it out to a couple of Roadrunner games this past weekend, I'm amazed that Edmonton is drawing official numbers as high as they are. It cost me as much to sit in the 300 level at Rexall as it would to sit lower bowl in the Saddledome for a Hitmen game. $35-50 for lower bowl in Edmonton.

I'm actually surprised that the Roadrunners havent caught on yet in Edmonton. They announced 8300 and 6700 for the set against St. Johns, but the reality was 6000 and 4000. There appeared to be almost no walkup sales, and what they did get was mostly Toronto fans looking to watch their prospects.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 25 2004, 01:12 AM
Well, the Giants opened their upper bowl for a tribute to the Canucks past goaltenders game this weekend, and set a new league high for the year - which will last all of a week - drawing 12,231 fans.
Wait a week or two....

They will get it back.

[Resolute 14]

Hitmen attendance is starting to take off, about 6 or 7 games earlier than it did last year. The last five crowds have all been above 8000 - including 9959 tonight - where only one of the previous games had crowds above 8000. And with 16,000 tickets already sold for tomorrow's game, and a sellout guaranteed, that average is going to take a giant spike upward tomorrow.

Too bad the Hitmen dont/cant open up the 300 level for tomorrow.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Dec 5 2004, 04:38 AM
Hitmen attendance is starting to take off, about 6 or 7 games earlier than it did last year. The last five crowds have all been above 8000 - including 9959 tonight - where only one of the previous games had crowds above 8000. And with 16,000 tickets already sold for tomorrow's game, and a sellout guaranteed, that average is going to take a giant spike upward tomorrow.

Too bad the Hitmen dont/cant open up the 300 level for tomorrow.
If they make the playoffs, and no NHL i could see them useing them.

[Resolute 14]

Only in the third or fourth round I'd imagine.

[Julio]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Dec 4 2004, 09:38 PM
Hitmen attendance is starting to take off, about 6 or 7 games earlier than it did last year. The last five crowds have all been above 8000 - including 9959 tonight - where only one of the previous games had crowds above 8000. And with 16,000 tickets already sold for tomorrow's game, and a sellout guaranteed, that average is going to take a giant spike upward tomorrow.

Too bad the Hitmen dont/cant open up the 300 level for tomorrow.
Maybe it was the weather, but the Hitmen didn't quite sell out the 100/200 levels today, just over 16000 announced at the Dome today.
Still, I believe that it's the highest regular season attendance in Hitmen history.

[zarrell]

Maybe the reason it didn't sell out, was because word got out that it was going to be a sellout well in advance of the game. The casual fan will then not even bother to check for tickets. Still, 16k is what? Just over 1000 short of a sellout? Not too shabby.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 14 2004, 09:52 PM
Heh. No idea. I havent been following them. I'd guess Halifax went over 10,000 whenever Crosby came to town. Ottawa and London probably have topped that figure. Dont think any other markets have arenas large enough.

Edit: looking over the other two leagues, there have been no games with attendances above 9050 (London). Calgary has the high attendance for the entire CHL, and will put a firm grasp on that once the teddy bear toss game goes. It also appears that Calgary is second in average attendance for the CHL behind London, averaging over 9000, and just ahead of Ottawa.
Halifax sold out for Crosby when he was here last Monday, that's 10,500

but the Mooseheads don't draw like they used to (made the finals 2 years ago, and didn't sell out until the final round) in 2000 they were selling out games against teams like Val d'Or which whom they have no rivarly or connection other than playing in the same league. (mind you they also hosted the Memorial Cup that year, there was a HUGE buzz, the team was a top teir team, despite getting swept in the 2nd round but by Rimouski the eventaul Memorial Cup Champs, and there was an abnormally high amount of corporate seats sold that year)

Other than Halifax, Quebec is the only rink with over 10,000 (Moncton and Sydney are the next closest I think with 7,500 or so, and 4,800) lots of old barns in through Quebec.

[Resolute 14]

Hitmen attendance is starting to spike upward, as it often does beginning this time of the year. Three of the last five games have seen crowds of 10,000+, while a fourth fell just short at 9959. By contrast, Calgary didnt reach it's third 10,000+ crowd until their 30th home game.

The Ottawa 67's set an OHL attendance record by drawing 20,086 to the Corel Centre last night.

[Resolute 14]

14,789 tonight, the second highest crowd of the year, and second highest since 2000. It was the Hitmen's 4th 10k+ crowd of the year, against only one at this time last year.

The large crowd pushed the average to over 9000 per game, and past Ottawa and London for highest average in the entire CHL.

[Oxygen-Supply]

Where are you getting the info from?

[Resolute 14]

From the box scores. I've been following Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton out of curiousity.

[GreaseIsTheWord]

LOL, curiousity?? :lol: Having mentioned the Roadrunners on the first post then having an orgasm when you noticed that a couple hundred more Hitmen fans come to games proves you are far more than merely curious.

[An Old Edmonton Poster]

Originally posted by GreaseIsTheWord@Feb 6 2005, 12:38 AM
LOL, curiousity?? :lol: Having mentioned the Roadrunners on the first post then having an orgasm when you noticed that a couple hundred more Hitmen fans come to games proves you are far more than merely curious.
no kidding

[Resolute 14]

If you two need to believe that to overcome your inferiority complexes, then there isnt much I can do to convince you otherwise.

The Roadrunners were included becuase I was interested in seeing how Western Canada's three NHL cities supported the next best teams during the lockout.

The funny thing is, I remember back when the Roadrunners moved to Edmonton, people on Oilfans were expecting that they would average well over 10,000 fans per game while the lockout is on. While the true attendance has been nothing but wildly successful by minor league standards, the Roadrunners have fallen considerably below Oilfan's expectations.

And yes, Hitmen attendance is only a few hundred fans higher than Roadrunner attendance. However, this was enough for Calgary to be prominently mentioned in national media coverage, while nobody knows or cares where Edmonton's attendance is.

I wonder, did you and your fellow Edmontonians whine to Eric Duhatchek about it like you did when USAToday did that profile on Calgary?

[GreaseIsTheWord]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Nov 24 2004, 07:12 PM
Note that the Hitmen have passed the Roadrunners for overall attendance. Having finally made it out to a couple of Roadrunner games this past weekend, I'm amazed that Edmonton is drawing official numbers as high as they are. It cost me as much to sit in the 300 level at Rexall as it would to sit lower bowl in the Saddledome for a Hitmen game. $35-50 for lower bowl in Edmonton.

I'm actually surprised that the Roadrunners havent caught on yet in Edmonton. They announced 8300 and 6700 for the set against St. Johns, but the reality was 6000 and 4000. There appeared to be almost no walkup sales, and what they did get was mostly Toronto fans looking to watch their prospects.
Did you notice that first you were surprised that the 'Runners have such high numbers, then wonder why they haven't caught on? Are you on crack?

[GreaseIsTheWord]

Get over yourself. It prompted coverage in Canada because its the highest, but I'm really flattered that you seem to think that it was because they average higher than the 'Runners. Who has the inferiority complex again? :lol:

[Resolute 14]

Originally posted by GreaseIsTheWord@Feb 6 2005, 12:37 PM
Did you notice that first you were surprised that the 'Runners have such high numbers, then wonder why they haven't caught on? Are you on crack?
Actually, I never stated any surprise that the Road Runners had "such high numbers." Rather, I posted that I was surprised the numbers werent higher. As I stated before, in the only two games I've made it out to thus far, there was no walkup, and a lot of the STH's did not show up.

As I suggested, ticket prices were part of the problem, IMO, as the Road Runners were pushing their fans as far away as they could.

I poorly worded that statement. I wasnt trying to imply that Edmonton mattered, because in the context of the best support out of 150 or so minor and major-junior hockey cities in North America, Edmonton doesnt warrant any more mention than Lowell or Kingston or Fresno. I didn't mean to get your hopes up.

I made the comment because Edmontonians seem to always spoil themselves whenever Calgary is mentioned in major national and international media, yet Edmonton is not.

[GreaseIsTheWord]

Well you certainly do not speak on behalf of Edmontonians. I think it's great that Calgary is getting accolades for the Hitmen. If you think I'm ashamed because the 'Runners average a few hundred less, don't kid yourself because I don't need national coverage to know a good thing when I see it.

At least it dispels the myth that Edm/Cgy don't have the population to support the NHL. The shills who repeat this often ignore the fact that we had no problem supporting our teams in the 80's when the cities had probably half the population they do now. :rolleyes:

Just a question, but why didn't your AHL affiliate move to Calgary instead of Omaha? This question is not meant to belittle in any way, I really am curious. You could move the Hitmen to the Corral and the AHL team to the Saddledome.

[North East Goon]

We dont have an AHL affiliated team. We currently split with Carolina to form Lowell. That would be a bit much dont you think? Having teams from both leagues, especially with the history the WHL has in western Canada.

[Resolute 14]

I would guess that the decision not to put our AHL affiliate in Calgary is purely financial.

The first hurdle is the existance of the Hitmen. Calgary and Edmonton can suppport two major franchises, but I highly doubt either could support three.

It costs a hell of a lot more to operate an AHL franchise than it does WHL. Specifically to Calgary, the travel costs. After Edmonton, the nearest team would be 1300KM away. The team would have to fly everywhere. Conversely, there are five WHL teams within a 4 hour bus ride away.

That's one of the reasons why I believe that long term, Edmonton is better off in the Dub than the AHL.

The Hitmen also have a very well developed fan base. They averaged 7600 last year, third in the CHL, despite the Flames run. Dumping the WHL for the AHL would force the Flames to start all over again, not to mention alienate the hard core WHL fans in the city.

[KowOfLang]

Originally posted by mileflames+Oct 28 2004, 11:30 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mileflames @ Oct 28 2004, 11:30 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by fotze@Oct 28 2004, 06:17 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Snakeeye@Oct 24 2004, 08:07 PM
Well, they figured the Hitmen and Giants would see attendance increases due to the lockout, and they were right.

Calgary Hitmen after 7 home games:

2003 Avg: 6068 ; 2004 Avg: 7665 ; +26.32%
High: 8553 (6941 last year) ; Low: 6431 (4997 last year)
Rank: 1st in WHL

Vancouver Giants after 8 home games:

2003 Avg: 4337 ; 2004 Avg: 6766 ; +56.01%
High: 8864 (5584 last year) ; Low: 5589 (3488 last year)
Rank: 2nd in WHL

And, because I can:

Edmonton Roadrunners after 4 home games:

Avg: 9002 ; High: 16,001# ; Low: 6011
By those numbers shouldn't Edmonton be first?

You would Think so, BUT

AHL is not the WHL, one is pro players the other is kids!!!!!!! [/b][/quote]
...and to the 'Runners credit, pro hockey is more expensive...

I'm not at all interested in AHL hockey though. WHL all the way.

[e-townchamps]

I still don't think you can compare the Hitmen with the 'Runners

1st off, the Hitmen have been established for 10 years while the 'Runners are still looking for their fan base. When we have success in the Playoffs and if we are around for 10 years (which in unlikely) then we can compare each teams attendance

2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game

I agree it costs alot more the run an AHL team then a WHL team so thats why I can't see the 'Runners being here for more than 2 years

[JayP]

Originally posted by e-townchamps@Feb 13 2005, 07:39 PM
2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game
Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself.

[Julio]

Originally posted by JayP+Feb 13 2005, 01:09 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JayP @ Feb 13 2005, 01:09 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-e-townchamps@Feb 13 2005, 07:39 PM
2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game
Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself. [/b][/quote]
Edmonton:
Purchase tickets casually for one game at the following prices.
Gold Club $ 39.00
Silver Club $ 38.00
Executive $ 28.00
Executive Terrace $ 26.00
Terrace $ 22.00
Colonnade $ 17.75
Gallery $ 14.50
Wheelchair $ 17.75
Calgary:
Club: $35.00
All other: $16.75

Is a bit of a difference...

[JayP]

Originally posted by Julio+Feb 15 2005, 02:46 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Julio @ Feb 15 2005, 02:46 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by JayP@Feb 13 2005, 01:09 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-e-townchamps@Feb 13 2005, 07:39 PM
2nd, Ticket prices are different in each league so people might be turned off to pay 40 bucks for a Runners game
Ticket prices are actually very similar. I don't feel like pulling the numbers off of Ticketmaster right now, but they are close enough that price really isn't a factor. Take a look for yourself.
Edmonton:
Purchase tickets casually for one game at the following prices.
Gold Club $ 39.00
Silver Club $ 38.00
Executive $ 28.00
Executive Terrace $ 26.00
Terrace $ 22.00
Colonnade $ 17.75
Gallery $ 14.50
Wheelchair $ 17.75
Calgary:
Club: $35.00
All other: $16.75

Is a bit of a difference... [/b][/quote]
The only real important thing is the range of the tickets.

Hitmen: $16.75 - $35.00

Roadrunners: $14.50 - $39.00

I don't see a significant difference there. Obviously they aren't going to be exactly equal, but they are close enough that IMO there is little correlation between price and attendance of the two teams.

[Julio]

Originally posted by JayP@Feb 14 2005, 09:55 PM

The only real important thing is the range of the tickets.

Hitmen: $16.75 - $35.00

Roadrunners: $14.50 - $39.00

I don't see a significant difference there. Obviously they aren't going to be exactly equal, but they are close enough that IMO there is little correlation between price and attendance of the two teams.
Well, I'm not sure about that...for the most part club seats aren't the casual ticket buyer's option at all for Hitmen games, or even really in their thoughts. You can get a lower bowl ticket to a hitmen game for under 20 bucks. For under $20 you sit in the upper part of the upper deck at Rexall (although I don't know how tough they are on people moving down etc). That to me is a big difference.