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landshark · 05-05-2011, 12:48 PM

I think one very, very important factor is location. Just look at the map:

I can't imagine that trafic in CGY is anything like it is in PHO. I have a good friend in Tempe that is/was a huge PHO fan. He's also weathy and has done more than most could imagine to help the franchise. WIOld buy 100s of 50/50s. Bought a whole row of nose bleed season tix and gave away to local youth hocky organizations. Had four season tix for himself and would often give away the ones that he didn't use. He'd bid on every charity auction etc...

BUT a couple of years of fighting PHO traffic to get to glendale has completely soured him on going to games. Used to be an easy 20 min drive to CENTRALLY LOCATED America West Arena. It's now 20 miles further - perhaps an extra hour - perhaps more to get to an arena at the edge of the metropolis.

The move to glendale was a very bad idea. People east of Phoenix now have to travel through Phoenix during rush hour traffic to get to a game. That aint fun.

Compare to SJ's Shark Tank:

I submit to you all that location is the single greatest barrier to NHLs success in the south.

Here's Bridgestone Arena:

of course, central location does not equal a success (see Philips Arena in ATL), but it will certainly give an organization a fighting chance.

05-05-2011, 12:48 PM	#1997
landshark Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Exp:	I think one very, very important factor is location. Just look at the map: I can't imagine that trafic in CGY is anything like it is in PHO. I have a good friend in Tempe that is/was a huge PHO fan. He's also weathy and has done more than most could imagine to help the franchise. WIOld buy 100s of 50/50s. Bought a whole row of nose bleed season tix and gave away to local youth hocky organizations. Had four season tix for himself and would often give away the ones that he didn't use. He'd bid on every charity auction etc... BUT a couple of years of fighting PHO traffic to get to glendale has completely soured him on going to games. Used to be an easy 20 min drive to CENTRALLY LOCATED America West Arena. It's now 20 miles further - perhaps an extra hour - perhaps more to get to an arena at the edge of the metropolis. The move to glendale was a very bad idea. People east of Phoenix now have to travel through Phoenix during rush hour traffic to get to a game. That aint fun. Compare to SJ's Shark Tank: I submit to you all that location is the single greatest barrier to NHLs success in the south. Here's Bridgestone Arena: of course, central location does not equal a success (see Philips Arena in ATL), but it will certainly give an organization a fighting chance.