This thread is a perfect example of why those ignorant of Bettman's job and intended purpose tend to be the ones who think he's terrible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bouw N Arrow
I scoffed at the arena location issue way back and defended it to the death here..
Back when I lived in the West Valley for a year.. I've since lived out east since 2010 in Scottsdale, Mesa and have settled in Gilbert.
Most, 90% of ticket holders and youth hockey arenas are all east of Central... It's just not doable if you live out east to make it to more than 5-10 games per year. It's practically a day trip.
Most Yotes fans, myself included are wiped. I know the team can be a success financially on the East Side so i'm praying it gets done but i'd give it a 15% chance right now.
Just kind of numb to it overall, if I didn't have family that work for the team i'd be sad but ok just to see it end once and for all.
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And this is why location is everything. I believe that if the arena was in a more central spot of Phoenix, that they would be drawing much more than they are currently due to ease of accessibility. Ottawa is trying to move in downtown region now to make it easier for their patrons to reach the venue.
It goes to show that for a product that goes on for multiple nights in the weekday for a calendar year, it's a necessity that you put it into the the most urban area of the region in order to maximize attendance.
When there was light rumours of the Flames considering outside of downtown location for their new arena several years back, majority of people on this board scoffed at that idea because it would have been a downgrade in accessibility from the Saddledome.