[White Out 403]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

This topic is funny to me because it's always linked to on-ice performance almost exclusively. People will find the money to go to games if it's a "hot ticket".

Years ago, people constantly crapped on the Panthers for having an arena "half full", and everyone called for the team to be moved to places like Quebec City. This was despite the fact that they had some big star power with guys like Barkov, Ekblad, and Huberdeau headlining the team. They just couldn't consistently make the playoffs or even make any noise in the playoffs once there. I had season's tickets back then and when talking to the fans you still had people who were lifelong fans, but the enthusiasm for the team just wasn't there. They knew there wasn't much to hope for.

Then, after two very good seasons (one epic regular season with a below average playoff run, and one above average regular season with an epic playoff run), and all of a sudden the building is at 94% capacity. They also have a very large arena with only 39 seats less than the Flames. Single tickets are resold at much higher than the initial face value.

Funny what winning will do for attendance. If the Flames get back to being a consistent playoff team or go on a big playoff run, the building will be sold out every night, no matter what the price. People want to be part of a winning team. A losing team? Not so much. Building, access, pricing, in-game experience, convenience...all those perceived problems go out the window when the arena is the place to be for any given game.

Not everyone can win