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Old 07-13-2017, 01:02 PM   #20
Tilley
Retired Aksarben Correspondent
 
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ToewsFan View Post
That's simply not true. When the Canes moved into their new building in Raleigh, the team averaged roughly 12,500 in paid attendance, which is about 67% of capacity. Other than the 2002 playoffs, it took the Hurricanes until 2005-06 to average around 90% capacity. Unfortunately for the Canes, attendance has been dropping since 2013, averaging just under 11,800 fans last season. Here is the remains of an excellent website dealing with the plight of the Hurricanes from 1997-2002:

How's It Goin' Pete?
Not surprising a site based out of Hartford would focus on the negative aspects of the franchise relocating to Carolina. Also without extensive review of the site, the fact remains that the move to Carolina was terribly executed.

The first two seasons playing in Greensboro would be like having the Flames playing in Red Deer and expecting huge turnouts. Then having a team with no community presence move to Calgary and expect big crowds. Then pile on with a consistently poor showing on the ice. Karmanos essentially wrote the book on how to ruin a relocation.

I maintain that the market is strong for hockey in North Carolina. Having lived there for 5 years, it is unique that the NFL does not dominate the discussion since the Panthers are two hours down the road. College basketball will always be number 1, but if the Canes can start to win the college enthusiasm will easily transfer to hockey. I loved tailgating in Nov when The Pens or Buffalo were in town.
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