Flames’ attendance

[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.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

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.

I just don’t think that’s true. There is always a limit on what people will pay for the value provided. And even a winning team will not fill the building if prices are too high.

I only see thr flames selling out regularly if they win two playoff rounds or get a new building. And the prices in the new building will be eye watering.

[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

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

Not everyone can win

All teams go through cycles, even really badly run franchises get a big season or two to build a fanbase on. You don't need to win all the time, just for a small but prolonged period of time (2-3 years).

[dino7c]

I once got into a Panthers game by exchanging a LOSING scratch off ticket for a game ticket

[Julio]

Originally Posted by pylon

It isn't even about the cost for me. I could buy seasons tickets in any seat in that building, and I feel very fortunate life handed me the right set of cards that I can actually say that. I split seasons tickets for about a decade, and then for a few years went to 2 or 3 games a year, and the last game I went to was the Dallas elimination game.

In 15 years, nothing has changed. How many times can do I have to listen to Cotton Eyed Joe? Stompin Tom comes on at the exact same time. OH NEAT, Sweet Caroline for the BILLIONTH time at the exact same time. OMG, Big Chief... where do you find those wild and whacky Fail Army videos? Wow, another basic chick leaning over puddle of puke on the concourse. Oh, what's that? A Dodge Ram on blocking everyone's path and clogging everything up?

I get your point, but...

Can't remember the last time I heard Cotton Eye Joe at a Flames game. Same with the Hockey Song and Sweet Caroline.
I don't recall bloopers in a few years either.
No cars on the concourse for...5 years?

Still random basic chicks puking though, usually wearing Oilers colours.

[Goriders]

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.

Same thing happened with the flames after the 2004 run.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I once got into a Panthers game by exchanging a LOSING scratch off ticket for a game ticket

Before or after you were done complaining about Tkachuk?

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Before or after you were done complaining about Tkachuk?

Before he was in the league so...

there also isn't much to complain about these days with him on pace for 62 points

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

90% of the Dome is 100% of some arenas.

PL row 1 is the best view in hockey

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by edslunch

PL row 1 is the best view in hockey

Those are always full...the normal PL shouldn't count IMO

[wired]

I told my wife not to get me flames tickets for my birthday or Christmas. Not interested in spending my time watching this team this year. I am losing interest in the Flames as a whole, as they are a mediocre team. I would be surprised if they make the playoffs in the next 3-4 years.

[Muta]

I'd love to go to a Flames game, it's just too expensive, same with food and drink. I'll go if I get tickets for free through work, but that's it. I'll definitely watch games on TV though. These days, I've put my money into a more affordable sports option (Cavalry), and haven't looked back. The concession prices there are terrible too, but at about $28 a game in the supporters section for a ticket and of course the energy there, which is arguably more electric than a regular game at the Dome on any regular season game night, is more than worth the experience (and the required travel).

[Draug]

Originally Posted by edslunch

PL row 1 is the best view in hockey

Nope, gotta disagree. 212 Row 1 is better. Same view, but 75% closer.

If money was no issue, that's where I'd be!

[cam_calderon]

Yeah I would've thought first two or three rows in the second bowl cannot be beat - and are the most expensive seats.

[Eric Vail]

Originally Posted by Muta

I'd love to go to a Flames game, it's just too expensive, same with food and drink. I'll go if I get tickets for free through work, but that's it. I'll definitely watch games on TV though. These days, I've put my money into a more affordable sports option (Cavalry), and haven't looked back. The concession prices there are terrible too, but at about $28 a game in the supporters section for a ticket and of course the energy there, which is arguably more electric than a regular game at the Dome on any regular season game night, is more than worth the experience (and the required travel).

Same for me. Substitute the Stampeders for the Calvary.
I can eat at the tailgate, before the game and go back for a beer at halftime. I almost never buy any concessions. It is much more affordable, and when they only play once a week, it is far less often you get a game with marginal effort.

[Icantwhisper]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Before he was in the league so...

there also isn't much to complain about these days with him on pace for 62 points

exactly, team is 15-8-2, playing great!!!

[Erick Estrada]

I think it also hurts that there is no star power on this team. There's no Fleury, Iginla, Gaudreau, attraction to bring fans into the arena when the team isn't winning consistently. This is the first season in some time where the Flames don't have a single player that's worthy of being in the All-Star game. It's just a very blah team at the moment.

[ST20]

Originally Posted by cam_calderon

Yeah I would've thought first two or three rows in the second bowl cannot be beat - and are the most expensive seats.

Lower second bowl seats at the dome are the best seats in any arena. It is like being higher up in the lower bowl in a newer arena where the glass does not obstruct your view but closer to the action because of the smaller lower bowl. The angle is great.

That being said, if you are far from the centre ice but before the end where the seats start to curve into a corner it is actually not the greatest to be so low. I sat in second row of the second bowl in section 214 for a few games and your neck is cranked to one side the entire game. In that case it is better to be a little further back unless you are in the corner where the seats are angled better.

[Leondros]

Originally Posted by cam_calderon

Yeah I would've thought first two or three rows in the second bowl cannot be beat - and are the most expensive seats.

226 row 5, in my opinion is the best value for the money and dead center and right above the cameras. Red pricing.