2008 Woodie Awards
In the crease
Ali Myers
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: sports
- Page 1 of 1
Every year, there is a Stanley Cup to be won. Every year, the NHL playing field is narrowed down in April as playoff spots are reserved for the teams with the most talent and determination to go all the way. And every year, fans that may or may not have ever seen a hockey game in their life will come out of the woodwork to buy tickets and call themselves fans of the team.
Take the Pittsburgh Penguins for example. Last season, thanks to standout players such as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, the team made their first playoff appearance since 2001 against the Ottawa Senators. Even though the Sens showed the Pens who was boss, this did not stop legions of "Penguins fans".
In the offseason, a record 13,500 people purchased season tickets, forcing the Penguins to create a season ticket waiting list for the first time in history. 700 people were accepted for the list after putting down a $200 refundable deposit. This now leaves only a few thousand tickets available for single game and student sales. The Mellon Arena holds 17,000 people, leaving little room for casual fans.
So how is that so many people will start calling themselves fans over one good season? This is an argument long time fans of the Penguins have tried to answer, as well as fans of hockey teams everywhere. The point that some people are only interested in the team when they are winning is true. Once word gets out about the playoffs, a team is the hottest ticket in town. However, if the Pens ever start struggling again, look for the fair-weather fans to drop off the face of the Mellon Arena.
It is also possible that stars such as Malkin, Crosby, and Marc-Andre Fleury (who I really dislike but that is another column) bring the large crowds. Crosby is touted to be the next Wayne Gretzky and broke the 100 point mark in his rookie season. Malkin's legal battle to be able to play in the United States captivated hockey audiences, and Fleury is one of the best young goalie prospects ever.
People who call themselves die hard fans only benefit the team. The front offices don't care how many seasons someone has followed the team; only how much money they are making off ticket packages. They also don't care who only shows up for giveaways; all they want is to give up the free item they are offering. If it draws fans to the gate, the ticket sales team is happy.
There may even be an advantage in this for casual fans. Many fans of the Penguins are disappointed when they cannot get tickets to a game because of people who only show up. These people often support the team through thick and thin. However, when these fair-weather fans get frustrated with the team losing, they will simply stop coming. This works great for everyone who would give their right arm for a ticket but can never get one. Now there are seats just waiting to be snatched up!
It is still difficult to obtain tickets to Pittsburgh Penguins games this year. With a new arena on the way within a couple more years, the demand may skyrocket once again. Will there be enough seats for all fans who support the team at all levels?
Take the Pittsburgh Penguins for example. Last season, thanks to standout players such as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, the team made their first playoff appearance since 2001 against the Ottawa Senators. Even though the Sens showed the Pens who was boss, this did not stop legions of "Penguins fans".
In the offseason, a record 13,500 people purchased season tickets, forcing the Penguins to create a season ticket waiting list for the first time in history. 700 people were accepted for the list after putting down a $200 refundable deposit. This now leaves only a few thousand tickets available for single game and student sales. The Mellon Arena holds 17,000 people, leaving little room for casual fans.
So how is that so many people will start calling themselves fans over one good season? This is an argument long time fans of the Penguins have tried to answer, as well as fans of hockey teams everywhere. The point that some people are only interested in the team when they are winning is true. Once word gets out about the playoffs, a team is the hottest ticket in town. However, if the Pens ever start struggling again, look for the fair-weather fans to drop off the face of the Mellon Arena.
It is also possible that stars such as Malkin, Crosby, and Marc-Andre Fleury (who I really dislike but that is another column) bring the large crowds. Crosby is touted to be the next Wayne Gretzky and broke the 100 point mark in his rookie season. Malkin's legal battle to be able to play in the United States captivated hockey audiences, and Fleury is one of the best young goalie prospects ever.
People who call themselves die hard fans only benefit the team. The front offices don't care how many seasons someone has followed the team; only how much money they are making off ticket packages. They also don't care who only shows up for giveaways; all they want is to give up the free item they are offering. If it draws fans to the gate, the ticket sales team is happy.
There may even be an advantage in this for casual fans. Many fans of the Penguins are disappointed when they cannot get tickets to a game because of people who only show up. These people often support the team through thick and thin. However, when these fair-weather fans get frustrated with the team losing, they will simply stop coming. This works great for everyone who would give their right arm for a ticket but can never get one. Now there are seats just waiting to be snatched up!
It is still difficult to obtain tickets to Pittsburgh Penguins games this year. With a new arena on the way within a couple more years, the demand may skyrocket once again. Will there be enough seats for all fans who support the team at all levels?