Capitals' attendance improving
A reader of my column that appeared in today's Sun, which was a piece praising the Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (he just passed the 50-goal mark for the second time in his brief career), took exception to the portion where I also noted that the Caps remain a tough sell in Washington.
I mentioned that their attendance, an average of about 14,900 this season after 34 home dates, was an improvement over the previous two seasons but still had them near the bottom of the NHL (25th out of 30). The reader, Michael Klug, pointed out that since Washington started making a push in the standings, the attendance has been much better.
I looked it up and Mr. Klug is correct. According to the team's Web site, in the eight games since the beginning of February, every Capitals home game has had a reported attendance of more than 17,000 fans, for an average of about 17,750.
Does that mean that a corner has been turned for Washington hockey? Well, the jury is still out on that one, but it's a promising trend.
Comments
In regards to Bills Rant "On Second check more fans"
Being a die hard (Baltimore) Caps fan for over 20 years, I have always stated that the attendance at Washington Capitals home games is pathetic.
I have seen on one occassion , more visiting fans in the seats at Verizon Center than Caps fans (i.e. my son and I attended the Leafs vs. Caps Mar. 1st 08 and I thought we were in Canada. Try going to any Caps home game when Pittsburgh Pens are in town).
Does that count as Caps fans attendance or are they just playing the numbers game here?
And as far as the attendance picking up because the Caps are making a playoff run, It's true! But only because they are making a run for the playoffs, had their season been over, I can assure you Mr. Rant that the attendance would have remained average or below average till the end. On any given regular season game I could purchase a ticket to see a Caps game, or some Caps season ticket holding sell out would certainly be more than willing to sell me theirs via the internet or through a ticket broker. Try getting a seat in a real hockey town (Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia) ...and you won't see half as many visiting fans in these stands.
I sympathize with Mr. Klug, he's only trying to take up for the Caps who lack a solid die hard fan base year after year, and I stand beside him. But truth be told, Washington Captitals fans will never fully support their team unless they are a winning team.
Posted by: Todd O | March 6, 2008 7:57 AM
Hey Todd --- what about when the Yankees or Red Sox are playing at Oriole Park? That's even worse.
Posted by: Jack | March 6, 2008 10:21 PM