Just got done watching the Pens and Devils game and noticed that that the arena seemed like it was 70% empty and its a Friday night. Its not like they are a last place team, they're leading the division and are second in the east. Whats up with that?
2007-02-16 14:13:56 · 13 answers · asked by Andy 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I also live about 45 minutes away and I think there are several reasons the attendance is always so low ...
1. They're in north Jersey where a majority of the fans (myself included) are Rangers fans. I live in central NJ where Devils fans are everywhere. Then you have south Jersey where you find tons of Flyers fans.
2. The Devils' arena is only 6 miles from Madison Square Garden.
3. There's no public transportation to the Meadowlands, so you have no coice but to drive. Then when you get there they charge you $15 to park.
When they move to Newark they'll only be blocks from Newark's Penn Station so hopefully attendance will pick up.
2007-02-16 15:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by tgfann 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think there are a few reasons.
-Going to the Meadowlands right now is horrible. There is so much construction and little parking. Who wants to pay $12 to park at Giants Stadium and then walk/take a bus over to the arena? Its a pain that many people don't want to put up with.
-The arena itself is old and outdated. I am a season ticket holder and on game nights it is impossible to move on the concourse.
-I think CAA is also deceiving. The arena holds 19000+ so even if theres 16+ people there, which in other places would be sold out, it looks empty. The top of the arena which is never shown on tv is usually packed. The ticket prices for the lower level are too high for many people or the tickets there are owned by coporations who dont use the tickets.
-The Devils have always been poorly marketed. Aside from billboards here and there, theres no promotion in the state. Plus theres competition from the Rangers, Flyers, and Islanders who have been around far longer then the Devils and have an older fan base.
Next season we will have our new arena in Newark. This arena will be accessible by bus, train, and car. Easier for people to get to. Right now the only way to get to CAA is by car. It will be smaller and brand new, way better then Continental.
2007-02-16 16:13:12 · answer #2 · answered by weezergirlsteph 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they can't get attendence for a game like this they need to figure out what is wrong. A young team that seems to be getting a lot of attention and on a long winning streak. A team that is second in the East and leading the Atlantic Division. The Pens are challenging for that lead, slowly but surely getting there. This is a game you need your fans support. Oh and these two teams DO have a rivalary. They are so similar as far as records and highs and lows through most of their history. I know the Pens recently took a fall and the Devils didn't but rather similar teams through the years in general.
2007-02-17 02:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is nothing new. NJ is stuck between two major cities, Phila and NY. Most of south jersey are Flyers fans and north jersey are NY fans. Unfortunately, many seem to forget they live in NJ, not one of these cities, and don't cheer for their home state. Also, the arena isn't very convenient, and most fans leave with 2 minutes left, trying to beat traffic. People also think the tickets are too expensive and don't like to pay for parking blah blah blah. In the end, Devils probably have the smallest fan base due to their state situation. Hopefully after the new arena is built next year, there will be a sell out crowd more often.
2007-02-17 00:12:45 · answer #4 · answered by Jamie S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i live in new jersey, most hockey fans like the rangers or flyers. The devil fans are basically only ppl that arent into hockey but watch it on tv cause its not football or baseball season. I went to the rangers at devils game last week and there was a lets go rangers chant goin about 10-15 times. not one lets go devils chant the entire game.
2007-02-16 16:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by Brendan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, some fans just get in a mid season mood of taking a few games off to either follow another sport or just out of indifference. If the Devils were in a knockout, drag out fight for the division, I'm sure that the arena would be packed. I think they are waiting for the stretch drive and conserving their efforts for the playoffs. Also, baseball spring training is now in session and you have a huge following in the metro area. I think come the last few days of the season and into the playoffs we'll once again see a packed house.
2007-02-16 14:23:10 · answer #6 · answered by P.I. Stingray 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The Rangers have been around forever and they are where thousands of people walk every day. I am a Devils's fan. No matter what they win or how high they are in the ratings, the people of NJ mostly support other states' teams!
2007-02-16 23:00:14 · answer #7 · answered by christy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll say! This game is broadcast NATION WIDE in Canada. We are watching the Atlantic top two battle it out with interest, only to have it rubbed in that Americans couldn't be bothered. It says several things to me.
1. That these 2 teams playing 8 games a season isn't creating the rivalry the NHL promises from this dumb schedule.
2. The boring defensive play of NJ while letting fans brag of their winning ways, isn't enough to actually draw them to the game and actually watch.
3. As all Canadian teams are sold out for the year, either one of these teams should be moving to a Canadian city next year. Bad weather isn't an excuse unless it is bad enough to cancel the game. If NJ is too close to NY, then best it be moved to Winnipeg.
2007-02-16 15:55:26 · answer #8 · answered by JuanB 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've noiced that all year. I'm a Calgary Flames fan living in Saskatchewan, and I'm proud to see the crowds at the Pengrowth Saddledome all year. I think the good times are slowly coming to a halt in Jersey, and alot of fans don't care. It's sad because alot of good players have spent time there.
2007-02-16 15:49:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live about 45 minutes away and i have no idea...we just have a weak fan base..i have have no idea why..the devils are one of the best in the league..but were geting a new arena in newark for next season it's going to be very nice so hopefully that will help.i mean i'm very embarissed..the flyers have more people in the seast than we do!!
2007-02-16 15:38:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋