The Red Wings haven't had a capacity crowds for any of their first four home playoff games?

Question

Thoughts as to why Hockeytown, a city of 4+million, cannot sellout a PLAYOFF game.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=205673&hubname=

Answer 1

Well considering the unemployment rate in Michigan is higher than the national average, people just plain don't have the money to blow $150+ on tickets, $15+ on parking and $3 per gallon on gas to go to a game. I would love to go, but I think having the bills paid are a better option. I miss seeing them live, but it's comforting to know that the cable is paid to at least watch them (Pistons and Tigers, too). I'm sure a lot of Michigan people would agree with me.

Answer 2

Ford container became new. human beings had to work out it. that's wonderful! there is tickets left NOW for Saturday and Sunday yet via activity time they are going to be long previous. yet, you're suitable. we've yet to get the perfect merchandising for hockey. The settlement with as against and NBC stinks. till Bettman is long previous it won't get greater suitable. And area of the reason that the video games in Detroit each so often do not sell out is the financial equipment. it truly is been undesirable in Michigan a techniques longer than it has something of the country. Detroit has the optimum unemployment fee in the country at 14%. in case you ar determining on between paying costs, ingesting, a roof over your head or procuring $200 play off tickets whether you adore the Wings you will not opt for the tickets!

Answer 3

Actually, Detroit is a city of less than a million with the metro area around 4+ million.

First, it costs an arm and a leg to get into the arena. You'd figure that with the Salary Cap the Illitchs would lower the prices. Second, not many people in Michigan can afford arm and a leg prices. Third, they aren't the only good team in the city. Fourth, people are saving their money for the Conference Finals, assuming the Wings win this series.

Answer 4

The whole State of Michigan is having real economic problems, I don't know why the media isn't reporting it. We have a lot of people out of work and losing homes here. The last I checked we were the highest in unemployment in the U.S. we are well below the national average. I for one would love to go to a hockey game but we just can't afford it between the gas, parking and tickets. We watch all the games or listen to them on the radio if it isn't being televised. Have only missed watching or listening once the whole season and that is counting staying up till 1 or 2 in the morning because they have the WIngs in the Western Conference for some insane reason. I know I speak for a lot of TV and Radio fans in saying GO WINGS.

Answer 5

I know that it may sound stupid but when you have 2 detroit teams playing in the playoffs on the same night. You are going to have a confrontation in intrest. Go to the wings game or go to the Pistons game. Last night when the Pistons game was on I think I watched that just as much or more of. I know last night was an away game for Detroit but I think that some wanted to stay home and would ratther capture both just on TV. Then you have to put in who they are playing. Even though Detroit has a better record than that of the Sharks. Sharks have the Advantage and some of the fans probably put this to use and didn't waste their money on it when they could just as easily watched them lose at home. I pesonly would rather watch at the JLA, and skip the Pistons game because they're a for sure win. This is just my thoughts on it though.

As for the girl above me Detroit is not that wealthy. It is a dieing city and has a huge crime rate. The only reason Detroit can make it is due to the fact of it's surrounding cities. Dearborn,Wayne Co, Rochester Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, ect. ect. Thats where they depend on people to come from.

And for your info Detroit doesn't have 4+ million in population. Chicago has only 3+ million and I don't think Detroit has a bigger population than that of the windy city

Answer 6

Its pretty rough in Detroit right now. The Motor City isnt making many motors these days, and it was all the blue-collared guys filling those seats before. The tickets are priced so high and nobody can really afford to go. Also, if you ask the Wings fans on here where they live, Ill bet half of them dont even live in Michigan. I used to, but when I was younger my dads company transfered him because they were shutting down their automotive plant in Detroit. We all know the Wings fans are out there, but it isnt easy for most of them to make it to a game.

Answer 7

What's the difference on the ticket prices since pre lock out? I don't think the prices are neccessarily the problem. Not just Detroit, the economy all over Michigan is struggling. The recession is hurting the Wings.

Answer 8

I live in the Detroit area and am not at all threatened by the possibility of the Red Wings losing. I go to the game to have fun and appreciate the game.

I considered going to last night's opener when i found out I could still get tickets from the website. But after $15+ parking and the ticket prices jacked up by $50 vs. the regular season, I couldn't convince myself to invest in that just to go to the game alone. Cut it back even twenty bucks and they would have had me there last night.

Go HOCKEY!

Answer 9

They've priced the real fans out.
Btw, this is yet another Original Six market that Bettman has managed to screw up. What in the world are things coming to if Detroit can't sell out playoff games?!? First Chicago and Boston and now this??!?

Answer 10

The answer is in TSN site, just after the fact you mention in your question. This answer does not satisfy you? It say: "Michigan's economy, stung by auto industry woes, ranks 50th among the 50 U.S. states." It's all the same a luxe to watch a NHL hockey game in a arena.