Two teams in Florida?

Question

Wouldn't it make more sence to move one of the teams to a cold weather state like Wisconsin where more people care about the sport?

Answer 1

Now, now. Don't be stereotypical. Though the Florida Panthers may be unloved in the Sunshine State, the Tampa Bay Lightning are very much cared and wanted here in Tampa. Last year, we ranked third in home attendance, behind only Ottawa and Calgary.

I'm all for moving the Florida Panturds up to Wisconsin, or even Canada. (probably because I hate them so much) But the Lightning should remain in Tampa

Answer 2

Fair weather teams survive and thrive as well... Look at Anaheim and San Jose! They both have waiting lists for season tickets... while Detroit can't sell out a playoff game... Think maybe they should be moved?

As far as expansion or moving teams... Toronto should have TWO teams - they can support it... not as certain about Winnipeg or any other canadian cities ability to do that. Heck, Chicago can't sell out night after night, what makes people think Milwaukee will?

I know people hate the thought, but Las Vegas would be a coup for the NHL - a bold move into a gambling city would make it the only game in town and put the league in front of the NBA, NFL, and MLB in terms of addressing the demand for a pro sports team there.

Answer 3

It would be a coup in Vegas because there's also the snowbird factor in Vegas too, but to add to your question, there are two teams in Florida because there are a lot of people from cold weather areas in Florida.

When I was down there, I met New Yorkers, Washingtonians, Ontarians, Illini, Michiganders, and New Englanders, but never, ever a Floridian. In fact, I met LOTS of people from Minnesota when I was down in Floriduh and we had a great time talking about our Gophs and Wild. If it wasn't for the sports teams in Florida, we wouldn't be able to see our favorite teams that are down there, hence why the NHL places teams in Fla.

And Wisconsin doesn't have a hockey team because Chicago would want one too.

Answer 4

OK Kiddies. For the umpteenth time. The Panthers are smack in the middle of attendance figures. Much better than alot colder climate teams The team is making money. There are plenty of fans. Tons of people go to games here. Both locals and tourists and also those snowbird people. I am getting really tired of people bashing my hometown team when they have never been here or even really pay attention to it. I don't bash any other other teams. Even Tampa. Thou I would like them to lose to the Panthers. I have class. I respect the players they have. A bunch of them are former Panthers anyway. Why are there three team in New York or California? Main answer would be distance. By the way in Florida we also have at least three minor league team as well. They are all doing quite fine drawing fans. Pro and semi-pro.

Answer 5

It mostly depends on a large population to support a team. Everyone from the north is moving to FL anyway, so why not have two teams? The cold weather people are turning into snowbirds more and more each year.

PS when was the last time you saw a girl rollerblading in a thong on thanksgiving in Wisconsin?

Answer 6

If one of their owners decides that it would be more profitable somewhere else, sure it could happen. But Tampa won't move, it's won a cup (no cup winner has moved since the original sens in the 20s) and it's a league leader in attendance. (3rd) Florida gets a lot less of a crowd, but they're also not very good right now. For a low end team, they get pretty respectable attendance.

We'll see what happens, but my guess is that nobody's moving soon.

Answer 7

I think it would make more sense if the league tried to appeal itself regionally. And another thing that I find curious is that they have 3 teams in the New York metropolitan area, and two in Los Angeles, which usually means more television revenue for the 3 other major sports leagues, but not for the NHL.

While I wouldn't like to be the one to move the teams (I wish the Athletics never left Philly) hockey would be more profitable if it had teams in Wisconsin, Maine, Manitoba, etc., rather than the warmer climates.

The person before me highlights the reasoning for teams in such areas, but my argument against that is the poor attendance for baseball teams in spring training areas at a time when overall attendance figures were their highest since the last strike by MLBPA.

A good portion of the sporting event attendees in the large southern cities are transient northerners who are a poor statistic to rely on for a steady fan base. The game has to be a part of you and your upbringing that only the climate can bear.

Answer 8

I'm sure that you feel your associate's degree from community college qualifies you to comment on business decisions, but it doesn't.

Kimmi brings up valid points on the Panthers. Most people in Florida are transplants, either permanently or "snowbirds". Many are going through hockey withdrawal and will support the Panthers in lieu of their "hometown" team.

If the Panther's management decides to invest in the team to produce a winner, they will definitely succeed. If they go the way of the Marlins (produce a winner, then dismantle), they will easily disenfranchise fans to both the Panthers and hockey.

Answer 9

I take it you have never been to a Lightning game in Tampa. I can't say much for the Florida Panthers, because I never have been to one of their home games.

Your question is like saying,"Why have football in Green Bay? It's a small city and it snows too much for football."

Just because the weather is not made for the sport, does not mean that there still won't be fans.

If you have never been down here, I could see how people might think that.

Answer 10

Just because the fans might not care, doesn't mean the players don't too. I see how some people can say that hockey in warm weather states doesn't make sense, but some fans care and you shouldn't take it away.