Hockeytown is DEAD

[Guest jaytan]

Mmmm, I recall a 3-2 victory and shots on goal were 42-15. I beg to differ of your 'opinion' based on "their style of play is a lot better than ours".

One early shootout home win over a jetlagged team with a Cup hangover doesn't really tell us much.

And I wasn't saying they're necessarily better, just more fun to watch. It's a more pure, rougher brand of hockey, you know that.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Quick poll, other then being over an hour away and being Osgood (since we know why he didn't go) Why didn't you attend the game last night? The people here are what I would call Fanantics about the wings and there were tickets available, so why didn't you go?

Like the atmosphere of the boards here?

Gas to high?

I know a lot of people here are students so no money?

It was the opener so it shouldn't matter who they played. (Yes I too am tired of the same teams.)

To expensive to go to a game? (We spent $27.50 not including gas) (plus $108 for our season tickets per game) (no beer, no program)

No one to go with?

Price of a ticket? Would you go if they were cheaper?

Would you go if we got some tacky cheerleaders?

I'm just wondering why people didn't go??

I really wanted to go. All of my friends were working, and I asked my Dad to go and he said he'd rather stay home, relax, and watch it from the couch. That, and I am a full time college student, with no job. So no $$ for me.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Quick poll, other then being over an hour away and being Osgood (since we know why he didn't go) Why didn't you attend the game last night? The people here are what I would call Fanantics about the wings and there were tickets available, so why didn't you go?

Like the atmosphere of the boards here?

Gas to high?

I know a lot of people here are students so no money?

It was the opener so it shouldn't matter who they played. (Yes I too am tired of the same teams.)

To expensive to go to a game? (We spent $27.50 not including gas) (plus $108 for our season tickets per game) (no beer, no program)

No one to go with?

Price of a ticket? Would you go if they were cheaper?

Would you go if we got some tacky cheerleaders?

I'm just wondering why people didn't go??

Hockey is a blue collar sport, and the blue collar folks are the ones suffering from the economy. Basketball games are filled with a bunch of preppy high school/college kids who love the hip hop feel of the game, anyone will go to a baseball game because its an all american sport (especially when the tigers were all but dead up until last year), and football is a way of life while going to one game is what? like half of the games theyll play?

[auxlepli 17]

The economy shouldn't be an issue when other Detroit teams are drawing well. The Tigers three million is mentioned alot, but what I want to see and read is the percantage of capacity. Like somebody else posted 17,000+ is lot, especially if the Joe seats more than 20,000.

BTW where is the love, ummm I mean hate, for Bob Wojnowski and Bruce MacLeod.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Honestly, excuse the language, but I am so ******* sick of this bulls*** "hockey attendance = fan interest" bit. The media is so quick to rag on Michigan for its poor economy, the failing auto industry, and how dangerous, ugly, and boring the city of Detroit is, yet they think its crazy that people would rather stay home and watch the game than go to the arena? You cant play it like that. Maybe if Detroit had more of a safer night life and a more exciting one closer to the Joe area youd see more people interested in actually attending the games. But I, for one, have always liked going to the games and watching them on TV equally. And being a Red Wings fan is practically a lifestyle for me, so the media can take articles like this and shove them up their asses.

[BlakChamber 8]

The economy shouldn't be an issue when other Detroit teams are drawing well. The Tigers three million is mentioned alot, but what I want to see and read is the percantage of capacity. Like somebody else posted 17,000+ is lot, especially if the Joe seats more than 20,000.

BTW where is the love, ummm I mean hate, for Bob Wojnowski and Bruce MacLeod.

The economy is still a factor, but its not the sole factor. On Ticketmaster, the cheapest Wings ticket is $22. The cheapest Tigers ticket is $5.00 and there are 9 different seating areas in Comerica that are $20 or under. And the Lions always sell well for some inexplicable reason.

Saying the economy is the only reason is wrong, but to say its not a factor is equally wrong.

Honestly, excuse the language, but I am so ******* sick of this bulls*** "hockey attendance = fan interest" bit. The media is so quick to rag on Michigan for its poor economy, the failing auto industry, and how dangerous, ugly, and boring the city of Detroit is, yet they think its crazy that people would rather stay home and watch the game than go to the arena? You cant play it like that. Maybe if Detroit had more of a safer night life and a more exciting one closer to the Joe area youd see more people interested in actually attending the games. But I, for one, have always liked going to the games and watching them on TV equally. And being a Red Wings fan is practically a lifestyle for me, so the media can take articles like this and shove them up their asses.

Downtown Detroit has a safe nightlife.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

bottom line:

it's difficult to call a town hockeytown when it doesn't sell out for the playoffs. when it doesn't sell out for the opening game of the season against last season's cup winners, it's delusion. let's face it, there are other cities much more deserving of the title these days. the wings are still probably the biggest draw nation-wide, but they can't even sell out they're own house? even when they were selling out last year the place was dead. other than history, it a pretty drab place for a game. i had more fun at the united center that was only 2/3 full.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Honestly, excuse the language, but I am so ******* sick of this bulls*** "hockey attendance = fan interest" bit. The media is so quick to rag on Michigan for its poor economy, the failing auto industry, and how dangerous, ugly, and boring the city of Detroit is, yet they think its crazy that people would rather stay home and watch the game than go to the arena? You cant play it like that. Maybe if Detroit had more of a safer night life and a more exciting one closer to the Joe area youd see more people interested in actually attending the games. But I, for one, have always liked going to the games and watching them on TV equally. And being a Red Wings fan is practically a lifestyle for me, so the media can take articles like this and shove them up their asses.

Sorry, but for me hockey attendance does equal fan interest.

Attending a game is the top level of fan interest, because it requires a greater level of commitment both physically and financially. You've got to get up off the couch, shell out hard earned dough for tickets, and drive to and from the game.

Someone may be a big Celine Dione fan because they buy all her albums, but I am a bigger fan because I own all her albums and go see all her concerts within a 200 mile radius of my house. See the difference?*

And Detroit being safe has nothing to do with it. If anything the area around Joe Louis is as safe or safer than it was in the mid 1990s.

*Do I really need to point out I'm kidding? I'm not insane. It's actually only a 100 mile radius.

[wingnut22 81]

I am so damn sick of these negative articles.

I'm sorry, but the economy has a HUGE part in all of this. I don't care what anyone says because it's the freaking truth. These bastards make it seem like the Wings just all of a sudden fell off the face of the earth due to not being popular anymore and yadda yadda. BS. A horrible economic situation + high ticket prices don't mix well.

couldnt agree more!

Quick poll, other then being over an hour away and being Osgood (since we know why he didn't go) Why didn't you attend the game last night? The people here are what I would call Fanantics about the wings and there were tickets available, so why didn't you go?

Like the atmosphere of the boards here?

Gas to high?

I know a lot of people here are students so no money?

It was the opener so it shouldn't matter who they played. (Yes I too am tired of the same teams.)

To expensive to go to a game? (We spent $27.50 not including gas) (plus $108 for our season tickets per game) (no beer, no program)

No one to go with?

Price of a ticket? Would you go if they were cheaper?

Would you go if we got some tacky cheerleaders?

I'm just wondering why people didn't go??

There are lots of reasons people dont take into account either. for example I live on Lake Michigan, a good 3-3.5 hours away from Detroit, and thats if there is no traffic or construction (and this is Michigan we are talking about here). Not all fans of the Red Wings live close enough to Detroit to make it to the games. I find it very hard to shell out the money for tickets and gas when I can see the game on tv. Yes it would be awesome to get to go to the game. I would love to be at every game. But pair lack of $$, long drive, games on weeknights. It makes it hard for a lot of fans to make it to the games.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Head hunting (ala Chrissy) isn't pure hockey. Crying over a no penalty (ala Getslaft from Zetter) call to ref like a little school ***** isn't pure hockey. Oversize Pads (ala Giggy) isn't pure hockey. It's cheating and poor sportsmanship. That's what it is called. Why would anyone want to pay to see that is beyond me!

Fun games to watch is anything with Dats, Zets, Holmer, Frazen, Hudler, Ralfy, Kronner, Cheli and Lids doing their magic.

Funest game I saw this season (preseason), without a doubt, was Leafs and Wings. That was FUN hockey!!

Ducks will never achieve that in Hockeytown, ever!

Isn't two full days in Detroit before the game time to get over this, so called, "jetleg" excuse? I'm sorry, but Wings were/are the better team!

If thats so, Why cant the wings sell out there games?

Sorry, I couldnt resist

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

OK folks, I'm not trying to make excuses for non sell out crowds at the Joe but in light of the poor economy I did some research on arena capacities. The attendance at the Joe last night was 17,610. In the following arenas that would have been a sell out or beyond

Arrowhead Pond(Ducks)

Reunion Arena(Stars)

San Jose Arena(Sharks)

America West Arena(Coyotes)

Skyreach Centre(Oilers)

Gaylord Entertainment Center(Nashville)

Nassau Coliseum(Islanders)

Mellon Arena(Pittsburgh)

Fleet Center(Bruins)

[lfd250 1]

I really wanted to go. All of my friends were working, and I asked my Dad to go and he said he'd rather stay home, relax, and watch it from the couch. That, and I am a full time college student, with no job. So no $$ for me.

I'll let you know when I have an extra ticket.

As far as Detroit being safe/not safe. I think Detroit is THE safest city in Michigan. Why because everyone knows where to go and not go. The homeless aren't that bad, treat them with respect and say sorry I don't have anything or reach into your pocket and give them some change it isn't that bad. Stay within the bounds of the water, 375, 75 and the casinos and you'll be just fine.

Come to Lansing, and they start robbing you at the capital (sorry had to say it) But here in Lansing there are no bounds people get robbed anywhere here. Same with stabbings and shootings. Your neighbor could go off at any moment. And I should know, I work for the fire department. Point is Detroit is safe. Stay downtown, you'll be fine.

As far as you're not a fan if you don't go to the games, what about the fans that don't live close. There are pleanty of people that bleed wings who just don't live close enough to go.

We should all be happy people aren't going, then may be we'll get lower bowl tickets.

[therock48880 14]

I was at the Joe last night and the crowd seemed fine to me. There were empty seats here and there but generally I noticed a very diverse crowd. Perhaps it was only because it was the opener but I was suprised by it.

Lot's of young people I might add so I'm not so worried anymore.

Did you think the Joe was quiet last night? On TV it seemed quiet but I think there may have been something wrong with Versus audio for the announcers. I had to turn it up really loud to hear those idiots but when a commercials came on it was really loud.

[auxlepli 17]

bottom line:

it's difficult to call a town hockeytown when it doesn't sell out for the playoffs. when it doesn't sell out for the opening game of the season against last season's cup winners, it's delusion. let's face it, there are other cities much more deserving of the title these days. the wings are still probably the biggest draw nation-wide, but they can't even sell out they're own house? even when they were selling out last year the place was dead. other than history, it a pretty drab place for a game. i had more fun at the united center that was only 2/3 full.

Not me. Though when the Wings were there it was nearly full.

Also IMO it's safer around JLA than around UC.

[therock48880 14]

There's more than "cheer" in politics. My attendance is my dollar that goes towards some support to a team that I hate. Let us not confuse "hate". I loved to hate the AVS. Ducks make me sick and their team is bad for the NHL... which I have loved NHL for decades! They're a disgrace to the game.

Mmmm, I recall a 3-2 victory and shots on goal were 42-15. I beg to differ of your 'opinion' based on "their style of play is a lot better than ours".

I want a team that I love to hate... not a team that is a disgrace to the National Hockey League as a whole. This could be why there was poor attendance.

Their physical play is much more interesting to watch, in my opinion. Also, I wouldn't make a big deal about the shot advantage for Detroit last night. Actually one of the things that alarmed me was the lack of traffic in front of the goal. Homer was there, as usual, but that's about it. Those shots from the blue line with no screen aren't difficult for an NHL goalie to stop. It kinda reminded me of the series a few years back against the ducks. Tons of shots with no screen and no chance for a rebound. Once again, that's just my opinion.

[Kp-Wings 3]

I don't understand why everyone is getting so mad. As much as I hate to agree with Drew Sharpe, he's right. The fan interest just isn't what it used to be in Detroit anymore.

/begin rant

Other then the obvious factors (economy, ticket prices) there are a few people are missing:

1. The in-game entertainment (the videos on the scoreboard, the music) is the same stuff that's been being played since about 1993. It's ridiculous. One sportswriter summed it up pretty well: if you traveled back in time to 1993 and went to a Red Wings game, and then came back to the present and went to one now, you would see almost no differences besides the empty seats and different players. The arena looks exactly the same as it did then. The video's and music now are the same stuff that's been being played since then. They need to change it up a little, because it's getting old.

2. Lack of a true North-American star. This team hasn't had a true Canadian or American star player since Yzerman and Shanny, and since they left, they haven't been replaced. I don't want to sound too much like Grapes or anything, but this team badly needs more North American players. It's way too European based, and quite frankly, the majority of fans don't connect with European players like they do North Americans.

3. Lack of a fighter. As much as you all want to brush off fighting as a non-important part to the game, it's a simple fact that fans love fighting. Did any of you happen to notice that the Drake vs. Perry fight yesterday was probably the loudest moment at the Joe the entire night? I was there, and I can back that sentiment up. It's no coincidence. The Wings need to have a fighter in the lineup.

4. Lack of fan events involving the team. This normally would fit into the "obvious" catagory, but it just pisses me off so much about how the Red Wings organization ailienates it's fan base that I'm going to ***** about it even more.

What I don't understand is the way Illitch runs things. He does all these outside events, such as player meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and that sort of thing with the Tigers no problem. It was especially cool when the entire Tigers team celebrated winning the American League in 2006 with all the fans on the field. But I must ask: why is he so incapable of doing that with the Wings? If anything, the Wings need it a hell of a lot more, because the Tigers had no problem selling tickets once the team became good. The Wings are a good team, and they can't sell tickets, so that obviously means there's a problem.

When there's a problem, a solution is to promote the team more. Have more open practices. Have autograph signings. Will that really break the bank for Illitch if he does that? Hell no it won't. The man runs 2 professional sports franchises, a Pizza company, and a Casino. If he can afford all of that, then I think he can afford to have a few open practices a season and let the players sign autographs.

Part of it is the fans fault for not selling out games, but part of it is also the organization's fault for making this team so snobby and unfriendly. It all points back to Mike Illitch. I'm not calling him Bill Wirtz or anything, but for all intents and purposes, he better get his s*** together soon. If he wants to keep "Hockeytown" around as a marketing slogan (which is clearly what it is), then he better start making this team more fan friendly and start connecting with the fans. Lower the ticket prices, make the team and players accessable, and things will turn themselves around. Those are the main two problems. The other ones (the economy and such) will iron themselves out, and the other two I mentioned (lack of a North American star player and a fighter) is Ken Holland's responsibility.

I feel things will turn around, but right now this is going to be the main topic of conversation in the media, about how the Red Wings have a good team but can't sell out. You're going to have to get used to it. Nashville fans had to put up with the same crap last year, so now we know how it feels.

/end rant

Edited October 5, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[OsGOD 3]

Quick poll, other then being over an hour away and being Osgood (since we know why he didn't go) Why didn't you attend the game last night? The people here are what I would call Fanantics about the wings and there were tickets available, so why didn't you go?

Like the atmosphere of the boards here?

Gas to high?

I know a lot of people here are students so no money?

It was the opener so it shouldn't matter who they played. (Yes I too am tired of the same teams.)

To expensive to go to a game? (We spent $27.50 not including gas) (plus $108 for our season tickets per game) (no beer, no program)

No one to go with?

Price of a ticket? Would you go if they were cheaper?

Would you go if we got some tacky cheerleaders?

I'm just wondering why people didn't go??

I still wanna participate in the poll

1) Had to work my 2nd job to pay the rent and food and utilities and such

2) the fabled $9 tickets were non-existence when it came to actually getting them

there you go

[lfd250 1]

I still wanna participate in the poll

1) Had to work my 2nd job to pay the rent and food and utilities and such

2) the fabled $9 tickets were non-existence when it came to actually getting them

there you go

I just figured you weren't even going to give money bags $18!

[Creasemonkey 30]

If I lived in Michigan and within an hours drive of the Joe, I'd likely try and make it out to about 20 games a year. If the imminent birth of my child didn't fall at the same time as the winter west coast road trip, I'd be driving to either Anaheim or Phoenix to catch a game this season. Unless of course I couldn't afford it, and that would also likely be the case if I lived in Michigan. The power bill has to come before Wings tickets, even for the die-hards.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

I'll let you know when I have an extra ticket.

As far as Detroit being safe/not safe. I think Detroit is THE safest city in Michigan. Why because everyone knows where to go and not go. The homeless aren't that bad, treat them with respect and say sorry I don't have anything or reach into your pocket and give them some change it isn't that bad. Stay within the bounds of the water, 375, 75 and the casinos and you'll be just fine.

Come to Lansing, and they start robbing you at the capital (sorry had to say it) But here in Lansing there are no bounds people get robbed anywhere here. Same with stabbings and shootings. Your neighbor could go off at any moment. And I should know, I work for the fire department. Point is Detroit is safe. Stay downtown, you'll be fine.

As far as you're not a fan if you don't go to the games, what about the fans that don't live close. There are pleanty of people that bleed wings who just don't live close enough to go.

We should all be happy people aren't going, then may be we'll get lower bowl tickets.

detroit's the safest city in michigan?!? uh...what?

[OsGOD 3]

I just figured you weren't even going to give money bags $18!

I would only give him $18 and no more but then again, i really don't want to sit in those seats... i know i used to say there isn't a bad place at the joe but well now that I am watching my money... ALL LIES.... they suck!

I will probably go down to see a game or two... When Roenick or Sergei are in town.

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

Thoughts I had while reading this thread.

1. The Red Wings for a long time have counted on their season ticket base to get them to the sold out point. Season ticket numbers are down this season. I seem to recall that they had a long waiting list for season tickets. They blew through the waiting list this year.

2. People coming in from other parts of the state and region are feeling the economic crunch the same as Detroit is. I know that I took a 25% pay cut in the last year and it still hasn't recovered. Paying the house payment, utilities, and taxes come first.

3. Many people don't even think that tickets are available for games. I know that I used to check frequently for tickets availability only to find that there were only single seats left at the Joe. If I was going alone, that was great! I had some pretty sweet seats when I decided to go down there solo, but if you want to bring a friend or 2, where is the fun in single seats? "Meet you at the trough."

4. Gas prices, whole they have come down, are still not what I would call, "conducive to trips to Detroit," especially when you are looking at a 300 mile round trip.

Additionally I think that there are people that stopped watching hockey, or at least curtailed their hockey viewing, because of the lost season. Maybe they want to start watching again this season, but with all of the changes the personnel of the team have seen recently, it is going to take people a little time to reacquaint themselves with the team.

For now, I am going to keep my hockey games local, and see the Griffins whenever I can.

I have lower bowl seats for the opening night on October 20th, and they only cost me $17 each.

[Guest DetroitIan]

OK folks, I'm not trying to make excuses for non sell out crowds at the Joe but in light of the poor economy I did some research on arena capacities. The attendance at the Joe last night was 17,610. In the following arenas that would have been a sell out or beyond

Arrowhead Pond(Ducks)

Reunion Arena(Stars)

San Jose Arena(Sharks)

America West Arena(Coyotes)

Skyreach Centre(Oilers)

Gaylord Entertainment Center(Nashville)

Nassau Coliseum(Islanders)

Mellon Arena(Pittsburgh)

Fleet Center(Bruins)

EXACTLY.

[LordLoki 0]

There are several causes for the non-sellout most of which have already been mentioned. (Economy, ticket prices, schedule…) I think the biggest problem is interest from the casual fans. By casual I am talking about the fans who don’t always know who the next game is against or what last nights score was. The NHL needs to appeal more to the families who go to the games just because it is something fun to do with their kids. Right now most of their fans are longtime fans who have always watched on television and have always gone to games.

The media coverage for the NHL in general is horrible. This year I saw a grand total of 0 commercials for the NHL leading up to this season. I wouldn’t even have known the season was starting had I not already been a fan. You can’t expect to bring in new fans if no one even knows your season is about to begin. Detroit is not immune to this problem. Now that the Red Wings aren’t the only winning team in town money from the casual sports fan is going to be divided further. Without any real media coverage or promotion you can’t expect to draw in any of those people.

[OsGOD 3]

There are several causes for the non-sellout most of which have already been mentioned. (Economy, ticket prices, schedule…) I think the biggest problem is interest from the casual fans. By casual I am talking about the fans who don’t always know who the next game is against or what last nights score was. The NHL needs to appeal more to the families who go to the games just because it is something fun to do with their kids. Right now most of their fans are longtime fans who have always watched on television and have always gone to games.

Damn straight

Whalers for instance the NHL of tomorrow... 4 tickets (front row), 4 pops, 4 hottogs and 2 programs for $44 plus only $4 for up front parking... NICE!