Variety of factors contributing to lower Canadian NHL attendance

Variety of factors contributing to lower Canadian NHL attendance

…it shouldn’t be surprising that attendance through the first four weeks of the new NHL season is down from pre-pandemic levels for all seven Canadian NHL teams. The drop ranges from negligible (Vancouver) to substantial (Calgary) and it’s worth noting that each market faces different circumstances.

Like what?

The Ottawa Senators, for instance, have had declining attendance for several years now while enduring a rebuild, a fan disconnect with ownership, a failed proposal to build a new downtown arena and the departure of countless top players…

Recent past history, but what about this year?

In Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are staring down a combination of economic distress and the reluctance of fans on both ends of the current COVID-19 divide.

But there is more to it.

At the same time, pandemic habits need to be broken in all realms of life, from returns to the office to returns to the rink and some of the slack in ticket sales may be attributable there, too.

And with restrictions in place on one segment of the populations, ADDS to that.

People purchased tickets BEFORE the restrictions where only double-jabbed people are allowed to attend games, and the clubs refusing to allow refunds on those who are not allowed into the arenas (and can’t sell them to those who can/will attend), you will get empty seats.

Government is creating a system of separation of its citizens… a form of apartheid based on who has what drugs (and those that don’t) in their bodies.

You are restricting the number of fans who would WANT to attend the games in-person.

It also does not help that the average family CANNOT afford to attend these games of millionaires.

And when it comes to one’s financial side, when people are still struggling with jobs and labour shortages and threats of forced unpaid leave/job terminations, the luxury of seeing them in-person is low on the priority scale.

I have even seen spending for licensed sports apparel (jerseys, hats, hoodies, tees), go way day as many such stores have closed where I live that used to sell those items… the market is no longer there.

There are alot of reasons attendance is down.

This article only touches on a few.