Coyotes’ Attendance Problem is Not The Fans’ Fault

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2113 days ago

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has evolved the game of hockey in North America, specifically in the United States. His aim to grow the game of hockey has led to the creation of hockey teams in unlikely markets such as the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, and most recently, the Vegas Golden Knights. Although traditionalist hockey fans argue that hockey would never work and should never be in these markets, growing the game of hockey is essential to the sport itself. Unfortunately, trying to grow hockey in small markets can lead to growing pains.

Coyotes' Gila River Arena — Coyotes" Gila River Arena
Image by 1ShaniaFan via aviewfrommyseat.com

The Arizona Coyotes are one of the teams experiencing long-term growing pains. Even if the market in Phoenix is growing, there seems to be an ever so looming problem for the Yotes. Their attendance numbers are in the bottom five every season. One promising stat is that overall attendance by year is surprisingly consistent, regardless of how the team performs on the ice, and regardless of the presence of a hot-dog-eating machine. However, that still doesn"t hide the fact that their attendance is low. Are the fans the problem? Is hockey just not popular enough in Arizona?

Those questions aren"t the ones fans should be asking.

The Problems With the Stadium

The real questions lie in management decisions. Specifically, why on God"s green earth would you put Gila River Arena in such an inconvenient place as it is in Glendale, Arizona? Most teams who put their stadium far from the major city it represents usually don"t do well selling tickets when the team is underperforming (the Ottawa Senators, for example).

In addition, there is, quite literally, one way in and one way out of the stadium. This is mainly a problem due to the insanely difficult parking situation. It is one of the main complaints of the stadium. Coyotes fans have to deal with this and the high prices to park.

Another issue affecting attendance is the through-the-roof prices for food and beverages. One anonymous user on Google reviews mentions that “[you can buy] two margaritas for $45." Going to an expensive margarita joint would be half of the price of that. It"s hard to get people to come to the stadium when you have to sell an entire hockey franchise to buy a burger and some fries.

Overall, it"s safe to say that the blame for poor attendance at Coyotes games should not be put solely on the lack of interest. There are many other variables involved.