From a fan,
Hockey is unlike any other sport when it comes to the fan base. Like many sports this is a form of entertainment yes but this is also an experience and for some it is a lifestyle. This lifestyle is based on the history you build with your team. Over the year the fans build this history and make it their own getting truly invested in all aspects of the team, the game and the experience of making it the game we have true passion for. We cheer on the team on the ice no matter what the standings record is currently. Yes winning adds to the overall excitement to this experience. When your team is losing the fans can only do so much. To ensure the experience is something for your fans both loyal and new. New hockey fans need but to only come to one game where the arena is pumped up in full support of the team. You can not just leave this to the fans to create this experience. As team owners you have a responsibility to add to the atmosphere.
You will always have your hard core dedicated fans. These are going to be your fans that are the most vocal about things and have been around for years. Owners come and go but these fans are always the ones to keep up the history and traditions of the team they have been a part of for years. These are the fans who clean up behind every owner to keep the team atmosphere alive is all aspects of the fandom. You can not just push these fans off to the side because you want to make changes. You can always try new changes but these are the fans you should be listening to if this is working or not and if these changes compromise the long standing traditions that they have built around the team. Some owners push changes that are not working and then they decide to vilify this fan base as to almost push them out the door. This is the wrong approach to take as these fans that are part of this solid core take note how things are handled and this affects your attendance to the games. Over the years I have seen this over and over and it takes time to bring these fans back to the game because of ownership decisions made and how the fan based was treated during these events.
Now as a personal note when you invest twenty years or more through winning and losing seasons to a team that does not seem to want to listen to the season ticket holders that is a problem. And by problem it is concerning to see that a team is on the brink of a mass exodus of the season ticket holders. I am sure these will still be loyal fans from afar and follow the team, just not in person. Once you as a owner have pushed out your bread and butter fans they are hard to get back into your arena where you need them. Your attendance decline is nothing but fault of your own.
Now how to you turn this ship around? Well start listening to your most vocal fans. They want nothing more than for the team to be successful. They want to see that seats full at the arena. They want to share and spread the team traditions and history for many years to come. They want to have their kids grown up in the arena and one day still bring their grand kids to the arena to give the the same experience that they provided to their kids. They want their kids to become the future of season ticket holders and make these games family outing events and enjoy the game and the team as their family grows. They are the ones who want to make sure they bring friends to the games and have them also take in the experience. Again each game should be an experience and not a way to just say you own a team. You have to show your energy around the fans and engage them often to ensure that you keep they fans and they feel appreciated for coming.
For the owner that dismiss and expel your fans shame on you. Give your changes a try but be open the the feedback both good, bad and ugly.
As always remember to fan your way.
