After 307 NBA games played this season, about 47,000
fewer total tickets were sold, compared to the same period
last season, according to Mike Wise of the N.Y. TIMES, who
reported that the league is averaging 300 fewer paid fans a
game than it was "nearly two months into last season."
While the numbers "represent only a slight decline, the
visual evidence is striking ... Vast empty spaces can be
seen throughout the N.B.A." NBA agent Keith Glass, on
attendance: "We're pricing people out of these arenas,
that's what happening. Who is compelling out there right
now?" NBA Commissioner David Stern last week said
attendance figures "need improvement ... They always have
and they continue to need improvement. It's hard work,
given the entertainment options that people have, given all
the things they can do." Wise added that "what must be
particularly distressing" for the league is the lagging
attendance at new arenas in L.A., Denver, Atlanta and
Indianapolis. Wise: "Only the new home of the Pacers has
sold out nightly." Stern, asked whether the NBA has "rested
somewhat on its laurels" over the years in terms of filling
seats: "We used to be the hungriest. And although we
continue to preach hunger, some of our teams have gotten a
little bit complacent as the market changes. We're
committed to being current" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/19). In
Minneapolis, Dan Barreiro quoted one NBA spectator who said
that a night out at the Target Center for his family a four
cost him $200: "For a lousy basketball game! The seats are
too high up. You can't tell KG from Wally the Beer Man."
Barreiro: "Most hometown fans used to be able to view the
act of going to a game as an emotional investment. Now,
many cannot help but look at the experience as a financial
investment" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/19). Spurs G
Steve Kerr, on the state of the league: "It's not much fun
to play, and it's not much fun to watch. The NBA offenses
have become very stagnant" (Bergen RECORD, 12/19).
LOCAL NUMBERS: In IL, Paul Ladewsky wrote that the
Bulls announced their 575th consecutive sellout Saturday at
the United Center, despite an estimated 4,000 empty seats
(DAILY SOUTHTOWN, 12/19)....Yesterday's Lakers-Raptors game
drew 19,800 fans, the Raptors' first sellout this season at
Air Canada Centre (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/20).
OH BLEEP, REF! BLOOMBERG's Scott Soshnick reports that
NBC is in "discussions" with the NBA and NBPA to have
referees wear microphones during network telecasts. NBPA
Exec Dir Billy Hunter, on the plan: "I have some concerns.
In the heat of battle, sometimes players and even referees
say things. It's about what kind of image we want to
project" (BLOOMBERG, 12/20).