Red Wings Have Empty Seats For Early-Round Playoff Games

Red Wings Seeing Some Empty Joe Louis Arena Seats At Playoff Games

Empty seats were a “common sight in the early rounds” of Red Wings Stanley Cup playoff games at Joe Louis Arena, according to Steve Pardo of the DETROIT NEWS. While “competition from the Pistons, the Tigers and even the weather may be partially responsible,” Red Wings Senior Dir of Communications John Hahn said, “The number one reason is the economy here in Detroit –- the layoffs and business closings here in the region. These are the people that come to the games.” Fan Rich Green said, “Given [the Red Wings’] playoff performances of the past few years, spending money to watch the game in person is an investment I don’t want to make.” Pardo noted season-ticket holders had to pay for the first two rounds in advance. Season-ticket holder Patricia Nemeth said, “Nobody likes it. And you don’t get your money back until next year (if they don’t advance). You don’t get any interest on your money back, either.” But FSN Detroit spokesperson Tim Bryant said the net has averaged an 8.9 cable HH rating for five Red Wings playoff telecasts. That translates to about 172,500 HHs; regular-season Wings games on FSN averaged less than 70,000 HHs (DETROIT NEWS, 5/12).

SABRES: In N.Y., John Branch wrote the Sabres, who play in the NHL’s smallest U.S. market, sold out all 41 regular-season games at the 18,690-seat HSBC Arena, and revenues “rise with every playoff game.” The Sabres are down 2-0 to the Senators in the Eastern Conference Finals. Sabres Owner Tom Golisano: “Chances are we’re going to make a profit this year. ... We can remain profitable as long as we play decent hockey. If the team were to evolve into a lower-echelon team, I think there would be significant concern about losing money.” Branch noted Golisano has “no plans to rescue other ailing sports franchises, unless it means helping western New York.” Golisano: “I would hate to see the Buffalo Bills leave the area. And if a situation arose where I needed to be involved in that, I probably would consider it” (N.Y. TIMES, 5/11).