NBA teams are averaging 17,217 fans per game through Dec. 8, up just over 1% compared to the same period last season. The Bulls continue to lead all teams at the gate after topping the NBA in home attendance last season. Bulls games at United Center are seeing a slight bump from the same point last year, with the building filled to nearly 105% capacity. Among other Eastern Conference teams, the Pistons and Pacers are seeing the biggest gains. Attendance at the Palace of Auburn Hills is up 17%, while Bankers Life Fieldhouse is seeing a 16% jump. Conversely, the 76ers are seeing the league's sharpest drop at the gate. Attendance at Wells Fargo Center is down 14%. See tomorrow's issue for Western Conference figures (THE DAILY).
|
NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE THROUGH DEC. 8
|
| TEAM |
GMS
|
TOTAL
|
AVG.
|
% CAP.
|
PREV.
|
% +/-
|
GMS ('12-13)
|
| Bulls |
8
|
175,009
|
21,876
|
104.6%
|
21,580
|
1.4%
|
11
|
| Knicks* |
10
|
198,120
|
19,812
|
100.0%
|
19,033
|
4.1%
|
7
|
| Heat |
11
|
216,609
|
19,692
|
100.5%
|
19,867
|
-0.9%
|
10
|
| Raptors |
9
|
163,253
|
18,139
|
91.6%
|
18,762
|
-3.3%
|
7
|
| Cavaliers |
9
|
162,600
|
18,067
|
87.9%
|
17,596
|
2.7%
|
8
|
| Celtics |
10
|
177,574
|
17,757
|
95.3%
|
18,624
|
-4.7%
|
11
|
| Nets |
8
|
141,856
|
17,732
|
100.0%
|
17,051
|
4.0%
|
10
|
| Wizards |
9
|
149,793
|
16,644
|
82.0%
|
15,498
|
7.4%
|
9
|
| Pacers |
9
|
147,976
|
16,442
|
90.5%
|
14,229
|
15.6%
|
8
|
| Magic |
10
|
160,171
|
16,017
|
85.0%
|
17,577
|
-8.9%
|
9
|
| Bobcats |
11
|
165,336
|
15,031
|
78.8%
|
15,174
|
-0.9%
|
12
|
| Pistons |
11
|
162,895
|
14,878
|
70.1%
|
12,637
|
17.7%
|
10
|
| Bucks |
10
|
144,331
|
14,433
|
77.1%
|
13,961
|
3.4%
|
9
|
| Hawks |
10
|
142,719
|
14,272
|
78.8%
|
13,856
|
3.0%
|
10
|
| 76ers |
12
|
161,181
|
13,432
|
66.1%
|
15,652
|
-14.2%
|
12
|
| E.C. TOTALS |
147
|
2,469,423
|
16,799
|
86.0%
|
16,704
|
0.6%
|
143
|
| NBA TOTALS |
302
|
5,199,652
|
17,217
|
90.1%
|
16,977
|
1.4%
|
291
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES: All attendance data is based on totals posted immediately following games. Figures do not reflect any subsequent adjustments made by teams or the league. * = Renovation at Madison Square Garden increased capacity from 19,033 to 19,812 this season.
