The '16-17 season will be the Red Wings' last at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit, Ted Kulfan reports the team on Thursday "released a list of 'Farewell Season at The Joe' events and plans." Players will wear a patch commemorating the arena's final season "on their sweaters." The logo -- four stars "beneath the 'Farewell Season' phrase noting the four Stanley Cups won during the JLA years -- will be used for various events and merchandising" (DETROIT NEWS, 2/12).
WHITE LIGHTNING: In Tampa, Joe Smith notes the Lightning on Thursday announced season-ticket prices for next season "will increase by an average" of 7%. No season-ticket holder "will see an increase of more than $6 per game per seat" except for Chase Club members. Nearly 30% of all seats at Amalie Arena "will be priced at $30 or less for season ticket members next season, with an entry level price point of $21 per game." Tickets "will increase by a range" of 1.8% to 10.5%, depending on seat location (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/12).
NOT SO FAST: In Miami, Barry Jackson notes the Atlantic Division-leading Panthers' average home attendance "has gone from 11,265 last season (30th and last) to 14,831 (25th)." Television ratings "have doubled in the past month, but perspective is needed there." Panthers games on FS Florida average just above a 0.2 in the Miami market, though "January games averaged a 0.4" and last Saturday's game against the Penguins got a 0.6 (MIAMIHERALD.com, 2/12).
POWER TO THE PEOPLE: In Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Bloom wrote the Penguins on Wednesday celebrated the adoption of Andrew W.K.'s song "Party Hard" as the team's goal song. W.K. and Penguins fan Nicholas Doblick, who "started a petition on his blog" for the Pens to play the song after goals, were guests of the team for their game against the Rangers. As fans "started to tweet their support" for the petition, the team "took notice" and officially made the song its post-goal celebration in late October. The fact that a single fan "could persuade a team to change its goal song speaks to how social media has democratized the fan experience" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 2/11).
