J.D. Power yesterday released the results from a fan experience study of 11 sports markets. In DC, Josh Luckenbaugh notes the Capitals have the "best fan experience" in that market, while the Redskins have the "worst." On the 1,000-point scale, the Capitals received a "score of 797." Close behind were the Wizards at 787, the Nationals "coming in third with a 764" and with a "748, the Redskins finished last, even topped by DC United at 752" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/17). Meanwhile, in Chicago, Katie Smith notes the survey found the White Sox "ranked No. 1 in fan satisfaction among Chicago-area" pro teams, knocking the Fire "down a spot from last year's rankings." After the White Sox and Fire came the Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and Bears, respectively. The White Sox "scored highest in game arrival, ticket purchase, food and beverage, and fans' experience leaving the game." The Bears "fell to the bottom of the rankings, with the lowest scores across the board" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 8/17). In New Jersey, Margaret Schmidt notes the Red Bulls scored 819, the "highest among 67 teams surveyed." That was a "notch above the fan experience" at Devils games at Prudential Center and "miles higher than the Giants and Jets at MetLife Stadium, where traffic for the happy or sad trip home was a big factor in ranking them at the bottom for the region" (JERSEY JOURNAL, 8/17).
STAYING PATRIOTIC: In Boston, Olivia Vanni noted the Patriots "came out on top" of a Channel Media & Market Research survey of New England-area sports fans' favorite team, winning over 51% of the vote. Trailing behind them were the Red Sox (24%), the Bruins (13%), the Celtics (10%) and the Revolution (2%). Talking ownership, Patriots Owner Robert Kraft earned 75% of fans’ approval, a 42% increase since '13. Red Sox Owners John Henry and Tom Werner followed "far behind" with 12% approval (BOSTON HERALD, 8/17).
