TM - I agree with you on the attendance numbers here on the east coast. I can't speak for Jersey - maybe their fans are bored with the trap
- but I can speak for myself.
From 1993 thru 1998 I lived in central Connecticut. Went to about 10 Whaler games a year before they left plus I averaged 20 B's games plus playoffs. For a B's game, it was a 2 hr drive one way. No problem. But a real funny thing happened when the Fleet was being built. The ownership realized all the $$ had to go to the new arena. They let the team go down the slide to where they are just good enough not to be awful. They were awful that one year before getting Burns, Joe T & Sergei.
Now, The Delaware North Company cares about the bottom line. It's so obvious it's desgusting. Instead of hosting a possible 16 NHL playoff games - there is Matchbox 20, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen at the Fleet. Plus, the Celtics have to pay rent to play there. Such the deal for the bottom line. Not only are you replacing the 16 hockey dates, with concerts you are filling floor seats too. Even more people to buy cotton candy, beer and souveniers.
The Bruins are putting all their eggs in one "basket" called a salary cap. Harry Sinden & Company have usually been decent evaluating talent - so if the cap comes into play, the Bruins could be a solid legitamate contender again. If no cap - they are done. Anyway, as these changes came about - we all got a little older and smarter here. Ticket prices are some of the most expensive in the country, parking here is a joke. No lie, $25-30 to park at some of the lots. HORNS almost had a heart attack when we told him that one last week.
This past season, I went to 4 games. Three of them were freebies. If those owners based in Buffalo, NY want my money - a lot of changes are gonna have to happen on Causeway Street before I go back full force. Yes, winning is the most important thing to a fan - this isn't grade school. Everyone doesn't get a mini Stanley Cup for trying.
Long winded and I'm sorry for that but there are a lot of people in the Boston area that feel the way I do. Otherwise, the Fleet would be full for B's game every night...Just like the old days at the "Gahden"
