Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Sean this is not meant to be a slam at you, but for yourself and several other fans there probably isn't a price you wouldn't pay to attend a BU hockey game, and there's nothing wrong with that if you're enjoying it. However, simply look around at the empty seats the next time you're there. So, to sum up because we've gotten a bit in the weeds here:
BU hockey is my entertainment for the year and I currently find the cost/value in my season tickets to be worth it. I don't go to the movies that often, and in fact I have been to more movies this past year than the previous dozen combined. I used to go to the theater and concerts regularly, but stopped many years ago due to the ever escalating cost of those tickets (compare what those cost to a BU hockey game). Yet families go to concerts despite the cost, so it really all comes down to what is most important to each person. For me that is watching BU hockey (men and women) and I've passed on movies, theater shows and concerts to be able to attend BU games.
1) BU is charging more overall (tix, parking, most likely concessions) than a more successful program up the street.
One that is having as much, or more, trouble selling tickets despite lower ticket prices.
2) Fans aren't showing up most likely because of the cost/value of attending. The arena is half empty.
The attendance figures I posted for Hockey East teams since 2001 seem to show that winning, especially in the post season, or a star player brings in the fans. BU's attendance for this season is down from last season, but still up from it's low of 2013-14. BU is averaging 71% capacity this season, much higher than your statement that it is half empty. In fact BC is closer to your half empty as it is averaging 59% capacity this season. The more causal fans may well be waiting for BU to do even better before returning, but they are not doing as badly as you indicate. If the team continues to improve then attendance should improve, if not this season then next season.
3) While the product on the ice argument is a good one, we're coming off a Beanpot win, HE championship, and NCAA runner up. If we can't fill the arena now, when praytell WILL we fill it?
Most likely never. The first full season Agganis was open the average attendance was 5,569, 89.5% of capacity and it has never been higher. But look at BC: after winning their first NCAA title in 52 seasons back in 2001 attendance in 2001-02 averaged 5,284, just 67% capacity. Even in 2012-13, after their third NCAA title in five seasons, attendance peaked at 6,384, 81% capacity.
4) BU is charging NHL level prices (not necessarily Bruins) for tickets and beer. To watch college hockey.
But the Bruins are the local NHL team and BU is not charging Bruins' prices. Its fine to say BU is charging the same as the Panthers or Islanders do (for some tickets), but what would it cost me to get to a Panthers' or Islanders' home game? I looked and a flight on Southwest from Manchester to Fort Lauderdale would cost a family of four who planned in advance around $1455.84 ($363.96 x 4) at least plus $112 for the four tickets (including all fees and charges). And even though I could drive to Brooklyn for an Islanders game the gas for my trip to see BU play at MSG cost $69, so once you add that to the cost of 4 obstructed view seats at $111.80 (including all fees and charges) it would cost me $180.80, plus parking. That is still more than the cost of attending a BU game at Agganis. That puts the cheaper NHL game tickets in perspective for someone who lives in the Boston area.
5) If the arena was full, supply and demand would dictate higher prices. It isn't.
No, that is what the re-seller market dictates. BU, and BC, NU, UNH, and the rest of the DI schools set prices just like NHL teams do, based on what they believe will bring in the maximum revenue, not what will sell the most tickets. We have no idea how many more tickets would be sold at a lower price, but BU likely does. I know that in previous seasons they dropped some ticket prices for select games as the season progressed. BU also reduced season tickets in 2014, however, slightly, but I don't know if individual ticket prices were also reduced.
When I was in school BU hockey was fun. Students were rocking out the place. 20 years later we still attend the games. Nowadays what will the student and recent grad experience be? A half filled arena charging too much money? Not a good way to build the fan base IMHO.
When my wife attended BU in the mid-80s attendance declined every season. It was still enjoyable and attendance started increasing as the team got more talented players and then got better on the ice and won more games. I'm expecting attendance to continue to increase the next several seasons as top talent continues to arrive at BU.
Sean
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