OSU Hockey Attendance: Why The Decline?
OSU Hockey Attendance: Why The Decline?
During football season the attendance is always down.
While this is absolutely true, it has NOT been business as usual this Fall.
During the Schottenstein Center era, we've usually been able to count on a base of 3,000 fans, regardless of the time of year or opponent. Then, when the dates and/or the opponents become more attractive, we build up from there. The bottom has fallen out this year, with some crowds closer to 1,000. As such, CCHAfan's question is appropriate and timely. It's also a serious problem. The lack of support has been noticeable; it may have even had an impact on player morale.
OK, except for Michigan games, filling the Schott just isn't realistic for Buckeye Hockey. Nevertheless, there's a big difference between an enthusiastic crowd of 5k, and a laid back crowd of 1k. We all want a successful program. But to get there, everyone has to do their part -- including the fan base.
Why the decline? I've got some thoughts, but I'm also somewhat puzzled. Thinking out loud:
1. Competition From Buckeye Football
Always relevant in Columbus. And yet, it's hard to see why this would be especially problematic in 2009. While the Football team continues to contend at the conference level, national title aspirations were largely gone before the first puck was dropped. Perhaps more directly on point, the secondary market for Football tickets softened noticeably after the USC loss. Just as importantly, Men's Hockey hasn't played at home on Football Saturdays. The only such conflict comes up on November 14th. Ultimately, the local obsession with OSU FB explains the long term pattern of small crowds in the fall, but not this year's drop.
2. Competition From Blue Jackets Hockey
Maybe this is the culprit. Maybe. The CBJ are coming off their best season, which included the first ever playoff series. Although the first round series ended with a home loss, the atmosphere at Game 4 was absolutely awesome. That's a tough act to follow, for either OSU Hockey or the CBJ themselves. If some portion of the still modest Columbus hockey community has switched their attention from the Schott to Nationwide, I suppose it would be understandable. And yet, the Blue Jackets aren't selling out either.
3. It's the Economy, Stupid
Again, maybe. But the tickets here are relatively inexpensive. And starting this year, OSU students are admitted free. If anyone should be suffering from the current economy, it's the CBJ with their pricier ducats.
4. Unattractive Opponents
Granted, there was a name recognition issue with Quinnipiac. Hard core fans know that QU is now in the ECAC, and is on the rise in the college hockey world. The casual hockey fan, not so much. But Denver is a top program. They won a Frozen Four
in Columbus. They brought a Top 5 team to town this year. If you've been paying attention at all, you know about the Pioneers.
Poor non-conference schedule? I don't buy it. If anything, the first set of games on this year's slate was relatively attractive.
5. The Fans Expected a Losing Season
On the paper, this edition of the Buckeyes should be ready to make a move
up the standings. But everyone knows that just when hopes are highest, this team always disappoints, correct?
Well... I'd say that's unlikely to be the cause. Hard core fans have noticed this trend, including many who regularly post on this thread. But I haven't heard many casual fans espouse the theory. "OK, things are looking good, let's jump ship" simply runs counter to human nature.
Bottom Line: It's still an open question. I'd certainly be interested in anyone else's thoughts.
For now, the best thing that could happen is that we draw decent crowds for Northern Michigan. If that winds up being the case, maybe the slow start at the gate can be dismissed as an anomoly. We shall see.
...It will pick up after football is over. Michigan will draw the usual 11000 or so a game in december.
Here's to hoping. But this issue has caught my attention and I remain concerned.
