Canucks’ fan satisfaction needs overhaul
April 27th, 2008 by thewordbirdIn a not-so-recent article on ESPN’s website (compiled last year), a comprehensive survey looked at comparing many of the professional sports team’s fan satisfaction ratings. Although somewhat dated, it provides (at least) a prior view of the Vancouver Canucks’ in terms of the little successes that may go unnoticed, and on a scale with other franchises and takes into account the triumphs the team goes through as well.
It ranks the Vancouver Canucks as 74th of 122 pro North American sporting franchises.
Among the categories is a ‘bang for the buck’ rating, in which they divide total costs (tickets+parking+concessions, etc.) by team wins over a three season span to determine a raw value. It is then adjusted for differences between leagues, bestowing a final value.
The Canucks’ organization showed-up lackluster according to the 80,000 contacted through Sportsnation, and were burdened by glaring weaknesses in a couple categories. In no category did the Canucks crack the top twenty-five and in no way was the survey biased against the NHL. In fact, the Buffalo Sabres were the highest-ranked franchise in the entire survey. The Ducks, Predators and Hurricanes were also stationed in the top ten, adding brilliance to the NHL’s existence. The Canucks ranked quite poorly at 26th in the NHL, while the Black Hawks hold the dubious distinction of 30th in the NHL and 118th of the 122 present in the rankings.
There are some things that do not jive in the rankings though. I realize that compiling any type of rankings system is going to have challenges and areas in which the structure is and should be, questioned (much like draft predictions and ‘mock’ drafts of players).
For example, a quick look at the ‘TTR’ section (Title Track) will tell you that the Carolina Hurricanes placed #1 overall, the Red Wings #3 and the Black Hawks doddled in at #121. Now I understand the fact that the ‘Canes won the Cup just a couple years ago, probably when the sporting world had taken notice of Carolina for that fact. Yes, the Red Wings should be recognized for their multiple Stanley Cups/Division Titles and high ranking, but to decide that the Black Hawks should receive a ranking of 121st? They have won the Stanley Cup three times! Of course, none in recent memory of most fans, with the ‘Hawks conceding the Finals in 91-92 to the Scotty Bowman led Penguins. The mighty Columbus Blue Jackets however, rank 106th though…..strange. Les Habs were not thought of very highly here either, which is a bit suspect would you not agree?
So, read into the article as much as you would either like to or wish to, but I would certainly like to give it some thought and perhaps the Vancouver franchise should strive under the newest and freshest regime in the National Hockey League to give its fans all that it can.
I would love to hear your comments and suggestions on this issue. That would include feedback from games you have attended with special attention to other franchises in comparison, etc. I’ve provided the link to the ESPN article below:
http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/franchiseRanks?sort=bang_rank&marketId=all&sport=nhl&year=2007
“After years of absentee (and Yankee) John McCaw, fans were happy to see co-owner (and Vancouver homeboy) Francesco Aquilini and his family purchase the remaining 50% of his shares. And now they present a list of grievances to the new bosses. Seeing the Canucks miss the playoffs for the first time since 2000 sat poorly, especially when the privilege of watching the entire sub par season at GM Place ran $3,331.83, an NHL chart topper. Yeah, signing Vezina candidate Roberto Luongo was a sweet move. But the league’s fourth-most-expensive 16-ounce beer ($6.31) leaves a bitter taste.” – ESPN footnote
April 27, 2008
Robin Keith Thompson
2 Responses to “Canucks’ fan satisfaction needs overhaul”
By Jason C on May 9, 2008
I can usually afford to attend one Canucks game a year, and it really puts a dent in my bank account. I can tell you that although as a hockey fan it was worth every penny, it may not be for the casual fan, which the NHL insists on reaching out to.
When that’s coupled with “boring” hockey, it makes it even worse.
By thewordbird on May 11, 2008
Exactly Jason.
When I first moved to Vancouver I attended six games the first year, four the next and then subsequently less and less. The last game I went to in person was a few years ago when they hosted the Flyers in what was a New Year’s Eve ‘tradition’ between the two clubs. I was also sad to see that go by the wayside, but that is commentary for another day.
All in all, I dig junior hockey’s value-hands down.