Attendance set to skyrocket for the Chicago Blackhawks
Photo credit: Dailyherald.com
Despite what seemed like an imminent drop post-honeymoon phase for Bedard, the Blackhawks have defied expectations. Kyle Davidson and his team have been rewarded generously by the fans, who continue to flock to games even as the team remains outside contender status.
According to the latest analytics, overall NHL attendance has risen by 1.9%, with Blackhawks fans playing a significant role in this uplift. The team's average attendance skyrocketed from 17,167 in the 2022-2023 season to 18,836 in the 2023-2024 season, placing them fourth behind stalwarts like the Canadiens, Lightning, and Red Wings. This represents a significant 9.7% increase year-over-year, just shy of the league-leading Panthers at 11.7%.
«The two leading drivers for [our] attendance increases are, No. 1, the Connor Bedard effect, and the second is our increase in our weekend games,»
stated Jaime Faulkner, Hawks business president, earlier this week.With Bedard also a favorite for the Calder Trophy, his influence has galvanized fan interest, leading to impressive attendance figures. The strategic increase in weekend games also boosted attendance, with 25 of the team's 41 home games scheduled on weekends, leading to higher fan engagement.
The Hawks averaged 19,196 fans at weekend games, up from 18,257 the year before (a 5.1% increase). Meanwhile, they averaged 18,272 at weekday games, up from 16,226 the year before (a 12.6% increase),
noted the Blackhawks. The team aims to maintain this weekend scheduling model for the 2024-25 season, although the complex calendar of the United Center might pose challenges.The Blackhawks have not only increased attendance but also diversified their fan base, focusing on engaging non-white, female, and Gen-Z demographics, who now rank among the largest in the league. This outreach is part of a broader strategy to keep the United Center buzzing and inclusive.
Despite a ticket price increase of 6%, and up to 20% for higher-demand 300-level seats, the Blackhawks have successfully retained fan loyalty with a 9.6% renewal rate since box office renewals opened on February 21st. Prices remain more accessible compared to 2021 levels, reflecting a strategic pricing approach that balances revenue with broad-based fan access.
«One thing that has been top-of-mind and very important to us is to ensure we can continue to have tickets available for our games and that we do not price families out,»
Faulkner emphasized.As the team continues to capitalize on the Bedard phenomenon and refine its operational strategies, the Blackhawks are poised for another bustling season, aiming to further enhance both the in-arena experience and the on-ice product in the coming season.
For more details on the Blackhawks' attendance strategy and future plans, visit the Chicago Sun-Times coverage of the team's outlook for the 2024-25 season at this link.
| POLL | ||
19 MAI | 75 ANSWERS Attendance set to skyrocket for the Chicago Blackhawks Do you believe that the Blackhawks will exhibit even greater excellence in the years 2024-2025? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 89.3 % |
| No | 8 | 10.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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