Hurricanes Warming Up To Smaller Home Crowds

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Hurricanes Warming Up To Smaller Home Crowds

Nov 7, 2003

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Despite a win Thursday, the Carolina Hurricanes are struggling to keep fans.

The Hurricanes average more than 12,600 fans per game. Their attendance rank has dropped from No. 19 to No. 27 of 30 teams in the NHL.

An Oct. 28 crowd of just over 9,500 was the smallest at the RBC Center since March 2001.

"I think we've had too many ties and a couple of loses. They've just lost their interest," fan Jamin Hamlett said.

Two seasons ago, Hurricanes fans stormed the RBC Center for playoff tickets, packing the RBC Center. Now, the average attendance is down from more than 15,000 to just over 12,000.

One fan said winning would turn things around.

"I really think we've got a really good team. And just for a few breaks, we would have been in some of those games. We would have won some of them," fan Eric Evenson said.

"Loyalty, you've got to support them. I mean, what do you do when you have a bad day? You want somebody to support you. So, that's what we're here for," another fan said following Thursday's win.

The team is also struggling financially. The Hurricanes lost $18 million last year and could lose even more this season, according to Davin Olsen, RBC Center general manager.

If the teams owners and players do not come to an agreement on a new contract, the league and the Hurricanes could sit idle.

"Everybody is concerned about the agreement," Olsen said. "I mean, it's very important to the success of not just the Hurricanes, but to all the NHL teams."

Olsen said, he met with Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford. They, along with the team's owner, are hopeful an agreement can be reached and that hockey will continue at the RBC Center next season.

Reporter: Ken Smith
Web Editor: Michelle Singer