One noticeable change at the Capitals’ preseason home opener on Monday night at Verizon Center was the Kevlar netting that protects fans in the lower levels from pucks that are shot or deflected into the stands. That was a change mandated by the NHL in time for the start of the 2002-03 season after a 13-year-old girl was struck and later died during a Columbus Blue Jackets’ game. And Verizon Center quickly complied with black netting surrounding both ends of the rink.
But thinking white netting would be easier to see through – and would look better on camera – Washington changed. Apparently, it didn’t go over well. According to Kurt Kehl, chief communications officer of Monumental Sports, Verizon Center’s guest services department received complaints during and after the game. The organization itself received more this morning. So, the Caps are re-evaluating.
“Other arenas have utilized the white netting and had positive results and feedback, but last night we had fans voice disapproval, Washington owner Ted Leonsis wrote on his blog, Ted’s Take. “We will take a closer look at it ASAP.”
Other arenas use white netting, including St. Louis and Philadelphia, where a glossy sheen drew some complaints early. But the complaints were strong enough the Caps can’t exactly afford to wait until the end of the season and see if fans get used to the idea. Several Washington players even mentioned their wives or girlfriends had trouble seeing the action from their seats down low. One said it was the first thing his girlfriend mentioned afterwards.
“We did it because we thought it would better for the fans and we thought it would be better for TV,” Kehl said. “And last night some fans voiced their disproval. None of the games have been on TV yet. So we’re going to get TV to come down and put it on camera and look at it. If it isn’t any better, if we didn’t accomplish our goal we’ll go back and take a look and use a prior netting.”
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