Hockey bringing record crowds to Verizon Center
The massive economic changes in the United States over the last six months have nothing to do with hockey. But Capitals owner Ted Leonsis believes outside forces generated by the downturn are propelling his team toward prosperity.
“Washington, D.C. has become the most important city in the country because it’s not just about politics any longer,” Leonsis said last week. “It’s now about money … and all of that action is now here in Washington. We are the new New York.”
Oilers at Capitals
When » Tuesday, 7
Where » Verizon Center
TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/980 AM
» The Caps have actually outdrawn one of the NHL’s six Canadian teams — The Edmonton Oilers.
» Edmonton sells out every home game at Rexall Place. But capacity at their arena is just 16,839 so the Oilers rank 18th in total attendance.
» Caps defenseman John Erskine (concussion) will return to the lineup tonight for the first time since Nov. 24. Forward Boyd Gordon (back spasms) will miss his third straight game.
Leonsis believes his team is poised to take advantage of the city’s elevated status. During hard economic times, Americans gravitate toward pursuits that bring relief — especially winning sports teams. No surprise then that the Caps are on pace to shatter the franchise record for attendance. Thanks to a young, exciting team and the presence of 23-year-old superstar Alex Ovechkin, Washington is 27-13-3 and considered a Stanley Cup contender.
The Caps have drawn seven consecutive sellout crowds to Verizon Center and 11 overall through 21 home games. Attendance though 21 home games last season averaged 13,837 per game. This season, that number has swelled to 17,960, a 30-percent increase. Washington ranks 13th in the NHL in attendance and eighth among the 24 teams based in the United States. The franchise record for a season average is 17,341, set in 2001-02.
Players credit those big crowds for their 18-2-1 home record, second-best in the league. And it isn’t just games, now, that draw a throng. During a New Year’s Eve practice last month — as always, open to the public — the team’s ice rink in Arlington was jammed with hundreds of fans hoping to get a glimpse of the city’s hottest club.
“It doesn’t matter now if we play or have practice, all the time lots of crowds and I can’t remember [it being like this],” Ovechkin said. “This is my fourth year and this is the best atmosphere ever in Washington.”
That doesn’t mean the Caps are profitable yet. Leonsis says his team will likely lose millions of dollars again this season and that ticket prices will increase next year. But with costs fixed thanks to the NHL salary cap, Leonsis still sees plenty of room for growth. That’s critical in a league that relies heavily on gate revenue because of smaller television contracts.
“Our work isn’t done, but we’re pacing a little bit ahead of our plan,” Leonsis said. “If we can win a Stanley Cup in the next couple of years we will totally flip. Because this city, loves, loves, loves the big winner.”
