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| Ron Niebrugge |
Opine:
Lately in the National Hockey League media, Las Vegas has seemingly moved ahead of Seattle as the supposed next city for expansion, or perhaps relocation.
This despite not good statistical support if one does some research.
There are related Canadian sites I have read, but here is one from the United States of America, the New York Times, for example:
New York Times 2013 May 31
Based on Google search numbers:
Las Vegas, approximately 5% avid hockey fans & approximately 91, 000 fan population.
Seattle, approximately 5% avid hockey fans & approximately 241, 000 fan population.
By the way
Phoenix which has a team, approximately 6% avid hockey fans & approximately 263, 000 fan population.
In the media Phoenix is often labelled a poor market and a relocation candidate with Florida (Greater Miami) but has a difficult arena deal, and is compared unfavourably to supposedly superior Seattle.
Toronto (Second team at Air Canada Centre for example) 52% avid hockey fans & approximately 5 million fan population.
Quebec City approximately 48% avid hockey fans & approximately 530, 000 fan population.
Evidence and arguments for fan base work against Las Vegas in comparison to Seattle and especially Toronto and Quebec City.
Evidence and arguments for greater numbers of growing avid new fans work against Las Vegas as there would likely be more casual hockey fans to become avid hockey fans in markets where hockey is more culturally important.
Unless there are other issues I am not aware of, in regard to hockey business anyway, it seems the Canadian candidates are easily the best two financially.
Seems to me many NHL commentators since they work for corporations contractually associated with the League, lack objectivity in regard to League business issues and at times serve as shills.
Something to philosophically ponder on in regard to media...
