Carolina Hurricanes: Attendance at PNC Arena on the rise

For several years the Carolina Hurricanes and their loyal fans were the subject of mocking and ridicule from fans around the NHL, due to the low attendances recorded at PNC Arena. But with the Canes’ upturn in form, attendance is on the rise.

Not so long ago, the Carolina Hurricanes were the poor relations of the National Hockey League. They had (and still do have) the longest active playoff drought in the league, and were rock bottom of the attendance tables. With new teams joining the league through expansion, and the ever-present threat of relocation hanging over the heads of Canes fans, it was a relief when new owner Tom Dundon purchased the team in January 2018.

What an impact Dundon’s arrival has had on the fortunes of the franchise.

Numbers don’t lie

The Carolina Hurricanes are, season to date, welcoming an average of 13,841 to each home game at PNC Arena. That is good for 28th in the league; while not fantastic, it’s still an improvement on 2017/18’s attendance. The Canes finished last season 29th in attendance, with an average of 13,320 at each game, and have hijacked the Florida Panthers in the attendance table.

Both these numbers are a significant improvement on 2016/17. Peter Karmanos’ last full season as owner of the Carolina Hurricanes saw the team finish dead last in the NHL – 30th – with a paltry average attendance of 11,776.

In a short space of time, Tom Dundon has realised an increase in average attendance of more than 2,000 per game – a 17% increase in attendance. The Carolina Hurricanes have finished in the bottom three in attendance in every season since 2014/15, so this represents quite the improvement on the last few years.

Why is attendance up this year?

There are two key factors in the increased attendance at PNC Arena this season. The first of those, the improved performance of the team, is vital to the team’s prospects in Raleigh. Just look at the Florida Panthers – they have been dire, and their attendance has dropped. Under rookie Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Carolina Hurricanes have flirted with the bottom of the league standings, but are now just five points off a wildcard spot. Having an exciting, competitive team is crucial for any NHL team.

The second factor is one that we have previously discussed, that of Tom Dundon’s improvements to the in-arena experience and the relationship between Carolina Hurricanes fans and the team. His efforts have helped to foster a much more positive atmosphere at home games, and a much more positive outlook on social media. Games are a lot more fun to attend thanks to themed nights, player engagement and special offers

Increased attendance was always going to be a part of new owner Tom Dundon’s plan for the Carolina Hurricanes, and he is already delivering in that regard. We have seen exciting new initiatives at games, more themed nights, and it helps that the on-ice product is as exciting as it has been for a decade or more.

Keep coming, keep supporting the team – let’s keep the fantastic atmosphere at PNC Arena going, and help our players into the playoffs.