Ticket/Attendance Discussion: The Sequel

[Whis]

The biggest reason given by fans for ticket decrease have been economics or customer service. The economics of WPG haven't changed much in past year. It'll take years to rebuild the reputation of TNSE from the customers who felt exploited.

Local fans on this forum (the most die hard fans), what are your reasons for attending 0 games so far this year?

After a miserable playoffs, I think a 2k increase to start the year is great progress. Hopefully by Christmas we will see the place full night after night. Although, I think it will take season tickets to be up to 12k to fill the place on Sunday-Wednesday.

 

[DRW204]

Don’t care what the attendance was tonight (just under 13K?), atmosphere tonight felt more electric than any Jets games I’ve been to post pandemic (regular season, at least).

I expect Colorado on Thursday will be lit, as the kids say.

Yeah this is what I've been noticing too vs previous years. the team's better, music is better, crowd is better, the goal-songs are great too. on a bit of an unrelated note, the Jets have stepped their social media game up tremendously too.

 

[jetsmooseice]

Yeah this is what I've been noticing too vs previous years. the team's better, music is better, crowd is better, the goal-songs are great too. on a bit of an unrelated note, the Jets have stepped their social media game up tremendously too.

I agree. The vibes are better in the building this year. Game presentation, F&B, just the act of entering the building, everything is improved in some way. The winning obviously helps but you can tell there has been a lot of effort by the team staff into to making the experience better.

 

[Gm0ney]

The biggest reason given by fans for ticket decrease have been economics or customer service. The economics of WPG haven't changed much in past year. It'll take years to rebuild the reputation of TNSE from the customers who felt exploited.

Local fans on this forum (the most die hard fans), what are your reasons for attending 0 games so far this year?

After a miserable playoffs, I think a 2k increase to start the year is great progress. Hopefully by Christmas we will see the place full night after night. Although, I think it will take season tickets to be up to 12k to fill the place on Sunday-Wednesday.

I was a season ticket holder in P3 for 8 seasons. I dropped for a number of reasons.

- I got tired of the TNSE customer service attitude (got tired of that pretty quickly, but eventually just resented them for being continually inflexible, tone-deaf dicks to someone who'd spent over $80K on their product over that 8 year span).

- The ticket market really softened. Why am I paying $110/ticket to go to a Sabres game on a Tuesday in January while locked into a multi-year deal when I could get tickets to Chicago on a Friday night for $150 with no strings attached?

- The in-game experience went from "absolute pandemonium" to "funereal" in a pretty short span...and I still think TNSE carries a lot of the blame for that because they were consistently anti-fan/fun.

Anyway, while the pure economics of trading thousands per year x 4 year contract into a few Friday/Saturday night games made more sense, when it came down to it, I was fine not spending any money at all on tickets. Instead of taking the money I was spending on seasons and just picking and choosing games, I ended up not going to games at all and spend that money on travel.

 

[sipowicz]

The individual who scheduled any game on the same night as the US presidential election is an incompetent idiot.

Wasn’t aware Canadians were voting!

Seriously

 

[wpg1]

I was a season ticket holder in P3 for 8 seasons. I dropped for a number of reasons.

- I got tired of the TNSE customer service attitude (got tired of that pretty quickly, but eventually just resented them for being continually inflexible, tone-deaf dicks to someone who'd spent over $80K on their product over that 8 year span).

- The ticket market really softened. Why am I paying $110/ticket to go to a Sabres game on a Tuesday in January while locked into a multi-year deal when I could get tickets to Chicago on a Friday night for $150 with no strings attached?

- The in-game experience went from "absolute pandemonium" to "funereal" in a pretty short span...and I still think TNSE carries a lot of the blame for that because they were consistently anti-fan/fun.

Anyway, while the pure economics of trading thousands per year x 4 year contract into a few Friday/Saturday night games made more sense, when it came down to it, I was fine not spending any money at all on tickets. Instead of taking the money I was spending on seasons and just picking and choosing games, I ended up not going to games at all and spend that money on travel.

Sounds like you're the exact person they're trying to sell too. With the recent performance, enhanced fan experience, seemingly better customer service, and single year season tickets. Would you come consider coming back?

To clarify, I don't work for the Jets. I just love seeing a full building and hate having negative conversations around the attendance (even with it improving)

 

[Gm0ney]

Sounds like you're the exact person they're trying to sell too. With the recent performance, enhanced fan experience, seemingly better customer service, and single year season tickets. Would you come consider coming back?

To clarify, I don't work for the Jets. I just love seeing a full building and hate having negative conversations around the attendance (even with it improving)

That's the thing - you'd think I'd be the perfect target for a "Hey, come check us out again! Jets are a wagon! Here's a deal for our past STHs!" type of campaign, but I never hear anything from them. My email's the same, they still have my phone number, address, etc. Why aren't they going through that list of former STHs and seeing if they're maybe willing to get a mini pack? Marketing is not this organizations forte...

 

[Buffdog]

I was a season ticket holder in P3 for 8 seasons. I dropped for a number of reasons.

- I got tired of the TNSE customer service attitude (got tired of that pretty quickly, but eventually just resented them for being continually inflexible, tone-deaf dicks to someone who'd spent over $80K on their product over that 8 year span).

- The ticket market really softened. Why am I paying $110/ticket to go to a Sabres game on a Tuesday in January while locked into a multi-year deal when I could get tickets to Chicago on a Friday night for $150 with no strings attached?

- The in-game experience went from "absolute pandemonium" to "funereal" in a pretty short span...and I still think TNSE carries a lot of the blame for that because they were consistently anti-fan/fun.

Anyway, while the pure economics of trading thousands per year x 4 year contract into a few Friday/Saturday night games made more sense, when it came down to it, I was fine not spending any money at all on tickets. Instead of taking the money I was spending on seasons and just picking and choosing games, I ended up not going to games at all and spend that money on travel.

Your experience and mine are virtually identical, down to P3s and 8 years lol

 

[bustamente]

I was a season ticket holder in P3 for 8 seasons. I dropped for a number of reasons.

- I got tired of the TNSE customer service attitude (got tired of that pretty quickly, but eventually just resented them for being continually inflexible, tone-deaf dicks to someone who'd spent over $80K on their product over that 8 year span).

- The ticket market really softened. Why am I paying $110/ticket to go to a Sabres game on a Tuesday in January while locked into a multi-year deal when I could get tickets to Chicago on a Friday night for $150 with no strings attached?

- The in-game experience went from "absolute pandemonium" to "funereal" in a pretty short span...and I still think TNSE carries a lot of the blame for that because they were consistently anti-fan/fun.

Anyway, while the pure economics of trading thousands per year x 4 year contract into a few Friday/Saturday night games made more sense, when it came down to it, I was fine not spending any money at all on tickets. Instead of taking the money I was spending on seasons and just picking and choosing games, I ended up not going to games at all and spend that money on travel.

All great points

 

[VictoriaJetsFan]

Wasn’t aware Canadians were voting!

Seriously

Are you saying the election wasn't watched by Canadians?....in large numbers?

 

[White Out 902]

I don't live in Winnipeg, so that's why I don't go. When I used to live in Calgary, I would fly in once a year to see a game, or sometimes two, if I could plan it right. Living on the East Coast makes it very difficult to get out there, though. It's not just more expensive, it's a lot more time. The flight to Calgary from Winnipeg is 90 minutes or so, and flying to Winnipeg now from Cape Breton is going to be about a 10 or 11 hour endeavor.

For almost the same time and a little more money I can be in Croatia.

 

[AtomicJets]

I don't live in Winnipeg, so that's why I don't go. When I used to live in Calgary, I would fly in once a year to see a game, or sometimes two, if I could plan it right. Living on the East Coast makes it very difficult to get out there, though. It's not just more expensive, it's a lot more time. The flight to Calgary from Winnipeg is 90 minutes or so, and flying to Winnipeg now from Cape Breton is going to be about a 10 or 11 hour endeavor.

For almost the same time and a little more money I can be in Croatia.

Yeah but is Croatia 12-1?

 

[Channelcat]

Are you saying the election wasn't watched by Canadians?....in large numbers?

This particular election was bigger than most, and I agree it is interesting how invested we Canadians are in US politics. Many of my friends and family (sadly, myself included) follow it closer than we do Canadian politics. Probably not healthy

 

[ERYX]

The biggest reason given by fans for ticket decrease have been economics or customer service. The economics of WPG haven't changed much in past year. It'll take years to rebuild the reputation of TNSE from the customers who felt exploited.

Local fans on this forum (the most die hard fans), what are your reasons for attending 0 games so far this year?

After a miserable playoffs, I think a 2k increase to start the year is great progress. Hopefully by Christmas we will see the place full night after night. Although, I think it will take season tickets to be up to 12k to fill the place on Sunday-Wednesday.

I don't live in Winnipeg anymore, sadly, so I stand to be corrected, but I find it unlikely that Winnipeg is immune/not effected by the economic factors impacting the entire country. Although it's not been as high recently as in 2023, inflation has still been a factor and just because it's dropped from 12% to 4% prices are still going up and interest rates despite a few cuts are still higher than in 2020/2021 etc.

I continue to see articles and hear on CBC radio about foodbank use being at all-time highs, another indicator that times are tough. Home prices in Manitoba rose by 6% in the last year and the average price is just shy of $400,000, while wages remain pretty stagnant. Also carbon tax continues to go up each year increasing tax burden. I believe that all of these factors combine to make it increasingly difficult for people to afford luxuries. So I don't think we can say that the economy is not a factor. I know that I for sure have cut back my discretionary spending A LOT over the past two years -- I doubt Onterrible is that different from Manitoba conditions in this regard.

My dad had season's tickets from 2011 until 2022. He still attends about one game a month, but had to drop the season's tickets because he couldn't afford it anymore (granted he also retired around that time, but this is an economic factor too -- how many season ticket holders have retired, and then younger generations lack the capacity to fill their seats).

 

[Gm0ney]

I don't live in Winnipeg anymore, sadly, so I stand to be corrected, but I find it unlikely that Winnipeg is immune/not effected by the economic factors impacting the entire country. Although it's not been as high recently as in 2023, inflation has still been a factor and just because it's dropped from 12% to 4% prices are still going up and interest rates despite a few cuts are still higher than in 2020/2021 etc.

I continue to see articles and hear on CBC radio about foodbank use being at all-time highs, another indicator that times are tough. Home prices in Manitoba rose by 6% in the last year and the average price is just shy of $400,000, while wages remain pretty stagnant. Also carbon tax continues to go up each year increasing tax burden. I believe that all of these factors combine to make it increasingly difficult for people to afford luxuries. So I don't think we can say that the economy is not a factor. I know that I for sure have cut back my discretionary spending A LOT over the past two years -- I doubt Onterrible is that different from Manitoba conditions in this regard.

My dad had season's tickets from 2011 until 2022. He still attends about one game a month, but had to drop the season's tickets because he couldn't afford it anymore (granted he also retired around that time, but this is an economic factor too -- how many season ticket holders have retired, and then younger generations lack the capacity to fill their seats).

I don't know. Had Chipman never bought the Thrashers in 2011 and instead somehow finally bought the Coyotes this summer and this was Year 1 of Jets 2.0, I'm pretty sure the reaction would be the same as it was in the original Drive to 13,000. Sold out multi-year commitments in minutes.

Economic aftershocks of the pandemic are a contributing factor today, but just one more straw on the camel's back than the driving force.

 

[Section 325]

I've heard from several people that the area around the arena has become much more sketchy in the past few years. I've lived in Calgary since 2022 and I have only been to I think 2 games in Winnipeg since moving here? Both games, I took the bus to the arena and basically needed to walk about 30 feet to the doors so I never noticed this.

Is that a "thing"?

 

[jungles]

I've heard from several people that the area around the arena has become much more sketchy in the past few years. I've lived in Calgary since 2022 and I have only been to I think 2 games in Winnipeg since moving here? Both games, I took the bus to the arena and basically needed to walk about 30 feet to the doors so I never noticed this.

Is that a "thing"?

Not enough to worry about for attending a game.

 

[DRW204]

I've heard from several people that the area around the arena has become much more sketchy in the past few years. I've lived in Calgary since 2022 and I have only been to I think 2 games in Winnipeg since moving here? Both games, I took the bus to the arena and basically needed to walk about 30 feet to the doors so I never noticed this.

Is that a "thing"?

During the day it's worse. Just a straight up shit show full of the undesirables. But it's not that bad around the time of game, but I think that day-time reality bleeds into the perception.

 

[nobody imp0rtant]

I've heard from several people that the area around the arena has become much more sketchy in the past few years. I've lived in Calgary since 2022 and I have only been to I think 2 games in Winnipeg since moving here? Both games, I took the bus to the arena and basically needed to walk about 30 feet to the doors so I never noticed this.

Is that a "thing"?

You would be in serious danger of being assaulted. Not during the 30 foot walk, but on the bus ride.

I'm only half kidding. Transit has become very sketchy.

 

[roccerfeller]

Winnipeg area has grown by about 250,000 people too since the Jets returned in 2011 so there are people (essentially the population of metro Regina)

I do think the corporate side could still be pushed a bit more. Back in 2009ish when we were proponents of the nhl returning to Winnipeg, at that time there were more head offices in Winnipeg than either Edmonton or Ottawa (Edmonton has caught up and also has oil but Ottawa while wealthy and government centric, they can’t use government $ towards sports games and is reliant on the same corporate support avenues as winnipeg, and last time I looked more in depth, Winnipeg still had more head offices)

When you have a few posters saying their massive companies either don’t have season tickets or have less than 5 seats, that’s an issue. It’s incumbent on TNSE to be courting them and showing them they matter.

Once economy turns around it will be ok I think for the general public. Considering it’s 10k base right now, returning to 13k should be do-able

But that corp support needs to be aggressively targeted


The bigger picture here is despite the situation last year (worse than this year) and being a cap spending team they were still in the black and did not lose money. If coyotes lasted as long as they did losing as much money as they did, with the salary cap and revenue sharing, Jets will be ok in the long run. It’s an important discussion point and something to follow but there are no alarm bells to be sounded beyond the “hey let’s get butts in seats” bell Chipman rang last year

 

[sipowicz]

Are you saying the election wasn't watched by Canadians?....in large numbers?

Sorry but political coverage doesn't trump hockey with me!

Winnipeg area has grown by about 250,000 people too since the Jets returned in 2011 so there are people (essentially the population of metro Regina)

I do think the corporate side could still be pushed a bit more. Back in 2009ish when we were proponents of the nhl returning to Winnipeg, at that time there were more head offices in Winnipeg than either Edmonton or Ottawa (Edmonton has caught up and also has oil but Ottawa while wealthy and government centric, they can’t use government $ towards sports games and is reliant on the same corporate support avenues as winnipeg, and last time I looked more in depth, Winnipeg still had more head offices)

When you have a few posters saying their massive companies either don’t have season tickets or have less than 5 seats, that’s an issue. It’s incumbent on TNSE to be courting them and showing them they matter.

Once economy turns around it will be ok I think for the general public. Considering it’s 10k base right now, returning to 13k should be do-able

But that corp support needs to be aggressively targeted


The bigger picture here is despite the situation last year (worse than this year) and being a cap spending team they were still in the black and did not lose money. If coyotes lasted as long as they did losing as much money as they did, with the salary cap and revenue sharing, Jets will be ok in the long run. It’s an important discussion point and something to follow but there are no alarm bells to be sounded beyond the “hey let’s get butts in seats” bell Chipman rang last year

Sure WInnipeg has grown but the majority of newcomers know nothing about hockey and don't care and the other half wouldn't spend a dime supporting it!

The actual number of Winnipegers who support the Jets and NHL isn't as large as you think

 

[jetsfan15]

I've heard from several people that the area around the arena has become much more sketchy in the past few years. I've lived in Calgary since 2022 and I have only been to I think 2 games in Winnipeg since moving here? Both games, I took the bus to the arena and basically needed to walk about 30 feet to the doors so I never noticed this.

Is that a "thing"?

I don’t think that the change would be bad enough to meaningfully change attendance.

The other thing to consider is the improved options around the arena such as true north square — the food court there along with the brewery and bar and how you can walk around with your drink with a plethora of food options (much better than a shopping mall food court). You can park (indoor if you want) and walk indoor to that spot, and then walk indoor to the game. That being said, on game days there are so many people around in the area of the arena before and after the game that I’ve never felt unsafe prior and after games. That’s just my experience though. A couple weeks ago me and some friends went for drinks at the lake of the woods brewery and it was nice outside so we had our drinks at those picnic tables in true north square - felt perfectly safe, lots of people around doing the same thing and security and police in the area. And after the game we walked home from the arena to St. Boniface. Again, that’s just my experience though. Others may feel differently or maybe had different experiences.

I think they could improve options downtown to eat/drink, but that licensed TN food court is pretty cool. I also like Brown Social House (which wasn’t always there).

 

[jetsfan15]

During the day it's worse. Just a straight up shit show full of the undesirables. But it's not that bad around the time of game, but I think that day-time reality bleeds into the perception.

Yeah, I think when there’s no event (daytime or night time) it’s a bit sketchy. But on game day - let’s say 1:30 prior to puck drop - and 30 mins-or-so after the game - I honestly haven’t noticed it and it feels like it’s basically a bunch of people going to (and leaving) the game, and doesn’t feel like it does when there’s no event. Just my thoughts though.

 

[roccerfeller]

Sorry but political coverage doesn't trump hockey with me!


Sure WInnipeg has grown but the majority of newcomers know nothing about hockey and don't care and the other half wouldn't spend a dime supporting it!

The actual number of Winnipegers who support the Jets and NHL isn't as large as you think

That’s fair - I don’t live there so I cannot comment on that.

But a lot of the new immigrant demographics moving to Winnipeg at least, it will take a generation for them to latch on to the game. Those same demographics are big supporters of nhl teams in other markets especially in western Canada

 

[sipowicz]

12918 against the Avs, first place team playing a rival, kinda sad