Exploring the Attendance Challenges of the Arizona Coyotes: The Impact of Relocation to an Arena Outside Downtown Phoenix
The relocation of the Arizona Coyotes from their previous home in Glendale to the Mullett Arena in Tempe, now part of the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, has significantly impacted their fan attendance figures. This move, while strategic in some aspects, has brought about a range of issues that collectively influence the team's market dynamics. In this article, we will delve into the key factors contributing to these challenges.
Key Factors Influencing Attendance: Location, Market Size and Demographics, and Capacity Constraints
One of the most significant challenges has been the shift in location. The Coyotes originally played at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. This distance has posed accessibility issues for fans who prefer to attend games closer to their homes and workplaces. Furthermore, the move to Tempe, while intended to reach a younger demographic, particularly college students, has not yet proven to be a game-changer in terms of overall attendance.
Market Size, Demographics, and Younger Demographic
The Arizona Coyotes have struggled to build a robust fan base in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and their relocation to Tempe may have alienated potential fans in more populated areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale. However, reaching out to a younger audience, especially college students, is a strategic move, as this demographic could be a key to future growth. The success of this strategy remains to be seen, but it offers a promising potential avenue for increased attendance.
Arena Capacity: A Smaller Venue Size
Mullett Arena's smaller capacity of around 5,000 compared to the Gila River Arena's capacity of approximately 18,000 presents another challenge. Even if the Coyotes manage to improve their attendance figures, the smaller venue size may limit the scale of increases in total fan numbers. This highlights the importance of not only increasing attendance but also maintaining or enhancing the overall fan experience.
Team Performance: A Factor in Fan Attendance
The team's performance on the ice also plays a significant role in fan attendance. The Coyotes have had a challenging history of competitiveness in the National Hockey League (NHL). Poor performance can deter fans from attending games, regardless of the venue. This factor further underlines the importance of the team's success in building and retaining a fan base.
Fan Experience and Marketing Efforts
The Coyotes have invested in creating a more engaging fan experience and marketing strategies to attract attendees. These efforts in the new location are still unfolding, and their success will be critical to improving attendance. Promotions, events, and creative marketing campaigns can help build a stronger connection with the local community and college students, potentially fostering a more passionate fan base.
The Impact of Relocation and Municipal Issues
The city of Glendale has faced financial troubles due to their unbridled greed in building multiple stadiums within a short period. This unmet expectation of revenue from the Coyotes' move has put an enormous strain on the city, leading to contract disputes. The Coyotes were limited in hiring certain personnel from outside the city, and disputes surrounding these policies have further dampened efforts to recruit and build a strong fan base. These issues highlight the broader socioeconomic impacts of sports arena development.
In conclusion, the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Mullett Arena in Tempe has added to their attendance challenges, but it is part of a larger context that includes team performance, market dynamics, and effective fan engagement strategies. As the team continues to establish itself in its new venue, these factors will continue to evolve, shaping the Coyotes' future in the NHL.