The logic for 4pm FOs times I can understand. Long term the club wants to attract more families/next generation of fans and in the case of young families I can understand getting the kids home and in bed at a normal hour is appealing. However, for not so young families (perhaps ages 5+) I don’t see how this is particularly advantageous. In some cases it can have the reverse effect. For some families, myself included, Sunday is the only full family day together during the working week. The reality is a 4pm FO is a 2:30pm start for many people meaning you can write off the afternoon doing any other things.
There is far more traffic on the road at that time of day which effects journey times. Retail is emptying out, the weekly trip to the local supermarket for many, the Dad’s running around hardware stores (your cliché Sunday routines). I certainly noticed more traffic getting to the game yesterday.
Parking at the rink was a mare yesterday because of the Gala. For some fans, parking at Wilcox House is not an option, for example because of any disabilities they may have. The galas usually finish late afternoon which means it doesn’t effect those coming to 6pm FOs. If the club do propose more 4pm FOs I would hope they liaise with the Swimming Pool operators in the future (in fairness, they may do now and maybe yesterday was a case of a gala being put on after our fixture times were announced).
Whilst it’s an old argument for some, it is still important to be aware of the many fans who have to work Sunday. Retail, customer services, etc operate on a Sunday. You maybe able to sneak off early but depending on where you work might mean its simply not feasible to get to the arena on time.
For many sports fans, one of the appeals of watching live hockey is that it generally doesn’t clash with other sporting events. Earlier FOs times will impact on some wanting to watch other sports.
It seems there is an appetite within the club to have 4pm FOs. Not necessarily for all Sunday games but perhaps more. Maybe this year’s selected 4pm FOs have acted as the test for whether they are worthwhile. What I would say is that a game v Sheffield, particularly when we are in a stretch for 3rd league title, will always pull a sell out. Likewise a game New Years Day is always a huge ticket seller as it’s the festive season and many are not working. Perhaps a fairer test would, for example, be a 4pm FO in November v Dundee (no offence to the Stars).
My plea to the Devils management is to be open with the fans about their intentions, particularly for ST holders who need to decide whether a ST is financially worthwhile.
And finally, with regard to Todd’s sarcastic announcement last night, I did find it funny. Whatever the future is for FO times, we are blessed to have him and the Calgary 4 heading the club. Since their involvement the fan base has ground (including more families than ever) and success has come.
