Earlier this week, I pointed out the Indiana Pacers’ 14,182 attendance this season was 28th out of 30 National Basketball
Association teams. I also pointed out, the team’s attendance represented a big increase from last year’s league worst figure.
After a little more slicing and dicing, I’ve discovered that the Pacers 17.5 percent attendance increase this season is second in the league. The New Orleans Hornets, who averaged 16,968, had a 20.3 percent increase. The Philadelphia 76ers had the third biggest increase at 7 percent.
The biggest losers were the Sacramento Kings with a 10.2 percent attendance decrease, the Washington Wizards with 7.8 percent and Miami Heat 6.4 percent.
The Pacers’ attendance increase no doubt had to do with deeply discounted ticket prices, but also an aggressive marketing and sales program which included everything from $5 tickets to a limitless concession stand snack food package.
Pacers President Jim Morris told IBJ in February that the Pacers this year are bringing in more than $400,000 per game below the $900,000 league average in ticket revenue. But if some of this year’s samplers become season or partial season ticket holders next year, the gamble could pay off. The attendance increase shows the foundation is laid.
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The coverage was the best I have ever seen on an IRL race in recent years.
There is no doubt the race probably lost viewers due to the threat of rain. Even those in Kansas were uncertain of the possibility of the race even starting due to weather concerns.
Even as I watched the race I was monitoring the radar on my cell phone to see if it would be a rain out.
Versus is doing a GrEAT job of covering the races and commentary.
However, where I live Versus is not available on basic cable channels. It is only accessable through dish or expanded packages. This I believe limits fans ablity to view the races.
I wonder if the veiwer numbers takes into account the people that watch the race in public venues, i.e. bars. Where I was watching the race there were about 20 people watching IRL... Not NASCAR..
I'm looking forward to a good next season and fully expect these guys to be competing in the playoffs come next April. Keep it up Pacers!