Is there a way to track game attendance?

[pauls931]

I'm curious how this year will play out. If people really feel Miami is that loaded will it hurt ticket sales of other teams? I'm just wondering if these super teams will actually end up hurting the league rather than having a bunch of somewhat balanced teams.

My thinking is people may not want to buy tickets for their team if they know they have roughly no chance of beating LA and Miami since those will probably be the two teams anyone has to beat to win a le.

Basically, I think the league will make less money this year than in years past. And every other game on TV will be Miami vs someone with an occasional LA game.

[Darrin]

I'm curious how this year will play out. If people really feel Miami is that loaded will it hurt ticket sales of other teams? I'm just wondering if these super teams will actually end up hurting the league rather than having a bunch of somewhat balanced teams.

My thinking is people may not want to buy tickets for their team if they know they have roughly no chance of beating LA and Miami since those will probably be the two teams anyone has to beat to win a le.

Basically, I think the league will make less money this year than in years past. And every other game on TV will be Miami vs someone with an occasional LA game.

I disagree. The Bulls used to sell out every arena. And there is a way to track it--every NBA.com boxscore has an attendance number on it. It would take a long time unless you kept up all season, but usually the thrill of watching an all-time great collection of talent is too enticing to pass up, whether the team is going to kill yours or not.

The Pistons boxoffice is trying to sell me tickets for next season. They have mentioned the Heat in every conversation I have had with them.

[pauls931]

I disagree. The Bulls used to sell out every arena. And there is a way to track it--every NBA.com boxscore has an attendance number on it. It would take a long time unless you kept up all season, but usually the thrill of watching an all-time great collection of talent is too enticing to pass up, whether the team is going to kill yours or not.

The Pistons boxoffice is trying to sell me tickets for next season. They have mentioned the Heat in every conversation I have had with them.

thanks, looks like a lot of work. I didn't know the bulls did so well ticket sale wise. I know everywhere Miami goes will sell out, but I think other games will hurt not involving them or LA. I imagine Orlando might be able to sell out most of their games...

[Darrin]

thanks, looks like a lot of work. I didn't know the bulls did so well ticket sale wise. I know everywhere Miami goes will sell out, but I think other games will hurt not involving them or LA. I imagine Orlando might be able to sell out most of their games...

It is. Especially since each stadium has their own capacity, so you have to cross-reference to see if it is a sellout. Of course, you can get that data now. Plus, you'll probably want a percentage of the stadium sold out because of the difference in building capacity. The raw numbers won't tell you much unless you want to compare with other superstar teams (the 2000s Lakers, the 1990s Bulls, etc). And because the 1980s saw smaller stadiums, the percentage will be the only thing you can use.

[pauls931]

It is. Especially since each stadium has their own capacity, so you have to cross-reference to see if it is a sellout. Of course, you can get that data now. Plus, you'll probably want a percentage of the stadium sold out because of the difference in building capacity. The raw numbers won't tell you much unless you want to compare with other superstar teams (the 2000s Lakers, the 1990s Bulls, etc). And because the 1980s saw smaller stadiums, the percentage will be the only thing you can use.

I might try this with a handful of teams over the last couple years (that have not moved to new arenas) and compare after 10 or so games into this season. I want to see how games not involving miami/la do attendance wise to see if there's any difference.

One hard part will be picking a good sampling of teams.

[Darrin]

I might try this with a handful of teams over the last couple years (that have not moved to new arenas) and compare after 10 or so games into this season. I want to see how games not involving miami/la do attendance wise to see if there's any difference.

One hard part will be picking a good sampling of teams.

Well, if you want some suggestions:

Phoenix Suns (2005-2010)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2006-2010)
Los Angeles Lakers (2007-2010)
Boston Celtics (2007-2010)

They all have big-name stars, are contending for Championships, and draw well in their home arenas.