The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Hurricanes play their home games at PNC Arena, which has a seating capacity of 18,680 for hockey.
Whether Hurricanes home games consistently sell out is an interesting question for fans and those looking to attend games. Factors like the team’s performance, ticket prices, arena size, and market size can all impact demand and the ability to sell out games.
Hurricanes Ticket Sales and Arena Capacity
In the 2021-22 season, the Hurricanes ranked 19th in the NHL in average home attendance at 16,297 fans per game. This represents an attendance of about 87% of the arena’s hockey capacity.
Here are the Hurricanes’ average home attendance figures over the past five NHL seasons:
Season | Average Home Attendance |
---|---|
2021-22 | 16,297 |
2020-21 | 3,662* |
2019-20 | 14,322 |
2018-19 | 13,938 |
2017-18 | 13,320 |
*Note: The 2020-21 NHL season had reduced capacity limits due to COVID-19.
While the Hurricanes have ranked in the middle of the league attendance-wise over the past five seasons, they have not consistently sold out every home game. The 2021-22 attendance equates to about 2,300 empty seats per game. Factors impacting demand are explored next.
Team Performance
One factor impacting ticket sales and demand is the team’s on-ice performance and success. In recent seasons, the Hurricanes have been one of the top teams in the Metropolitan Division, making the playoffs four seasons in a row. Their performance likely helped boost attendance in 2021-22 compared to previous seasons.
If the team continues to play well and contend for the postseason, demand should remain strong. But poorer performing seasons in the past have driven down average attendance. Consistent excellence and playoff runs are key for selling out every game.
Ticket Prices and Seating Options
The cost of tickets and availability of affordable seating options can also impact the ability to sell out every game. Hurricanes’ tickets start around $25-30 for upper level seats. Lower bowl seating starts between $50-60 per ticket on average. Season tickets and partial ticket packages are also available with bigger discounts.
Other NHL teams with more expensive average ticket prices often struggle to sell out games too. The Hurricanes’ pricing is likely about in line with market demand, though some discounted promotions could potentially help push more sell outs.
Arena Size
With a hockey capacity of around 19,000 seats, PNC Arena is one of the larger NHL arenas. Bigger arenas generally make selling out every game more difficult. The Hurricanes’ current attendance would sell out an arena around 16,000 seats.
Some NHL teams play in older arenas seating around 16,000-17,000 fans, making sell outs more attainable. The large capacity of PNC Arena is a factor that likely limits the Hurricanes’ ability to sell out every home date. Building a right-sized arena could improve sell out potential.
Market Size
The size of a team’s local market also impacts attendance and demand. The Hurricanes play in Raleigh, part of the Triangle metro area with a population around 2.1 million people. It is the smaller side for an NHL market.
Teams in major metro areas like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia have larger populations and bigger hockey markets to draw from. But market size doesn’t always guarantee sell outs – the Florida Panthers play in a large metro yet struggle with attendance. Strong team play and marketing can sometimes offset a smaller market.
Analysis of Sell Out Games
While Hurricanes games do not consistently sell out during the regular season, they have sold out playoff games and special regular season matchups. This analysis looks at recent sell out dates to identify trends.
Playoff Games
The Hurricanes have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs four straight seasons. Playoff games have much higher demand, resulting in sell outs each year:
Season | Playoff Sell Outs |
---|---|
2021-22 | 2 home games |
2020-21 | 3 home games |
2019-20 | 2 home games |
2018-19 | 6 home games |
The energy and excitement of the postseason and having a shot at the Stanley Cup drives big crowds. Fans also know the number of home playoff games will be limited, increasing demand.
Rivalry Games
Certain rivalry and high-profile opponents also tend to drive sell outs for the Hurricanes:
- Games vs. the Washington Capitals – Long-time division rivals, tend to sell out.
- Games vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins – Features star Sidney Crosby, sells out visiting crowd.
- Visits from top teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day games – Marquee dates.
Fans get especially excited for these marquee games on the schedule, making them hot ticket events. This demonstrates there is capacity crowds on hand for the most in-demand games.
Factors That Could Increase Sell Outs
While the Hurricanes have barriers like arena size and market size, there are still some factors that could potentially increase sell outs:
Sustained Team Success
The Hurricanes’ recent run of making the playoffs has increased attendance. If they can continue to win consistently and contend for the Stanley Cup, it likely would drive more sell outs. Fans respond to excellence.
Deeper Playoff Runs
In addition to just making the playoffs, longer playoff runs with series wins would further increase excitement and demand. The Hurricanes had 6 straight sell outs in 2018-19 when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for example.
Special Promotions
Aggressive special ticket deals and promotions could push more sell outs. Discounted tickets for college students or big groups, for example. Giveaways and special events also boost specific games.
Price Reductions
Lowering the average price of tickets, especially in the lower bowl, could potentially get more sell outs. The team would have to weigh lost revenue though. Dynamic pricing is an option.
Comparisons With Other NHL Teams
Comparing the Hurricanes’ attendance and sell out trends to other NHL teams can provide additional context:
Team | 2021-22 Avg Attendance | Arena Capacity | Sell Out Trends |
---|---|---|---|
Chicago Blackhawks | 19,042 | 19,717 | Consistent sell outs |
Montreal Canadiens | 18,469 | 21,288 | Consistent sell outs |
Toronto Maple Leafs | 18,550 | 18,819 | Consistent sell outs |
Carolina Hurricanes | 16,297 | 18,680 | Some sell outs |
Arizona Coyotes | 11,601 | 17,125 | Rare sell outs |
This shows teams in major, traditional hockey markets sell out regularly. Metropolitan area size and original six team status drive consistent demand. Non-traditional markets have a harder time selling out. The Hurricanes’ situation of occasional sell outs is reasonable based on market size and history.
Conclusion
In summary, while Carolina Hurricanes games do not consistently sell out every home game, they do see sell outs for playoff games and special marquee regular season matchups. Factors like team performance, ticket prices, arena size, and market size all impact the team’s ability to sell out every game. The Hurricanes’ attendance is reasonable based on market size and history. With continued on-ice success and some special promotions, they may be able to increase the number of sell out games in the future. But the size of their arena and market will likely prevent complete sell outs every game in the regular season.