Despite a fancy new arena, the Devils are still struggling to capture large audiences.  Last night was a prime example. An announced attendance of 13,595 filled the Prudential Center doors. It's not the first time this season and historically the Devils were unable to fill merely 80 percent of their seats. Hopefully, it's the last time though as each upcoming game is critical to New Jersey's postseason chances.

The Devils have celebrated their three Stanley Cup Trophies with a ticker-tape parade through New York City parking lot parade.

As Jes Golbez offered, "For the past decade plus, the New Jersey Devils have had a great team, but lousy attendance. Hell, the club even held a Stanley Cup 'parade' in a frickin' parking lot."

He's absolutely right except for one thing.

The Devils came to New Jersey in 1982, decades after their archrival New York Rangers, years after the NY Islanders 1972 foundation and Philadelphia’s 1967-expansion season.

Despite the vast competition, the Devils have been most successful organization the past 25 years.  Stanley Cups since 1982-83 season when Devils moved to Swamp.

·       Devils (3)

·       Rangers (1), Islanders (1) and Flyers (0)

Atlantic Division Titles Won By Team

The Devils have accumulated a division-leading seven titles, while the Flyers are a close second with five division banners.

However, the Devils have the smallest fanbase since their organization was established after the others in the Atlantic.  Philadelphia led the division with an average attendance of 19,282 last season.  The Rangers were second with 18,200 per game.

New Jersey?  How about 14,176 fans per game in the 2006-07 campaign.

This season the Devils moved to downtown Newark.  Have the fans joined them?  Last night was atypical as 15,308 fans generally attend hockey events at the Prudential Center.

Philadelphia 19,507  4th   100%

NY Rangers 18,200  11th  100%

Pittsburgh     17,070  16th  100.7%

New Jersey    15,308  22th 86.9%

NY Islanders  13,549  30th 83.1%

Why can’t the Devils draw maximum capacity audiences!!!  I’ve heard every reason, excuse in the book.

1.     Location- inbetween Rangers and Flyers who have been around longer (though Devils are more successful than either of two organizations in last 12 years)

2.     Expense- tickets to see the Devils are sky-high even while the country is headed towards recession, especially in new arena

3.     Mass Transportation

a.      Rangers have played in Garden, trains directly underneath arena, easy access

b.     1982 until 2007- Devils played in Continental Airlines Arena, no transit access, just automobiles via Turnpike, Parkway, etc.

4.     Prudential Center, Devils new arena opened for business in Oct. 2007- mass transportation from New York and New Jersey alike… over 1,000 fans more in new building, yet Devils remain among bottom of league in attendance

Ways to Improve:

1.     Marketing- college fans, younger children

2.     Tickets- inexpensive, more deals

3.     Advertising on TV, Internet

4.     Schedule more Saturday and Sunday games, which are big draw for Jersey locals

5.     Schedule Saturday games with Rangers, Flyers, Sabres NOT with Phoenix and LA Kings

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