The Cleveland Barons were an NHL franchise from 1976 to 1978. Due to attendance issues and financial problems the team eventually merged with the Minnesota North Stars. A big reason for the Barons problems was the location of their arena. They played in Richfield Coliseum in Richfield Ohio, which was too far from the major markets of Cleveland and Akron to draw fans. This makes me wonder about Suffolk County as an option. Is Suffolk too cut off from the rest of New York to support the Islanders? Will weekday crowds be worse than they are now in Nassau? This is a serious issue that Wang and the Islanders have to examine. The team needs to pick the best financial and long term solution so they aren't facing the same issues in the near future. What are your guys thoughts of Suffolk County as an option?
I think you hit the nail on the head. Suffolk is too far out and doesn't have enough population itself to support a team. If the Isles do move from Uniondale it needs to be closer to the city, not farther away.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. I hope more of you decide to comment as well. The more opinions the better!
ReplyDeleteDanbury Islanders Fan