The Arizona Coyotes have been on a roll lately, they acquired a legit star in Phil Kessel from the Penguins and now the team says (As reported by the Arizona Republic) Season-ticket sales are up 600% compared to the same week last summer, including a 550% increase in all ticket sales. The Coyotes have also seen an increase in their website traffic mobile app visits and social media engagement over that time. Selling tickets to that extent through excitement is something the other teams cannot say.
The Phoenix Suns saw over 1000 less fans per game this past season, The Dbacks are seeing a decline of about 1000 fans per game this season and the impact Kyler Murray will have on attendance will be seen in due time. Yet the Arizona Coyotes saw their best attendance last season since 2012 and have capitalized on their momentum into one of the more momentous offseason’s in team history.
Think about this for a moment, The Suns just finished up their free agency period with the signings of Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. Both are in no way sexy and although they will likely make the Suns better this season they in no way change the game for a Suns franchise that is in desperate need of a revitalization. Contrast that to the Arizona Coyotes who have done the complete opposite.
It’s no secret that the Suns are not a destination for most NBA players. The Coyotes with one phone call to the Penguins proved that they are now a destination for stars. Phil Kessel essentially forced the Penguins to trade him to Arizona in order to reunite with Head Coach Rick Tocchet.
The Arizona Coyotes are now the best thing about Phoenix sports right now and it’s not even close. They are the epitome of a team on the rise that has a clear plan that has built it’s roster thanks to patience and a great GM & Coach combo in John Chayka and Rick Tocchet. While the other three teams are spinning their wheels thinking a .500 record is a good season the desert dogs are poised to make a dent on their way to the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2011-2012.
We discussed it on Thursday.