Meet the Fins - The Unofficial Tank Attendance Edition

by Lurker Shark on Jan 6, 2009 10:21 PM PST Comment 28 comments

So continuing in the whole Fear the Fin census vein and as a distraction from tonight's game, I thought I'd throw out a couple of questions for y'all. How many Sharks games do you make it do, home or away, in a season? And how many other season ticket holders are on here?

I'm one of the new denizens of 210 and I think it might be the best investment I've made. On pace for 40 games, counting the preseason.

So what about the rest of you? Regular and preseasons only for now please.

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This year. We were going to fly to Tampa Bay back in October, but finances got in the way. Any game in Atlanta, I’m there. We are still discussing a drive to Nashville, but it’s doubtful. I might have to make it a totally Center Ice year.

Southern Bell, however, did get to the Ducks/Sharks pre season game at the tank while on a business trip.

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad

by Dave Valentine on Jan 7, 2009 7:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Tampa game was fun – not to rub it in. Ah, the shortlived days of both Matt Carle and (especially) Barry Melrose with the Bolts. Mike Smith had our number that night – unfortunately for him, we had the number of everyone else on the Lightning, so the score was “only” 3-0, instead of 10-0 like it probably should have been. I think there were 50 shots on goal…

If I had to be a fan of one of the Florida teams, Tampa would get my vote all the way, based mainly on location (downtown Tampa vs. the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale… in itself a glorified suburb). The fanbase seemed far more passionate – though the place was still empty given the World Series that night.

I’m praying that the Thrashers’ (and/or Hurricanes’) home game against SJ will be near a weekend – I only get 2 personal days a year. I’m trying to get to all 29 other arenas (only against the Sharks) before I turn 30 (um, 3 years from Saturday)… after this weekend in Vancouver, I’ll have 19 to go (including L.A., which baffles even me).

Last season, the Sharks’ Atlantic Division tour coincided with my February school vacation – absolute bliss, except for our 2-3-0 record that week. Then again, the Philadelphia game marked the start of our ridiculous win streak. Mellon Arena was nice too, despite its age…

Nassau Colisseum, on the other hand – deplorable. Quite possibly the worst located arena in the NHL – I hear Ottawa’s is far from town, but the Islanders play in NEW YORK. You wouldn’t know it from the convoluted way of arriving by public transportation – you have to take the train (not the subway), then either a bus or taxi through residential Long Island until you emerge onto this barren field, with the arena plopped right at its edge. If it weren’t for the New York accents, it could have been Iowa.

Hmmm… I’m getting an idea for a review of NHL arenas. Honestly, the HP Pavilion / San Jose Arena is one of the nicest, from its cushy seats to its great views (not a bad seat in the house), to its central location with downtown eateries nearby (and ample parking). I also like Madison Square Garden, but mostly for its views and easy access (I HATE the Blueshirts). The honor of being the best, however, probably goes to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. That place is state of the art, complete with the NJ emblazoned on the urinal pipes in the bathroom. Too bad the place is half empty for most games…

This comment is getting long – thanks for reading ;-)

Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread

by Mr. K. on Jan 8, 2009 9:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Section 106, Row 2

I make it to about 20-25 games a year. I share my season tickets with my dad and we give many of them away to clients.

Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!

by That'll Cheech You on Jan 7, 2009 8:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Section 223 (duh)

Row 14

We have 4 seats, and me and my buddies split the season so we each get 10 games to use how we like (family, friends, whatever). I ended up taking a few extra games this season, and I have another friend in 109 who invites me to games a lot, so I’ll get to maybe 15 or so. We (the guys) go to opening night together, then all post-season games.

by Section223 on Jan 7, 2009 9:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I only get to 1 or 2 games a year, sadly. And I only live about 15 minutes from the Tank.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jan 7, 2009 9:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

1 game per year

for the past two seasons. I’m trying to get to more this year, but it’s tough with work, school, transportation, and prices.

by senor_k on Jan 7, 2009 5:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t get to go to any games because the rest of the family isn’t big on hockey. Ticket prices are an issue, too. =(

It never occurred to me that one man could play with the faith of 50 million.

by imovermyhead on Jan 7, 2009 5:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I was lucky enough to go to four games this year (2 preseason, opening day, and the game in Chicago because of college visits – the one good thing about senior year), but last year I was only able to go to one. Game 5 in the Calgary series, but still.

Money has definitely been an issue for me; I have to pay for the tickets, which is hard when you get only $5/week. The only reason that I was able to go to the preseason games was because two of my friends had extra tickets. I’m trying to save up for another game, but with the jacked up ticket prices its going to take a while.

by mymclife on Jan 7, 2009 6:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

1 per year

I’m in college, kinda far from them, but back in the day i went to at least one a season.

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Jan 8, 2009 9:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I know how that goes.

I’m really just making up for lost time now. I went to school in New Orleans so the only hockey I got in 4 years there was the winter olympics.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 8, 2009 10:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sec. 205 (normally)

I get 11-12 tickets in that section (last season 206), courtesy of my parents’ friends who have season tickets. I double the amount of games with many primo matchups, like Sharks vs. Penguins (since those are usually not available). Since last season, I’ve started doing road games, too…

Speaking of which, look for me on T.V. this Saturday, since I’ll be in Vancouver for my b-day. (Note – the game wasn’t supposed to be televised, but they changed it last minute!). I’m debating bringing a sign – kinda hard on the plane, though.

Bottom line = I average about 24 regular season games, and I’ve gone to at least one game in each round of the playoffs since the lockout. Last season I went to 6 of the 7 home playoff games (only missed Game 1 of the Semis)… those tickets are a PAIN to get, but oh so worth it.

Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread

by Mr. K. on Jan 8, 2009 7:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Happy B-day!

Couple of my buddies will be in Vancouver, too.

by Section223 on Jan 8, 2009 8:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks man!

(wait I need to check the gender poll again… you’re a dude, right?)

I will look out for any and all Sharks fans – there’s a healthy diaspora. Anything in particular about your buddies?

Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread

by Mr. K. on Jan 8, 2009 9:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They'll be wearing Sharks jerseys

You can’t miss ’em… =)

One is a pretty big dude, bald (by choice), probably wearing a Thornton jersey, and even tho it’ll be something like -20 degrees, he’ll most likely be wearing shorts so you can see his “shark attacking an octopus” tat on his calf. (The octopus loses.) He really hates the Red Wings.

by Section223 on Jan 9, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy birthday.

Best way to celebrate’s at a hockey game. I managed to get to 4 playoff games last season. It’s a totally different experience from the regular season.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on Jan 8, 2009 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy bday Mr. K!

Fear the Fin: Where I'm totally UNAPPRECIATED!

by That'll Cheech You on Jan 8, 2009 10:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

You Win, Mr K

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad

by Dave Valentine on Jan 8, 2009 8:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ah, thanks Dave...

But there’s ONE guy at the Tank that I had the great fortune to sit behind during the Columbus game (a last minute purchase, sec. 215)… I will never forget this guy (although I can’t remember his name… I want to say Jim, or something with a J).

What makes him so unforgettable? The man has only ever missed 11 games… in the history of the franchise. Furthermore – he goes to every game between any of the three CA teams (except when the Ducks / Kings play the same night as a Sharks home game). “Jim” has also been to every NHL city except for the 5 in the Southeast (including Washington), Nashville, Columbus, and (surprisingly) Detroit. I’m assuming he’s also been to Hartford, Winnipeg, and Quebec City.

The man is an inspiration – I need to track this guy down again (like I said – Sec. 215) for a full interview. He probably remembers each of those 11 no-shows like the rest of us remember broken bones.

Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread

by Mr. K. on Jan 8, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

Although it doesn’t count for this subject…I did make it to a game at the Cow Palace during the inaugural season

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad

by Dave Valentine on Jan 9, 2009 3:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

unfortunately

i have never been to a sharks game.

'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jan 8, 2009 8:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dude!

Get on it, muchacho!

Fear the Fin: Home of the Triple Game Thread

by Mr. K. on Jan 8, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

jump on it?

'It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Yogi Berra

by serrapadre716 on Jan 9, 2009 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

One game a month typically

with my boys … and then sometimes I’ll get to more with friends (without my boys).

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?

by ang6666 on Jan 9, 2009 11:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hella Far

We get the 10 game packs every year. This year we got 2. Sections 204 and 228. =D I’ve been to 10 games myself this year and have plans for 5 or 6 more. I live in Sacramento, so it’s not the easiest trip to make for alot of games, but it’s well worth it.

When the booze is gone, it's time to move on.

by OhMySwede on Jan 12, 2009 4:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

For a while there I went to all the home games this year, up until the first Blues game, I believe. And for that I’m glad because I would have cried if I saw Evgeni get hurt in person. But I doubt I’m going to many more this season so I can save up to go to the away Bruins game, and to all of the playoffs, away and home (can you say most epic road trip ever?)

We change seats all the time, but the most memerable ones was last year’s v Calgary in game 7, where I got into a box and shook the president’s hand; vancouver shutout in handicapped seats, and the last game when I got to ride the zambonie (HOLYCRAPBESTDAYOFMYLIFE).

by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 6:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

lucky!

how did you get to ride the zambonie??

by WhoseYourNabby? on Jan 15, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My dad has a friend who has part ownship of a penthouse suite (and he failed to tell me this for the past 2 years) and this guy walks in and asks me if I wanted to go on it! It was crazy! I got to go down to ice level, we passed the lockerrooms and I got to stand behind Nabby for 7 minutes and take closeups of the back of his head. (It was ridiculous!)

by KindaFantastic on Jan 15, 2009 11:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I bought a ten pack (Section 220, Row 16) this year and I go with a guy I work with (He’s a wings fan, but cheers for the Sharks)

This year I will have attended 12 games. I bought a ten pack of tickets, and then got a ticket to the first Sharks v. Detroit game. Then I convinced my office to take 50 of us to the sharks v. coyotes game at the end of the month!

Last season I saw two games, and prior to that I have usually only managed 1 per year. The cost of the tickets isnt too bad but once you factor in the train ride, and some food it gets a little pricey for me.

I’m not sure how people manage coming from as far away as Sacramento, I have trouble getting there from Redwood City!

by Morti on Jan 16, 2009 11:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs