Former NHL Defenseman Unveils Bold Plan to Amp Up Energy For Maple Leafs Fans at Scotiabank Arena
One former NHL defenseman has a unique plan to inject some passion and excitement into Maple Leafs home games after criticism that fans are too quiet.
Normally, you would not be able to hear yourself think when at a Maple Leafs home game. The raucous crowds, energetic arena music and collective passion for the team makes it an unforgettable (though expensive) night out.
But with the advancement of business owning large swaths of premium seats, a lot of criticism has come on the lack of response from fans, but one former NHL defenseman has a unique way to spice things up.
Toronto Should Move Fans From Nosebleeds To Lower Bowl
Former defenseman Jason Demers was speaking on the NHL Network and when questioned about Toronto's lack of passion after Ryan Reaves' first fight, he offered a wild, but quite intriguing solution:
Sure, they haven't performed in the playoffs, but something needs to change. Last year, Ilya Samsonov had a huge game after being called back up from the AHL, earned a shutout, and got no cheers. Nobody seemed to care.
Toronto should let fans from the nosebleeds come down to inject some life into the arena-they're loud up there. Those lower bowl seats cost $2,000 each, but maybe a dedicated section for passionate fans, like student sections in Europe, could make a difference. Just get rid of the corporate crowd."
It would follow in the footsteps of not only European hockey, but of European football as well, as stadiums often feature a home and visitors section so like-minded and passionate fans can be as close as possible.
The four-figure plus cost for lower bowl seats offer a once in a lifetime experience, and while it's great the Maple Leafs have the ability to get those seats filled, often they are bulk purchased, or a deal with a corporation that allows their workers premium access.
That's not to say there are no passionate fans who occupy those seats but more often than not you see banners and signs hanging high above in the 200, 300, and 500 sections where that motivation could be better used down below.
The team lives and dies by its fans, and the Maple Leafs would not be as successful or as historic without the passion and dedication of their fans.
In a corporate world where numbers mean all, the team has lost sight of what made them so beloved in the first place.
The fans have suffered enough Toronto, time to reward those who have stuck with you through the best and worst of times.
