The San Jose Sharks experienced one of their worst seasons in recent memory, failing to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2002-03 season. With that, the Sharks experienced an expected decline in season ticket renewals for the upcoming 2015-16 season.
According to a report from Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News, John Tortora, chief operating officer of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, said the Sharks season ticket renewal rate should check in around 85 percent for the 2015-16 season.
For reference, the San Jose Sharks historically have fallen around a 92-93 percent renewal rate according to Tortora when they’ve advanced out of the first round of the playoffs. After their collapse against the Los Angeles Kings back in 2013-14, San Jose saw a drop to an 89 percent renewal clip.
For the upcoming season, the Sharks should sit with a season ticket base of about 11,000 to 12,000, which includes partial plans. San Jose saw a bump with the hiring of Peter DeBoer, along with their summer acquisitions of Martin Jones, Paul Martin and Joel Ward.
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According to Tortora, the Sharks remain in the “middle of the pack” when looking at their renewal rate compared with the rest of the league.
"“We’re still very good in terms of season ticket and partial plan accounts. We’re still very strong. So while there has been a drop off attendance-wise on the whole, we’re still tracking in the top half of the league.”"
None of these figures should come as much of a surprise. When the Sharks are good, there will be more people ready and willing to sign up for season tickets or renew their existing plans; however, when San Jose has struggled, it’s harder to retain or attract fans. It will get even more difficult if the Golden State Warriors continue their ascendance as people might decide to go check out Steph Curry rather than Joe Thornton.
Last season, San Jose experienced an average attendance of 17,419 fans, below the capacity of 17,562. That number might be generous as on many nights, one could find multiple empty seats littered throughout SAP Center.
Also, the Sharks once again raised their ticket prices for the upcoming season, with increases ranging from three percent to as much as eight percent for seats on the glass.
All-in-all, the San Jose Sharks are trending down in the minds of many fans after a rough 2014-15 season. However, with the offseason moves and a revert back to their usual on-ice success, the fans will pack in to SAP Center on a consistent basis.
As is the case with many sports franchises, winning cures all, especially as it relates to people dishing out their money to watch the Sharks lace them up.
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