Phoenix Suns: 4 goals for the organization in 2017-18
By Drew Zlogar
4. Increased fan attendance
The Phoenix Suns may not be competing for a Western Conference title this upcoming season, but something that is more attainable, and is very important at continuing to build legitimacy for the franchise, is increasing fan attendance at home games. Last season, the Suns ranked 19th in the league (17,451) for average game attendance.
The “Well they weren’t ever competing for the playoffs” argument doesn’t hold weight here, as eight of the 18 teams above the Suns in nightly attendance failed to make the playoffs as well.
If the Suns averaged even 250 more fans per game this season, they would be in the top half of the league in that stat. One of the first ways of proving worth in the league is to have fans that are loyal and loud for their team each night, regardless of what their record is.
For example, the New York Knicks have been nothing short of a dumpster fire in the past couple of seasons, yet, they still ranked fifth in the league in attendance last season (18,850). You can ask players around the league on where they like to play, and many of them will say Madison Square Garden. Regardless of how the Knicks are doing, they will be getting the best of their opponents every night because they respect the organization, the fans and the arena that embodies one of the largest cities in the world.
With the addition of Josh Jackson in this year’s draft, to go along with one of the more exciting, young players in the league in Devin Booker, do not be surprised if Talking Stick Resort Arena has an uptick in attendance this season.