Thunder Surpasses 200,000 Fans For Sixth Straight Year

March 31, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced that the club drew 229,751 fans (6,382 average) in 36 regular season games at Stockton Arena, the sixth consecutive year that over 200,000 fans crossed the turnstiles of Stockton Arena.

The Thunder also drew an average of over 6,000 fans for the fifth straight year and ranks second overall this season in ECHL attendance, only surpassed by the third-year Ontario Reign. This season's total of 229,751 is the largest attendance average in club history since 2007-08, an increase of six percent from 2009-10.

"Thunder fans have proven yet again that they are among the most passionate and loyal hockey fans throughout North America," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "Despite the difficult economic times we still face, to grow our fan base this season and post the highest number we've had in three years is yet another testament to the great fans we have. We are very proud of each and every one of them and appreciate their commitment to Thunder hockey."

The Thunder is the only team since 2004-05 (Florida Everblades) to lead the league in attendance for four consecutive seasons and has drawn 16 sellouts in the team's franchise history. The Thunder drew its largest crowd of the season on Jan. 22 for its annual "Teddy Bear Toss" game against Ontario with 9,482 fans.

The Thunder drew a club record 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07 and drew the sixth largest crowd in ECHL All-Star Game history on January 23 with a total of 7,455 fans. There have been 12 crowds of 7,000 or more at Stockton Arena this season. Last weekend, over 22,000 fans piled into Stockton Arena for three games against Victoria (Mar. 25-27).

TOP FIVE HOME CROWDS IN 2010-11

OPPONENT DATE ATTENDANCE

1. Ontario 1/22/11 9,482*

2. Idaho 3/19/11 9,396

3. Bakersfield 11/6/10 9,015*

T-4. Idaho 3/26/11 8,923

. Idaho 1/29/11 8,923

* Denotes sellout

Stockton finished this season with a home record of 18-12-6 and is guaranteed home ice advantage in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Kelly Cup Playoffs schedule will be announced soon.

A proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine for the third straight year, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.



ECHL Stories from March 31, 2011


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