THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611020627
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BRIAN J. FRENCH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 51 lines
The verdict from hockey fans concerning the proposed NHL franchise in Hampton Roads: The spirit is willing, but the wallet - theirs and the cities' - might be another story.
Most fans interviewed at the Hampton Roads Admirals' game Friday night at Scope reacted favorably to the news of Charlotte Hornets owner George Shinn's announcement of plans to acquire an NHL team for this area. But many answers were shaded with skepticism.
``It (an NHL team) would be great to have here, if the cities could get together,'' said David Cole, 50, of Chesapeake. ``But I don't think one city has the money to build an arena themselves.''
``The big-game atmosphere would be exciting,'' added Kelly Cole, 19, ``but it would be too expensive for me to go to more than two or three games.''
Some longtime Admirals fans said the expected price for NHL tickets - the league average is about $35, compared to an average Admirals ticket price of $6 - would keep them from attending as many games involving the Rhinos, Shinn's likely choice for the franchise's nickname.
``I go to just about every Admirals game,'' said Norfolk's Vicky Thompson, 25.
``But I probably would only go to about half that many for the new team because the ticket prices will be so much higher.''
Others, however, said they would find a way to support an NHL team.
``We're bigger than Charlotte and Orlando, and they have NBA teams, so I see no reason why this region can't support an NHL franchise,'' said Rick Hillian, 45, an Admirals season ticket holder. ``I would go to their games, and probably try to get season tickets.''
An NHL franchise in Hampton Roads would likely have to draw from neighboring regions to do well at the gate. Would out-of-town fans consider the Rhinos ``their team,'' or would they go to see the opposing teams?
``I'd probably go (to NHL games) about once a month,'' said Richmond's Terrie Blanchard, 38, who came to Scope to watch the Richmond Renegades play the Admirals. ``But I would more likely go to see the star players, though it's tough to say whether I would become a fan of (the Hampton Roads NHL) team.''
How an NHL franchise would affect the Admirals is certain. Minor league teams generally move upon the arrival of a major league club.
And how committed Admirals fans react to the team's leaving could be key for the new franchise's future.
``If the ECHL leaves this area,'' said Carl Parker, 24, of Newport News, ``then some fans around here are going to be upset.''
But . . .
``I'll still go to the new team's games. I'm a hockey nut.''
KEYWORDS: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FRANCHISE by CNB