The Rat Trick
Fansided

Florida Panthers: Four Problems with the In-Game Experience

By Carmelo Mastrangelo

SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 2: Alex Petrovic #6 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with fans their 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at the BB&T Center on April 2, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - APRIL 2: Alex Petrovic #6 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with fans their 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at the BB&T Center on April 2, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Lacking Hallmarks

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 26: A pair of young Columbus Blue Jackets fans pose next to the cannon for a photo before the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks on January 26, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 26: A pair of young Columbus Blue Jackets fans pose next to the cannon for a photo before the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks on January 26, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

There are little to no spectacles, songs, or moments unique to a Panthers game. Columbus has the cannon, Vegas cranks a siren, and the Rangers have their various unique and hysterical chants.

The Hurricanes, on the other hand, now have their “Bunch of Jerks” moment after every win (we’ll see if that continues next year) and I can go on for at least another 10-12 other franchises.

Outside of screaming “RED” during the national anthem or throwing rats at the end of a win, there aren’t any unique traditions that this organization can claim and retain for a number of seasons.

There’s nothing enticing fans to stay the entire game, or to even arrive on time. Even if there was full attendance, can the Panthers’ most memorable moments be compared to, say, Nashville’s “you suck” chant?

The Panthers have the makings for some fun and original experiences with their iconic history with the rat, unique and exotic location, as well as former players.

They need to get creative with the branding of their experience to entice new fans to jump on board while retaining the already loyal fans they currently have.

Whether it’s implementing more theme nights or connecting to some cultural or trendy aspect that relates to South Florida, the Panthers need something to call their own.

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