Florida Panthers: Four Problems with the In-Game Experience

Lack of Understanding on How to Use Gameplay to your Advantage

I can’t stress this point enough. This may be the most crucial point in needing to be addressed. I would need all 7,000 fan’s fingers to count the number of times a cheesy song or game comes on during pivotal moments of each game.

Example: The game is tied 2-2, second period and a big hit is made by our defenseman. During the next stoppage of play, a kid eating ice cream sprays across the jumbotron. Or, we’re down 3-2, Trocheck crosses the opposing blue line and gets tripped.

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Both refs have their arms down, no penalty to be called and the crowd erupts. When the play stops, no replay. No use of the building emotion to get the fans involved. No “ref you suck” chant.

Instead, an enchanting game of “follow the puck” comes on. Disappointing. They even used to show the weather report on the jumbotron during breaks in the last five minutes of the third period. Not exactly an exhilarating and energizing topic to get your seventh man involved.

At this point, the only thing marketing has right is the tribute to military veterans during the second period. Although I have my critiques, overall it’s beautifully done and an excellent part of the game.

The Panthers need to address this issue. There are countless times in a game when the crowd’s energy can cause a powerplay, rally a big penalty kill, or totally shift the momentum of a hockey game.

The best teams get their fans involved and the Panthers need all the help they can get. Florida’s marketing team, DM me for thoughts and strategies!