Gary Bettman has once again pushed the boundaries of the National Hockey League, taking the sport to fresh territory – the land Down Under. As part of this bold venture, Melbourne Laver Arena played host to a thrilling preseason encounter between the LA Kings and the Arizona Coyotes.
The numbers were nothing short of impressive. Over the two-game series, approximately 13,000 spectators were in attendance. This wasn’t just a match; it was an event, with merchandise representing all 32 NHL teams flying off the shelves.
From a tourism perspective, the games brought a significant boost. Local tourist organizations have confirmed that a whopping 42% of ticket sales were from individuals outside of Victoria Province. This isn’t merely about the love of the game; it’s becoming evident that hockey is becoming a notable tourist attraction in Australia. Many attendees were possibly unfamiliar with the sport, but the allure of experiencing a North American staple in Australian territory was irresistible.
In a show of cultural exchange, both teams took some time off to delve into local sports culture. They made their way to the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground to witness the high-adrenaline world of Australian Rules football. In a stark comparison, the arena was packed with an astounding 98,000 spectators.
While ice hockey’s debut in Australia was undoubtedly a monumental success, the comparison with Australian Rules football is a gentle reminder: hockey has made a splash, but it has some way to go before it can compete with the titans of Australian sports.
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