Gary Bettman Florida Panthers Are Growing Hockey In South Florida
When you think of hockey, Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, the Florida Panthers, under the leadership of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, are making strides in growing the sport in South Florida.
The Beginnings of Hockey in Florida
The Florida Panthers were founded in 1993, becoming the NHL's 26th franchise. While there was some skepticism about whether a hockey team could thrive in the warm climate of South Florida, the team quickly gained a loyal fan base.
However, the Panthers have faced some challenges over the years. In particular, it has been difficult to grow the sport of hockey in a region where it has traditionally been less popular. This is where Gary Bettman comes in.
Gary Bettman's Vision for Hockey in South Florida
Gary Bettman has been the commissioner of the NHL since 1993, the same year that the Florida Panthers were founded. Over the years, Bettman has become known for his efforts to grow the sport of hockey in non-traditional markets, and South Florida is no exception.
Bettman's vision for hockey in South Florida includes a few key elements. First, he believes that the Panthers need to be a competitive team on the ice in order to attract new fans. Second, he believes that the team needs to be heavily involved in the local community in order to raise awareness of the sport of hockey. Finally, Bettman believes that the team needs to provide a top-notch fan experience in order to keep fans coming back.
The Panthers' Focus on Community Outreach
One of the key ways that the Panthers are growing the sport of hockey in South Florida is through community outreach. The team is heavily involved in local schools, offering hockey clinics and other events to get kids excited about the sport. They also work with local charities and non-profits to give back to the community.
These efforts have paid off in a big way. According to the Panthers, their outreach programs have reached over 100,000 kids in South Florida over the past few years. This has helped to build a new generation of hockey fans in the region.
The Importance of a Competitive Team
Of course, it's not just about community outreach. In order to attract new fans and keep current ones engaged, the Panthers need to be a competitive team on the ice. This is something that Bettman is acutely aware of.
Over the past few years, the Panthers have made some big moves to improve their on-ice product. They've invested in top-tier talent, such as signing Sergei Bobrovsky, one of the best goalies in the game, to a long-term contract. They've also made changes behind the bench, hiring Joel Quenneville as head coach.
These moves have paid off so far. During the 2019-2020 season, the Panthers were on track to make the playoffs for the first time in four years before the season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fan Experience at Panthers Games
Finally, another key piece of Bettman's vision for hockey in South Florida is providing a top-notch fan experience. The Panthers have made significant investments in their arena over the past few years, renovating the facility and adding new amenities such as a massive video board.
The team has also made efforts to engage fans in new ways. For example, they've launched a new mobile app that allows fans to participate in interactive games and earn rewards. They've also created new fan zones within the arena where fans can socialize and take part in activities.
The Future of Hockey in South Florida
While there is still work to be done, it's clear that the Florida Panthers are making significant strides in growing the sport of hockey in South Florida. By focusing on community outreach, improving the on-ice product, and providing a top-notch fan experience, the team is attracting new fans and keeping current fans engaged.
As Gary Bettman continues to lead the NHL into the future, it will be interesting to see how the league as a whole continues to expand into non-traditional markets like South Florida. However, with the Panthers making such strong progress, it's clear that hockey has a bright future in the region.