http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Five months from today — on the 10th anniversary of his first NHL game out of retirement — the Penguins plan to dedicate a statue of franchise icon Mario Lemieux outside Consol Energy Center. From that point on Dec. 27 and through New Year's Day the focus of local sports fans will be on an outdoor hockey game to be played at a football stadium.Anticipated details — including ticket availability — about the New Year's Day Winter Classic between the Penguins and Washington Capitals will be revealed Tuesday at Heinz Field. Lemieux will be joined by the likes of center Sidney Crosby and several teammates, a few of the Penguins' Washington rivals, Steelers chairman Art Rooney and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for the unveiling of the Pittsburgh Classic logo.
Pittsburgh's Classic will bring together some of the top franchises in pro sports. The Penguins (fifth), Capitals (11th) and Steelers (28th) are among the top major sports franchises in North America, according to ESPN's annual Ultimate Franchise Rankings.
One year later, the "City of Champions" has lost its luster with a suspended quarterback, early-exit hockey club and still-losing baseball team.
On the bright side ...
"Actually, I'd say the loyalty is as strong now as it has ever been," said Jim Kolovos, 35, of New Castle, who has frequented Heinz Field, PNC Park and Mellon Arena over the last decade.
Strong is one way to describe Pittsburgh's showing in ESPN's eighth annual Ultimate Franchise rankings.
At fifth overall, the Penguins are the top-rated NHL team. The Steelers fell to 28th from third in 2009, but rated high for ownership and on-field success. The Pirates were 82nd — continuing a steady climb from 103rd in 2008 based on improvements in six of eight categories and top-10 rankings for affordability and stadium experience.
"We always worry that some fans might be stuffing the ballot box," ESPN The Magazine senior writer Peter Keating said of online surveys that play a part in the formula used to determine the rankings. "Pittsburgh is a great market to show the rankings work."
The ratings are based on eight categorical rankings and derived from fan input, Keating said. He added that some teams such as the Steelers, NBA's San Antonio Spurs, MLB's Los Angeles Angels and NFL's Green Bay Packers always have fared well.
The Penguins, with consecutive top 10 overall placements despite a competitive market, appear close to joining that group. The franchise was top-ranked in fan relations and third for ownership, and team president David Morehouse is optimistic that a move into luxurious Consol Energy Center will push them higher in future rankings.
"Other than winning the Stanley Cup, being ranked No. 1 in fan relations is the best thing we can do as an organization," he said.
Kolovos lauded the Penguins for making fans feel special despite Mellon Arena's limitations.
"They cater to fans like no other," he said. "They're always sending 'thank you' gifts to us to loyal customers. I'm using the coasters I got last season right now."
The Steelers' 2010 ranking is their lowest, and team officials declined comment. However, Bethel Park's Justin Gremba, 32, said the six-time Super Bowl champions need not fret over their drop-off despite a 98 rating in fans relations.
Gremba's loyalty is to the Pirates, who also declined comment. He added the Penguins are "probably the top team in Pittsburgh right now" -- even though Morehouse has consistently identified the Steelers' brand as "the best in sports."
"I didn't grow up following hockey and I was a closet fan until Sidney Crosby came," Gremba said. "From that day I've probably only missed 10 games a year. He represents the fans here perfectly, and they've got the new arena coming and a lot of young fans that really like them.
"I'm not sure it's an overwhelming answer, but I'd say the Penguins are doing it the right way right now."
For 2010, at least, they're the ultimate team in town.
Measuring up
According to ESPN's eighth annual Ultimate Franchise Rankings, Pittsburgh is home to two of the top 30 professional sports franchises in North America for a second straight year. The Penguins jumped from eighth in 2009 to fifth for 2010, while the Steelers dropped from third to 28th. The biggest bump belonged to the Pirates, who rated 82nd — 12 spots better than in 2009. A three-year look at how the local clubs have fared by categories:
BANG FOR THE BUCK
"Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 3/28/22 — 21
Pirates: 58/45/31 — 45
Steelers: 4/39/24 — 25
FAN RELATIONS
"Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 3/3/1 — 2
Pirates: 110/102/94 — 102
Steelers: 23/14/98 — 45
OWNERSHIP
"Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 16/4/3 — 8
Pirates: 120/117/119 — 119
Steelers: 9/2/4 — 5
AFFORDABITLITY
"Price of tickets, parking and concessions."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 36 /22/27 — 28
Pirates: 32/15/5 — 17
Steelers: 43/36/40 — 40
STADIUM EXPERIENCE
"Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 107/103/69 — 93
Pirates: 10/6/9 — 8
Steelers: 55/26/34 — 38
PLAYERS
"Effort on the field and likability off it."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 6/9/5 — 7
Pirates: 113/106/89 — 103
Steelers: 15/2/38 — 18
COACHING
"Strength of on-field leadership."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 54/42/24 — 40
Pirates: 117/112/107 — 112
Steelers: 4/24/36 — 27
TITLE TRACK
"Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans."
TEAM: 2008/2009/2010 — AVG
Penguins: 24/21/3 — 16
Pirates: 117 /117/114 — 116
Steelers: 6/4/3 — 4
Source: ESPN.com
Link:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/teamrankings
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