See 'ya, Rowdy?
It looks like the Albany River Rats may be headed to North Carolina. Incidentally, it's not because they've retired from working for the state and they just can't take the winters any more.
The Charlotte News and Observer reported today that the Rats have been sold and will move to Charlotte (the team is an affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes). The team's president told the TU that owner Walter Robb is "looking at number of different options in terms of affiliations and future of the franchise."
The Rats have averaged 3,483 fans at their 25 homes games this season at the TU Center. That's fifth worst in the AHL.
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Comments
Based on the myriad responses on this post, it seems like the AOA community could care less about the River Rats.
That said, it is depressing that they are leaving. Not what you want to see when it seems like the city is moving in a good direction right now.
... said Jessica R on Jan 22, 2010 at 3:59 PM | link
What the hell is wrong with this area that we can't support minor league sports? We've certainly got the population for it. But people won't come out for River Rats games, or AF2 games, or Patroons games. Seems like the Valley Cats are the only ones that are able to fill their stadium on a regular basis. Is there too much college sporting action in the area that people get their fix that way? Is it just that people in this area don't give a crap about sports? Are people too lazy to get out of their houses? Is it the parking situation in Albany? This really blows my mind.
... said Slacker on Jan 22, 2010 at 4:00 PM | link
It's not official yet!
http://blog.timesunion.com/hockey/rumors-about-the-demise-slightly-exaggerated/3628/
I'm going to the game tonight! and I'm going to try to make it to more games in the near future, I encourage anyone who wants to keep the Rats in the area to do the same. Maybe they'll re-franchise with NYR or the Islanders! Yay! Hockey!
... said Emily on Jan 22, 2010 at 6:06 PM | link