Riga playoff hype

[Greg_Di 1,030]

 

For Andris, Attending Riga games in the Latvian Country has become a yearly tradition

 

Each game, during warmups Andris, hold a makeshift target up against the glass that Lincoln Tate will take aim at. As a season-ticket holder since the Riga were brought into the VHL, the tradition is Andris looks forward to before each game. The 70-year old grew to love hockey watching the Reign play. He only got into watching the game as he was gifted season tickets from his family.

 

For Andris, it’s as much about having fun as it is about interacting with fans of all different ages. The popularity of the team in Latvia has grown season over season as Riga has lately been fielding a very consistent playoff team. This season the hype has grown even more as Riga sit atop the European standings and have a very legitimate chance of winning it all.

Fans young and old have been flocking to see the team but also creating a home arena atmosphere that seems like a party. Everyone is having a good time, everyone is cheering on the team and it is much different then the more corporate feeling of the North American arenas where mostly the guests are more interested in conducting business and sitting in the lounges then actually watching the game and cheering on the team.

 

Riga has always been known as a playoff team, sitting very close to breaking the VHL record for consecutive playoff appearances but the buzz this season seems to be different.

The players are more dialed in, more focused on the ultimate prize. They have been working on different strategies and tactics to finally get them to the promised land. Mostly lead by veterans, the team knows what they need to do.

 

“ It’s great to be on a team that is so focused on winning, I think for a lot of guys here this could be our last legitimate chance to win the cup and we are doing what we can to make that happen “ Said Eagles “ The fans have been helping as they have been showing great pride in this team. When I was traded here I didn’t think the fan support would match what we saw in Canada or the US. It’s almost on a whole different level here. The more you win, the more the fans get into the moment and want to support the team"

 

The VHL was originally given backlash by putting a team in Latvia, many said a team here wouldn't survive and that the league would bleed money, but now they are laughing all the way to the bank. Games are consistently sold out, merchandise sales have been increasing 15% year over year and the sponsorships have been pouring in.

 

“ When you create such a successful team, sponsorships will show up “ Said Riga’s marketing manager “ A lot of companies want their name in our arena because they can reach 18,000+ people 3x a week without much effort and then we put that money into making our home an outstanding arena to play in and an amazing atmosphere for our fans”

We can’t wait to see what the Reign have in store for this years playoffs, every year the interactions and on ice visuals keep getting better and better….and if they happen to win it all expect to see one of the greatest celebrations to ever be constructed for a finals win.

Edited June 22, 2020 by Greg_Di