Why can’t the Leafs do something really special for fans? Here’s an idea...

I know before I even finish the next few paragraphs, many will stop reading and say, “that’s ridiculous—no organization would ever do that”.  But let me try to explain my thought, and see if anyone out there sees value in it.

We all know that the Maple Leafs, as part of MLSE, are one of the most profitable—and wealthiest—professional sports franchises in the world.  Now, if they had made the playoffs even once in the past seven seasons, imagine how much more money they would have made in profits—even one playoff series, just a couple of games.  But they didn’t, yet they have somehow survived.  They haven’t exactly gone under financially, eh?

And let me state that the Leafs do some great things in the community.  They are very involved in youth sports, various philanthropic and charitable ventures and that is a wonderful thing.  I would expect them, as business leaders who benefit from the public attention and adulation they receive, to do what they do, but they should still be applauded for at least contributing as they do.

But there is one more thing I would love to see them undertake, and it is this:  I think a lot of us would like to see a livelier ACC.  There are obviously some great fans there, but it’s a shame that, too often, the building is so quiet.  That is largely because the seats closest to the ice carry the highest prices and are out of the reach of most everyday Leaf fans.  Some (many?) of those who occupy those platinum seats often leave them empty, or are there mostly for business reasons- not because they are rabid Leaf fans.

So while this would cost MLSE financially, would it not be great for them to make a Maple Leaf game, once a year,  open to the real general public—not season's-ticket holders, not corporate accounts, not scalpers and not just those who can afford the absurdly high ticket prices.

What if, for one night, once a year in say, Christmas time—real fans, families, under-privileged kids who normally could never afford to get to a game—had a legitimate opportunity to get into a Leaf game for either a “flashback” price, or (in the case of those kids who could not normally attend) for free. 

What a gesture that would be.

I'm not sure if I'm talking about an open lottery or something along those lines.  But there has to be a way to give real fans a chance to get to a Leaf game once a year and fill the building with noise and legitimate excitement, not a building filled with people who don't really appreciate the opportunity.

How much would this cost the Leafs—a night where they would not charge what they charge the rest of the year?  The building, 20,000 strong, would be filled with kids and loud, excited, boisterous fans of all ages and backgrounds who would truly appreciate the opportunity to see their favorite hockey team—in person.

And can you imagine the noise?

Oh, the Leafs could still sell their programs, make money on concessions and benefit from merchandise sales as they always do, so it wouldn’t be a total “loss”.

But wow, what a memory for kids and other fans who would have their special night at the ACC, and got to watch the Leafs in NHL action.

Next season, you do it all over again, and different people get the same opportunity.

I know players like Curtis Joseph have purchased tickets and brought kids to the game in the past, and those are marvelous gestures.  And as I said, the Leafs do plenty of things in the community.

But this would be something extra special, truly “generous”. Not coming from the players (though they could contribute if they wanted) but from ownership’s hearts—and deep pockets.

I know it will never happen, but it could, you know.  The Leafs, as an organization (can we say Teachers Pension Plan?) would have to want to do this, be really willing to do this.

It would make the Leaf even more special than they already are.