The Nuggets struggled to fill the stands at Pepsi Center in 2014-15. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
The Denver Nuggets have lost a higher percentage of fans over the last decade than all but nine teams, according to a review of NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB attendance figures. MLS teams were not included in the study.
The survey, conducted by 24/7 Wall St., found that the Nuggets saw a 16.7 percent decline in attendance over the last decade. Their average home attendance is 14,700, which is about 76 percent of capacity.
“We’ve got to get it back to the Melo days,” Nuggets rookie guard .
The Nuggets made the playoffs 10 consecutive seasons from 2003-04 to 2012-13, but have failed to make the postseason the last two seasons, and are outside of playoff position this year.
“I fully get that we have to give them something to cheer about, and something to feel good about, and something that they want to come watch and be a part of,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone said of the team’s attendance in October.
The rankings were determined by the largest attendance percentage drops in regular-season home games over the last 10 years. Attendance data was provided by ESPN. Teams that opened a new facility or relocated over the last decade were excluded.
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Florida Panthers
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Chicago White Sox
6. Houston Astros
7. Philadelphia 76ers
8. Atlanta Braves
9. Seattle Mariners
10. Denver Nuggets
11. Oakland Athletics
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
13. San Diego Padres
14. St. Louis Rams
