Backstory on the Springfield ownership group and management team here.
Basically, the Pompea regime that owned the Falcons at the end was incapable of (or unwilling to) properly promoting the team, and attendance suffered accordingly. A self-fulfilling prophecy that resulted in the sale of the team to AZ.
Little credit, IMO, should be given to the new parent club, as since FLA arrived 1 1/2 seasons ago, Springfield's on-ice record is likely 30th out of 30. The true MVP is the new GM Costa, who has taken best practices from all AHL teams and created a promotional culture that has not been seen in Springfield -- ever.
Essentially, "If you work it, they will come." The Falcons owner and Daddy's Girl simply never "worked it."