Johnstown was too small a market to consistently fill a 4,000-seater... while there were markets who could fill more seats. The real issue is an opportunity cost for a potential owner. That Wheeling has survived this long... I don't know what that says, really.
Thing is, I agree with you to a degree. But if you're going to have 4,000 seats, you better also have luxury suites. Capacity is only 5,000 in Boise, and I'd say the announced attendance numbers are padded... HOWEVER, because the business community buys up the suites and enough of the club seats, the Steelheads will probably live past what the attendance sell-by date would indicate.
The reason for the AHL to really go out west is because Stockton and Bakersfield and Ontario could get good crowds in somewhat larger buildings... and you know the business-friendly revenue enhancers are also involved in newer buildings. So NOW the ECHL presence out west (exception: Utah) are in that 5-6K range of capacities, and Alaska and Idaho have proved staying power and Colorado only recently lost their sellout streak from the beginning of the Eagles.
Heck, I see the NAHL in Wenatchee, a 4,200-seater with suites, they do well considering there's never been a real regional rival. I know some NAHL teams are in 1,000-seat barns. Danbury's rink seems a lot more suited to NAHL IMO. It should be obvious by now that the Fed has never really been sustainable if Danbury is booted... and they've been the only real survivor from Day 1. I know dropping from pro to junior probably antagonizes some Danbury fans, but the alternatives aren't pretty by any means.
