Ottawa Senators plan ticket restrictions to limit Montreal Canadiens fans after arena takeover
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Incredible but true, the Ottawa Senators are once again trying to block Canadiens fans from accessing their own arena, tired of seeing red take over.
The atmosphere in Ottawa often feels like a home game for Montreal. It’s no secret-the Sens’ management seems intent on limiting ticket sales to prevent a Canadiens takeover.
It’s a strategy that mainly reveals a certain insecurity about the popularity of our team. Montreal fans travel in large numbers and energize the arena far more than the locals.
Let’s be honest, it’s fair game, but it risks frustrating many fans who had planned their trip for the weekend. The Senators are working to ensure their stands aren’t filled with supporters of the opposition.
This isn’t the first time a team has tried this, but given the geographic proximity, it’s almost impossible to stop.
The drive along Highway 417 is a classic for Montrealers looking to cheer on Martin St-Louis’ squad.
Ottawa Senators move to limit Canadiens fan presence at Canadian Tire Centre
“From my point of view, I don’t need added pressure or outside comments to understand that we need to act. We know we have to manage this,” said president Cyril Leeder, who has not forgotten the January 17 Canadiens-Senators game, played in front of thousands of Montreal fans in Ottawa.
“That January game was probably the one where we had the highest number of opposing fans. More than 6,500 tickets for that game were transferred, which is high. We can’t verify who bought them, [] but the general assumption is that it’s a Canadiens supporter acquiring the ticket through a transfer tied to that specific game.”
– Via TVA Sports
Let’s admit it-the Senators are playing with fire by trying to sort customers based on allegiance.
At the end of the day, money has no color, even if the seats themselves risk staying red.
We’ll be watching this closely, but one thing is certain: no one can stop Montreal’s passion from spilling over to the other side of the Ottawa River.
Get your jerseys ready-the invasion has already begun.
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Ottawa Senators plan ticket restrictions to limit Montreal Canadiens fans after arena takeover
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