UFC 88 in Atlanta

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for UFC 88 in Atlanta. It is UFC’s first show in the market, and features UFC’s top draw in Chuck Liddell. Those signs point to a strong gate, and indeed the show may do well.

However, one thing to keep in mind in advance is that Atlanta may be the worst sports town in the United States. Despite having the 9th largest metropolitan area in the United States, no Atlanta team has drawn the 9th or better attendance in any sport in the past five years. Atlanta has also featured empty seats in crucial playoff games.

If in a month people are wondering why tickets haven’t moved briskly for a Chuck Liddell fight in a new market, the explanation may lie in the UFC’s choice of venue.

Atlanta Hawks:

• 2007-2008: 16,280 fans average, 86.9 percent capacity, 20th of 30 teams
• 2006-2007: 15,594 fans average, 78.0 percent capacity, 26th of 30 teams
• 2005-2006: 15,068 fans average, 75.3 percent capacity, 29th of 30 teams
• 2004-2005: 14,456 fans average, 72.3 percent capacity, 28th of 30 teams
• 2003-2004: 13,798 fans average, 69.0 percent capacity, 29th of 29 teams

Atlanta Thrashers:

• 2007-2008: 15,824 fans average, 85.3 percent capacity, 22nd of 30 teams
• 2006-2007: 16,229 fans average, 87.5 percent capacity, 21st of 30 teams
• 2005-2006: 15,550 fans average, 83.9 percent capacity, 23rd of 30 teams
• 2004-2005: No Games (Lockout)
• 2003-2004: 15,121 fans average, 81.5 percent capacity, 21st of 30 teams

Atlanta Falcons:

• 2007: 68,395 fans average, 96.0 percent capacity, 16th of 32 teams
• 2006: 70,432 fans average, 98.9 percent capacity, 11th of 32 teams
• 2005: 70,638 fans average, 99.2 percent capacity, 10th of 32 teams
• 2004: 70,603 fans average, 99.1 percent capacity, 11th of 32 teams
• 2003: 70,459 fans average, 98.9 percent capacity, 11th of 32 teams

Atlanta Braves:

• 2008: 30,178 fans average, 64.0 percent capacity, 14th of 30 teams
• 2007: 33,891 fans average, 67.7 percent capacity, 14th of 30 teams
• 2006: 31,869 fans average, 63.6 percent capacity, 14th of 30 teams
• 2005: 31,519 fans average, 62.9 percent capacity, 15th of 30 teams
• 2004: 29,399 fans average, 58.7 percent capacity, 16th of 30 teams