The San Jose Sharks are witnessing a notable increase in fan attendance, countering their position at the bottom of the NHL's average attendance rankings. As of January 9, 2025, the Sharks are averaging 13,859 attendees, which is 79.5% of SAP Center's capacity of 17,435 seats. This marks an increase of 1.8% year-over-year, placing them fourth in attendance growth among all NHL teams, excluding the Winnipeg Jets.
While still trailing significantly behind franchises like the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals, who reported increases of 2.1% and 2% respectively, the Sharks are slowly drawing fans back. Notably, head coach Ryan Warsofsky has emphasized the importance of rewarding loyal fans with strong performances, especially following a sellout crowd during a recent victory over the New Jersey Devils.
The presence of rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini is a key factor in the Sharks' growing appeal, as his standout performances have begun to capture the attention of a wider audience.