I'll take a shot at this, as a former Mn resident.  There are several reasons
why the Gophs always draw well, primary among them is the local talent on the
team. I watched games with guys I had played against & watch play in High
 School.  So there is a certain pride when the team does well.  More subtle is
that you always get a good effort from the team, no matter what (I am very
concerned to hear reports that that has not been the case this year - is that
true?).  It is also true, to some extent, that it is "the place to be" for a
lot of folks.  Since the college game has gotten more "chippy" I feel the type
of play has become less important.
 
As for the Stars, they have to overcome several handicaps.  I used to go to
10-20 games a year but decided it was not worth the money a couple of years
after they made the cup finals several years back.  They would play 3 good
periods of hockey every 2 games.  I was not going to spend $15 to see very good
players sleepwalk to yet another tie.  The old owners (the Gunds now of San
Jose ) made it obvious that they would not do what it takes to make the team
better & generally made disparaging comments about the fans.  I have heard they
are doing the same for the Sharks now.
 
All that, along with the type of play and closeness to the action stuff already
mentioned add up to what you see at the gate.
 
me
 
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mark e. gibbons         [log in to unmask]          M.S. INI-18
(v)407.867.4847         [log in to unmask]       Kennedy Space Center,
(f)407.867.4079                                         Florida 32899
 
     "Man is the best computer we can put aboard a spacecraft ... and
      the only one that can be mass produced with unskilled labor."
                                                           -- Wernher von Braun