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Pittsburgh Penguins fans ranked No. 14 by ‘Fandom 250’

By Samual Campbell

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Pittsburgh Penguin fans looks on before Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on April 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Pittsburgh Penguin fans looks on before Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on April 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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The results are in. FanSided has ranked the Pittsburgh Penguin fan base number 14 amongst all fandoms. And number 1 among the NHL.

FanSided’s “Fandom 250” is described as “The ultimate ranking of fandoms. From sports to entertainment. Celebrities to brands.” Pittsburgh Penguins fandom rejoice, you’ve been recognized as number 1 among NHL fan bases.

Why Pick the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Sure as Pens fan we all get it, but what exactly sets Pens fan apart to be recognized as the best in the NHL?

The official article by Mike Dyce cites the Penguins arena attendance, social media presence, and overall parade insanity as some of the reasons Pens fans were so highly touted.

"In 2017, 650,000 fans attended their championship parade, an increase of 200,000 fans from their 2016 championship parade.And the fans show up for their team. So far this season, fan attendance is over 100 percent at home and on the road. For the 2016-17 season, the Penguins averaged 103.7 percent attendance for every game, home and on the road.…The Penguins also have an impressive social media presence, with two million likes on Facebook, 1.7 million followers on Twitter, nearly another million on Instagram."

The Penguins beat out the Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canadiens, Predators, Rangers, Red Wings, and Blackhawks in the NHL category.

The number 14 ranking also meant the Penguins fandom was ranked higher than the Walking Dead (15), Colin Kaepernick (21), and Disney (22).

The Takeaway

As fans it’s great to be recognized. That being said, it’s easy being  a fan when things are going well. Penguins fans are oft criticized for being of the “fairweather” variety. Well, the weather’s been fair in Pittsburgh for a while now.

Admittedly, Mario Lemieux’s hand in ownership and Sidney Crosby definitely gave the franchise a face lift.  No one was tuning in to watch Rico Fata score 15 goals a season.

The support and attention the city has given the team is a testament to how great the fans can be. As the legacy of the team continues to grow, fans grow more and more attached. When the Pens do end up struggling, the relationship this generation of fans have created will bend. But it won’t break.

I mean look at Toronto. The  Maple Leafs haven’t won a cup in 50 years, but their fans still love them (I think).

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