KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Mavericks advance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, some games could see no fans in the stands.
The Mavericks will host Games 1 and 2 of the second playoffs round on May 9 and 10 at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, and the following three games will take place in Texas.
If Games 6 and 7 of the Mountain Division Finals are necessary, they will be held at Independence Community Ice due to a previously scheduled graduations taking place at Cable Dahmer Arena, according to the Mavericks.
In a press release Friday, the team announced the public would not be able to attend those two games of the series.
“Please know that this situation has been as difficult for the organization as it is for our supporters,” the Mavericks said in a press release. “However, adhering to strict occupancy limitations at the alternate venue, there is not fair or equitable way to accommodate the demand of our loyal fan base. We recognize the disappointment and frustration this may cause and sincerely regret that we are unable to provide access to all who wish to attend.”
An Independence city official shared the following statement with KSHB 41 reporter Tod Palmer regarding the scheduling conflict.
"The issue Oak View Group (OVG), who is the company who manages the arena, has run into is due to the four-day ECHL strike late last December, where 41 ECHL games had to be postponed — the season was delayed, pushing the playoffs a week later than expected. When OVG schedules events, they are as careful as they can be working around the Mavericks' postseason, but they also need to make sure the facility is scheduled with events. Obviously, the Mavericks being in the postseason is not a for sure thing, so it's hard to hold all dates in late April, May and early June. This time of year, the arena hosts multiple high school and college graduations, which have been scheduled for many months (probably close to a year). OVG was comfortable with the scheduling when those graduations were booked, that they would not interfere with the Mavericks' postseason scheduling, knowing how the ECHL schedule normally plays out. Unfortunately, the strike threw all of that off."
The Mavericks said it will keep fans informed on viewing opportunities throughout the playoffs as details become available.
“Thank you for your understanding, your loyalty and your continued support of the Mavericks organization,” the organization said.
As part of the three-year extension signed in February, the Mavericks, the City of Independence and Oak View Group have been "meeting regularly" and are working to build greater flexibility to avoid scheduling conflicts in the future.
—
