Reasons for decline in pros

[windsor]

I've been reading different reasons for why there has been such a decline in popularity with tours, pro comps, etc. It seems that a lot of blame is heaped on the eligible skaters staying eligible and, thus, not bringing any "fresh blood" to the pro world. But, isn't it possible the eligible skaters are staying there because they have seen the downturn skating is taking in popularity and realize there just aren't as many options out there for them anymore? So, which it is it?

Is the popularity in pro skating declining because the eligibles aren't turning pro or are the eligible skaters not turning pro because of the decline in popularity in pro skating?

What do you guys think? (And, if this thread has been done before, sorry, I'm relatively new to this site).

[Terri C]

If there is one reason it's the MONEY!!
The shows are for the most part at least $50.00 a ticket to go to and that's the nosebleed section!

[Debbie S]

I think this is skating's version of the chicken and the egg. :)

Well, remember that the rise of pro skating after the 94 Olys was due to both the popularity of Winter Olys that year (fueled by Tonya vs. Nancy vs. Oksana) and the fact that TV networks (most notably, CBS, which had lost the NFL and needed something to broadcast on Sundays) were willing to put their money behind comps and shows to showcase the stars from the Olys and up-and-comers (remember seeing a 12-year-old Tara Lipinski doing an exhibition, and then an interview, in an Ice Wars broadcast?).

As the story goes, ratings started to decline b/c of oversaturation, so the networks were less willing to put skating on. I suspect that the lack of new pros after the 98 Olys had something to do with it (probably b/c by that time, pro comps were seen by many - skaters and fans - as being less serious). Tara did turn pro, and there were plenty of comps and shows that featured her, but the audience didn't tune in. And Ilia Kulik went pro, too.

I would say that its the decline of pro skating that's encouraging eligible skaters to "stay in" - that and the financial opportunities (prize money and endorsements). As for the shows, Terri is right - they have gotten outrageously expensive...and what's driving that is people's willingness to pay. Seats for next year's COI in Wash D.C started at over $100 for something like the first 12 rows in the center sections. I called Ticketmaster literally the minute they went on sale and the closest I could get for the "second price tier" of $65 was either the 3rd row near the corner or the 14th row near the center - I took the 3rd row (still not sure if that was the best choice, but at least we're on the aisle). On-ice seats for SOI were also $100 for next year. I'm a huge figure skating fan, but I have to draw the line at these prices. Obviously, people are willing to pay the high prices - this year, the $100 VIP seats were for the first 9 rows, and the first 5 last year. Each year, those seats sold out.

[jenlyon60]

Another "cause" of the decline in Professional skating is the loosening of the eligibility requirements. In the 80s and until sometime in the early 90s, amateur skaters had very tight restrictions on how they could earn money and retain their amateur status.

Then, (and IIRC it was after the 94 business), ISU and company decided to change the definition from "amateur" to "Eligible" and allow any eligible skater to earn money from skating/coaching and still retain their status to compete in qualifying competitions. Thus we have the eligible skaters who have stayed in the sport for many more years than in previous generations of skating (where typically a successful eligible skater stayed in through one full Olympic cycle, and then bailed for the show/tour circuit or for coaching or judging).

[loveskating]

As I recall, Brian Boitano declined to participate in the pro ams because, as he said, they would destroy pro skating. At the time, I was not sure, but now I believe he was correct.

There would certainly have been a decline from the peak of the "Harding/Kerrigan" affair, but skating should have held approximately 1/3 of those "fans".

The pro ams were boring because they showcased watered down versions of long programs we had already seen several times on the GP; the same skaters won all the time, and while that pleased their fans, it turned everyone else's fans off; the constant wins by amateurs made the pros look bad.

[Isk8NYC]

If there is one reason it's the MONEY!!
The shows are for the most part at least $50.00 a ticket to go to and that's the nosebleed section!

I totally agree -- the cost is prohibitive. I remember taking my nieces and a friend or two to see 2 or 3 shows a year and buying them inexpensive souvenirs. Now, I drive long distances to see shows in smaller arenas so I feel I'm getting what I pay for, and try to bring souvenirs with me that I bought from Oriental Trading. The little light-up toys they sell at these shows are $6 - 12 each! One show every year or two is all my budget allows.

The fantasy skating, such as the Disney tours, appear to be too juvenile and commercial for the adults. The more serious tours, like Stars/Champions on ice, are just more of the same. I miss Ice Capades, which seemed to hit the right mix of flash and fun. (Not to mention the tiny costumes to please the Daddies!)