Marge s wrote:(IE NOV 14 Baaclays has The Who and MSG has a Ranger game)
We might not have to worry about hockey games bringing much of a crowd, as the NHL players are currently being locked out. At best, we'll have a delayed start to the season. But, it could get as bad as a totally lost season, or more.
Anyway, talking about how trains relate to this topic...I'm really anticipating seeing how the LIRR will handle the crowds from the new arena in Brooklyn. Contrary to LIRR42's comment, the crowds from hockey games don't just trickle out. You get probably a couple hundred fans that leave before the game ends. But, the majority wait for the game to completely end. Then, it's like a dam giving way. Have you ever stood in Penn Station in the main waiting area and watched the steady flow of humanity that pours down the stairs from MSG into the main waiting area? While all 18,200 hockey fans don't all jump on trains right away (some trickle into the local bars or just out into the streets), the majority does. Penn Station has an advantage though, with LIRR, NJT, Amtrak and the subways to absorb the crowds. Penn Station's platforms can also accommodate full 12 car trains. With the yard west of the station, once trains fill up and are sent east, you can bring more trains in behind them to move the people out. Brooklyn isn't built to handle a big arena like that. Tracks 1 and 2 hold 10 car trains max, and tracks 4-6 can only hold 6 car trains. Plus, the yard is east of the yard, so once trains fill up, you'll have conflicting train traffic when attempting to move the crowds out. I think there will be a lot of trial and error trying to figure out a way to make Brooklyn work. I agree, it should be interesting.