Empty the Bench

ESPN has just published their Fan Satisfaction Rankings, which ranks all the professional teams in the four major North American leagues (yes, even the NHL) based on categories such as “Bang for the Buck,” “Fan Relations,” and “Affordability.” After surveying over 80,000 people, hockey’s Buffalo Sabres finished first in overall satisfaction; we have no idea how the Detroit Lions came in last. What’s not to like there?

Find out where your team ranks here. Click on each team name for a few reasons why they ended up where they did; here’s an excerpt on how the Sabres ended up on top:

Larry Quinn, managing partner of the Buffalo Sabres, knows owner Tom Golisano doesn’t like him to talk about other clubs’ fans, but he just can’t help himself. Anytime the Sabres host archrival Toronto, Quinn enjoys watching the thousands of crazies who make the 101-mile trek to cheer their Leafs. “Jersey-wearing, face-painted, wig-wearing types, not the kind you see at the Air Canada Centre,” says Quinn. “It’s ironic that Buffalo has become the place where true Toronto fans can express themselves.”

Cheers, Sabres fans: face-painters and wig-wearers are our favorite kind of fans. Mmhmm.