Ottawa Senators Launch Initiative to Reclaim Arena from Rival Fans
Rivalry games overrun with visiting supporters have reignited a longstanding debate for the Ottawa Senators, prompting decisive action from the organization. Following two disheartening home losses to the Montreal Canadiens in front of predominantly pro-Habs crowds, and with the Toronto Maple Leafs set to visit, the Senators are determined to permanently reclaim their home ice advantage.
A Persistent Problem
According to Senators president Cyril Leeder, captain Brady Tkachuk emphasized the issue of Toronto Maple Leafs fans dominating games as a top priority for new owner Michael Andlauer upon his 2023 acquisition of the franchise. Despite significant on-ice improvements over three seasons, the challenge of away fan invasions persists, regularly fueling discussions on talk radio and fan forums.
The situation reached a tipping point on January 17, 2026, when an estimated 80% of the sellout crowd of 18,020 at Canadian Tire Centre cheered for the visiting Canadiens during a dramatic 6-5 overtime loss. Defenceman Jake Sanderson somberly noted the team was "used to it, playing an away game at home." The organization's analysis revealed over 6,500 season seat tickets were transferred for that game, likely to Canadiens supporters.
Initial Efforts Fall Short
In response, the Senators emailed season seat members on February 19, offering additional non-transferable mobile tickets for rivalry games at exclusive discounted prices. The initiative aimed to encourage fans to bring pro-Sens friends and family. However, by the March 11 rematch against Montreal, Leeder admitted they had sold only "hundreds of tickets, not thousands," with Canadiens fans still comprising about three-quarters of the attendance.
The March 11 defeat proved particularly galling as Habs fans confidently performed the wave and chanted "Olé" in the closing minutes. Post-game frustration erupted on social media, with Frank Pinto, father of Senators centre Shane Pinto, criticizing the home support before deleting his post. Local sports radio and podcasts were inundated with angry calls from disheartened Ottawa supporters.
Ambitious Long-Term Solutions
The organization is now pursuing more comprehensive strategies. This summer, they plan to create a 'Verified Sens Fans' database of confirmed supporters for targeted marketing. This approach is inspired by super fan Kevin Lee's efforts during the 2025 playoffs, when he distributed 50 discounted tickets per home game to ensure Sens fans filled seats.
Additionally, the Senators are considering renovations to establish a Sens-fans-only section in the upper bowl by next season, potentially requiring Senators gear for entry. While segregating all away fans like European football stadiums is impractical, creating a dedicated home supporter zone could amplify Ottawa's presence. Leeder envisions starting with one section and expanding over time if successful.
Broader Challenges
Long-term success depends on growing the season ticket base to 13,000-14,000 members within three years and ensuring those fans attend rivalry games. Some observers note demographic and economic factors, as younger Sens fans may lack disposable income for premium-priced rivalry tickets, while older generations maintain allegiances to original six teams.
TSN 1200 host AJ Jakubec compared Ottawa's situation to placing an MLB team in Hartford, Connecticut, where fans have longstanding ties to the Yankees or Red Sox. "It's 30 years later, and from that perspective, I think Ottawa's carved out a pretty good fan base here, but there's still work to do," Jakubec remarked.
Leeder acknowledges the organization must share responsibility, reflecting on the January takeover: "We felt, coming out of the playoffs last year that we really had a fix. And we had the fan base kind of say 'OK, look, we understand, we want to go to those games and it's incumbent on us to buy the tickets and show up.' And that is true, but we've got to do our part as well." With renewed commitment, the Senators aim to transform Canadian Tire Centre into a true home fortress.
