Kamensky discusses Fan ID impact on hockey attendance and league dynamics
Valery Kamensky, the vice president of the Continental Hockey League, offered insights in a recent interview about how the Fan ID system has influenced attendance at hockey games. He pointed out that the introduction of the Fan ID for Russian Premier League matches appears to have sparked greater interest in hockey crowds as well. While football fans sometimes shifted away from RPL games, the Hockey League has benefited from new and returning spectators who appreciate the improved access and security the Fan ID provokes.
Kamensky noted that the trend is visible this season: more fans are attending hockey events, and a portion of those fans joined after the fan card was introduced. He described a palpable enthusiasm among followers, with strong competition across teams and a playoff race that keeps fans engaged. This surge in interest, according to Kamensky, reflects a broader enthusiasm for sport where every game can tilt the standings and bring unexpected outcomes. The overall effect is a heightened level of spectator participation and a more vibrant game-day atmosphere, which resonates with fans across North America who value clear entry procedures and a smoother stadium experience.
The Fan ID policy, which became law in December 2021, began to be enforced more strictly in 2022. In practical terms, fans started needing a valid fan card to attend major domestic fixtures, including marquee cup finals. By March 2023, attendance at key matches increasingly required the Fan ID, aligning security and fan verification with modern stadium operations.
The dialogue around these changes also touches on broader shifts in how leagues manage accessibility and fan engagement. Kamensky’s comments suggest that when entry is straightforward and secure, fans are more willing to travel, purchase tickets, and participate in the live event experience. In North American markets, where fans highly value efficient entry, clear information, and dependable game-day logistics, the Russian model provides a reference point for how identity verification can coexist with high-energy competition and strong playoff races.
There are ongoing discussions about how such verification systems affect fan behavior, the dynamics of equal competition among teams, and the overall health of the league’s attendance. Kamensky’s perspective emphasizes that the immediate impact goes beyond ticket sales; it touches the culture of attendance, the willingness of people to attend in person, and the overall vitality of the sport ecosystem. The observed uptick in crowds this season supports the idea that well-implemented fan identification can enhance both safety and the spectator experience, which in turn sustains engagement year after year.
In related developments, reports indicate that settlement talks involving Spartak and Shamil Gazizov have been part of the broader organizational conversations around league governance and financial stability, though the specifics of those discussions were not the focus of Kamensky’s interview. [citation attribution: Kamensky interview, 2023]