BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Condors closed out their final home game of the regular season in front of a packed Dignity Health Arena crowd, capping what the team described as a record-breaking year for home wins and attendance.
Fans filled the arena to celebrate the season and show their support one last time at home before the playoffs.
Bakersfield Condors fans filled Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield for the last home game of the season.KBAK/KBFX
One fan chanted, “Let’s go Condors I want to win yeah!”
Condors Vice President of Marketing Ryan Holt said the energy from the stands helped fuel the team’s success on home ice.
“24 home wins, the most home wins that we’ve ever had with the Condors in a season,” Holt said. “So it’s been great to feel the energy in the building and to see the team get a lot of wins on home ice.”
Holt also highlighted player milestones this season, including several Condors reaching the NHL.
“We’ve had 4 guys this year, make their NHL debut, score their 1st NHL goal, which is so cool to me to see them on, you know, TV or on, you know, some of the big stations or on national TV,” Holt said. “And, you know, they’re getting to play and realize their dreams by being in the NHL. We play a small role in that, but, you know, they always remember their time in Bakersfield fondly.”
Bakersfield Condors fans filled Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield for the last home game of the season.
KBAK/KBFX
For some fans, the season deepened their connection to the sport itself. “I didn’t know a lot about hockey, and now I’ve learned about it, and I’m just fixated on it. I just love it,” said Mary Chaney.
Others said their support has been built over years. “It started with his mama when she was his age. We were coming now with me and my bestest buddy,” Terry Mendenhall said.
As the final home game unfolded, fans said they were hoping for one more win.
The excitement carried into the postseason outlook, with fans anticipating the start of the playoffs.
Holt said the team is focused on what comes next.
“I mean, playoffs is why we do what we do, right? You know, having the opportunity to go to the postseason. And I think last year kind of stuck with us,” Holt said.
It was still unclear which team the Condors will face in the playoffs, but Holt said games are set to begin next week.