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Lockout worries aren’t hurting Blackhawks’ ticket sales

Chicago Blackhawks v Nashville Predators

of the Nashville Predators of the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Frederick Breedon

The threat of a lockout might scare off fans in some cities, but it doesn’t look like it will happen in Chicago.

Chris Kuc reports that 99 percent of Blackhawks season ticket holders renewed for 2012-13 while the waiting list swells to around 11,000 people.

Kuc points out that the Blackhawks topped the NHL in attendance for four straight campaigns, putting together a run of 190 “capacity crowds” when you include regular season and playoff games.

That’s no small accomplishment for any team, but it’s especially noteworthy because the United Center boasts a capacity of 20,500.

The team has seen an incredible - and quick - turnaround from the days when Bill Wirtz prohibited home games from being televised and the United Center looked downright cavernous with empty seats.