VERSUS #1 On Friday in Boston and Tampa
May 30, 2011 5 Comments
This should come as little surprise, but VERSUS’ blockbuster ratings for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final were helped by massive local numbers in each of the two participating markets.
Game 7 drew a massive 18.8 in the Boston market on Friday night, #1 overall in Boston for the entire evening. The 18.8 was a 34% rise from the network’s average for the first five VERSUS broadcasts of this series, which had drawn an average 14.0. It was VERSUS’ best rating ever in Boston. The network was also #1 in the nearby Providence, Rhode Island market for the evening.
Tampa Bay was lower, but little slouch for their club’s loss in Game 7. VERSUS scored a 7.8 rating in Tampa Bay, making the game the #1 television program in the market for all of Friday night. It was a 52% increase from the network’s 5.1 average for the rest of the series. This game was also the best rating for VERSUS ever in the Tampa Bay market.
Game 7 drew 2.55 million viewers nationally, the highest viewership for a Conference Final since 2002, and VERSUS’ best non-Stanley Cup Final ratings ever.
Puck The Media 
Honestly, if it wasn’t #1 in both markets the NHL should shut down……………….
Especially it was on a Friday night during a holiday weekend. Nothing else should of won either market in that event.
It was far more impressive when the NHL beat out the American Idol finale in Boston.
lol @ 2.5 million being considered “blockbuster”.
The 2.55 million number being the best for a Conference Final since 2002 is still impressive. Let’s not downplay positive news!