Despite finally getting into the playoffs with an 11–7 record, the Gold's attendance crashed to 14,400 fans per game. As a result, despite finishing second in the Western Conference, they were forced to play on the road against the lower-seeded Memphis Showboats under pressure from ABC.
Despite achieving a playoff spot with an 11–7 record, the Golds' attendance suffered a significant decline to 14,400 fans per game. This led to them being forced to host games on the road against the lower-seeded Memphis Showboats under intense media scrutiny from ABC.