The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

[Lakers2Glory]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

It's going to be a tough draw at either site. The CCHA attendance the last few years at the Joe was subpar and that featured either MI, MSU or both. Not to mention, an Ohio team usually snuck in to the equation.

If out-of-state teams end up at each respective Tourney, the WCHA better put on their marketing pants because they are going to need all the host-city fan support they can get.

[bigblue_dl]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

And don't forget, the WCHA tourneys in StcPaul will compete with the NCHC tourney at the Target Center at the same time

Anyone who has seen a hockey game at Target Center wouldn't go back willingly, to see a team they have no rooting interest for. Terrible venue.

edit: I guess shirtless got to it before me.

[thebrain]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Yeah, I don't think anyone that has seen a hockey game at Target Center would voluntarily choose to attend a game there that didn't involve their team.

What's interesting is that Target Center doesn't own hockey boards, glass, or even a Zamboni(at least that I've seen backstage). The last time they had a game there, they bought brand new boards and sold them the next day to an arena in Iowa. They're also replacing all the jacks that raises the floor for hockey. The other issue they had was when they put in new seats 8-9 years ago, they didn't allow for the openings from the hockey locker rooms to the benches. Renovations are supposed to start next summer to Target Center too.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Bruce McLeod has hinted that he will retire at the end of next season, so perhaps that's why he's staying in his office at DU.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Bruce McLeod has hinted that he will retire at the end of next season, so perhaps that's why he's staying in his office at DU.

He's just trying to get tenure at DU so he qualifies for pension!

[4four4]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

I bet they use a tarp to close off the upper bowl in order to make it look full for television.

[WiscDC]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

I'm curious. What makes hockey at the Target Center much worse than anywhere else? I've never been there.

[bigblue_dl]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

He's just trying to get tenure at DU so he qualifies for pension!

He has probably already knocked out the wall between his and Gwoz's offices, and doubled the size of his lair.

[bigblue_dl]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

I'm curious. What makes hockey at the Target Center much worse than anywhere else? I've never been there.

Terrible sightlines. Something like half of the seats are obstructed views.

[WiscDC]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Terrible sightlines. Something like half of the seats are obstructed views.

Now...how would it compare to the Barclay's Center?

[manurespreader]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Regarding games at GR.
I think you need to draw at least half the crowd from the local population. In order to do that maybe you offer a package deal to Griffins season ticket holders which gives them the games at half price and you let kids in for 2 dollars. Also you have offers in the supermarkets for kids nights etc. No matter what, I think you have to target the Griffins season ticket holders in some way to get half a chance at a good crowd. I think you give it away rather than play to an empty rink.

If you have any of the eastern half of the league in, there will be some fans, but you can't expect a lot even for Ferris.

[4four4]

Regarding games at GR.
I think you need to draw at least half the crowd from the local population. In order to do that maybe you offer a package deal to Griffins season ticket holders which gives them the games at half price and you let kids in for 2 dollars. Also you have offers in the supermarkets for kids nights etc. No matter what, I think you have to target the Griffins season ticket holders in some way to get half a chance at a good crowd. I think you give it away rather than play to an empty rink.

If you have any of the eastern half of the league in, there will be some fans, but you can't expect a lot even for Ferris.

Sadly, giving away tickets is not the way to go. It is better to play in a 6 to 8 thousand seat arena in Michigan before tickets should be given away.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Sadly, giving away tickets is not the way to go. It is better to play in a 6 to 8 thousand seat arena in Michigan before tickets should be given away.

Flint 2018! There is an NAHL team that plays in the suitably dumpy Perani Arena.

*****http://arenadigest.com/images/stories/mlhockey/perani1.jpg******

[manurespreader]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

Sadly, giving away tickets is not the way to go. It is better to play in a 6 to 8 thousand seat arena in Michigan before tickets should be given away.

I don't mean giving it away literally. I mean giving it away figuratively. I also mean cutting the price to get butts in the seats. What this league needs is exposure. Having an empty arena or one that appears empty is not a good idea.

[JohnsonsJerseys]

Re: The New WCHA 3, Revenge of the Sieve (2013-14)

My concern is where Ferris or even a Michigan team isn't involved. I'm not sure Bemidji v Fairbanks or Mankato v Bowling Green will be a big draw.

Pretty good odds that at least one Michigan team will make the Final Whatever each season with four to pick from - MTU, NMU, LSSU, FSU and BGSU is closer to Grand Rapids than any of the UP teams so they should travel at least as well.

Ryan J