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2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

If we're playing Mariucci, then we'll want more than 20 skaters, look more towards the 25-30 range. You wouldn't think so, but that extra 15 feet of width that goes with an Olympic rink can be a killer, especially making the assumption that the ice will be filled with those that don't skate all that often.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Brenthoven said:
Um, I'd pay and I'm not even playing (I'll just be taking pics).
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Much appreciated.

I'm also not planning to play, but I'm good for one share as well. (It appears that I have an unsolvable conflict this year.) Others may wish to consider doing the same. Such contributions have certainly helped balance the budget in the past.

Some comments on "sponsors." On a couple of occasions, generous inviduals have given at higher levels. In DC, a Bemidji fan donated $100, in part because he was unable to make the trip and that was a way for him to be part of the event. To honor his donation, I wore a green Bemidji jersey on the ice that year. IIRC, that one check reduced the price of the event to $23 per person, down from $27. The donation was literally the difference-maker in keeping us under budget.

In Denver, a group of posters paid the entire cost of the ice. The lead sponsor was promoting his website, DUBlogspot. Others were rewarded by having their "personal logos" appear on that year's T-Shirt. Quizmire handled those donations; but I'm sure it's correct to say that the sponsors each gave at least $50, and probably a good bit more.

I don't know if goldy 331 and the other Minnesota-based organizers want to pursue sponsors this year; that's their call. But it does help pay the bills.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

St. Clown said:
If we're playing Mariucci, then we'll want more than 20 skaters, look more towards the 25-30 range. You wouldn't think so, but that extra 15 feet of width that goes with an Olympic rink can be a killer, especially making the assumption that the ice will be filled with those that don't skate all that often.
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Good point!
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

St. Clown said:
You wouldn't think so, but that extra 15 feet of width that goes with an Olympic rink can be a killer, especially making the assumption that the ice will be filled with those that don't skate all that often.
Click to expand...

What's with the assumption that tape-to-tape passing wouldn't be the norm? Shirley you can't be serious. :)
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

goldy_331 said:
OK, new info on Mariucci. I have to still check on ice for the right weekend, but here are probable costs: $180 for the insurance policy + $440 for 2 hours ice = $620. If we have 30 skaters that is ~$21 each. Does this seem doable to folks? Not sure what the turnout has been in the past. If we get 40 skaters we're talking $15.50 each.
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Ugh - I will cry if it's there and I'm not going this year!! :( That's a great price. I believe I chipped in some $ in DC but didn't play, just shot photos.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

goldy_331 said:
OK, new info on Mariucci. I have to still check on ice for the right weekend, but here are probable costs: $180 for the insurance policy + $440 for 2 hours ice = $620. If we have 30 skaters that is ~$21 each. Does this seem doable to folks? Not sure what the turnout has been in the past. If we get 40 skaters we're talking $15.50 each.
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ohhh. it might be at Mariucci? interesting...
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

goldy_331 said:
C'mon, the drive from MKE to STP is nothin'!
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going to FF is not a question for me. I had hotel reservations in April 2010. :p Playing is the question. Mariucci might be enticing.
 
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Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Alright, I called STA just to get some numbers and here's what they have:

Available Ice Times
Friday 4/8: 610-930pm
Saturday 4/9: 8am-930pm

Said his standard rate is $195/90 mins but after explaining what the group is all about said he'd keep that same rate if we wanted to go two hours. Prefer payment 3-4 weeks in advance but no initial deposit is required. Guy was very eager to be of assistance, fwiw.

For now, that's the gist of the STA situation.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Well, now we have a dilemma -- two very appealing, but very different, options. I guess it's one of those pleasant problems.:)

The appeal of playing at Mariucci is obvious, I presume for locals and out-of-towners alike. In recent years we've played at Yost, the Capitals' practice rink in DC, and Magness. So there is a tradition of playing at "notable" rinks.

But $195 for two hours? For a rink that locals agree has a very convenient location and great ice? That's flat-out awesome. Get 25 skaters and the cost is 8 bucks each. You could include t-shirts for everyone and be around $15, still way under budget.

Comments?
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Let's wait and see what the real answer is on Mariucci. I have left messages with the rink manager and I'll try him again tomorrow. It might be moot if they don't have ice time for us, or if the insurance costs have gone up again. I do like the STA option. I have not skated there but my son has and it seemed like a very nice rink with good, fast ice.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

I think Mariucci is a no-brainer if we can make it work. I'd certainly pay significantly more to get out on that ice for a boatload of reasons. STA does looks like a completely viable secondary option at this point, though. Overall I think we're in a pretty good spot regardless.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

One more thought: Since I'm too lazy to go back through the thread, did the idea of Ridder Arena get bandied about at all? It's nice, home of the Gopher women and host of this year's DIII Men's FF.

ridder_arena_145_large.JPG
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

It's NHL ice too. I believe the Gopher men practice there before games on NHL ice if it is available.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

XYZ said:
One more thought: Since I'm too lazy to go back through the thread, did the idea of Ridder Arena get bandied about at all? It's nice, home of the Gopher women and host of this year's DIII Men's FF.

ridder_arena_145_large.JPG
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And it often hosts the Women's WCHA tournament, as well as NCAA tournament games.

It probably hasn't been mentioned on this thread. But Ridder was certainly on the organizers' short list as we were looking ahead to 2011. You guys shouldn't have to get an unlimited number of price quotes, but it might be worthwhile to get the numbers for Ridder.

Caution: If Mariucci requires pricey insurance, Ridder probably does too. And I'm guessing that most of the group will prefer Mariucci, other things being equal. But if a meaningful savings would be realized by choosing Ridder, that could tip the scales.

More comments?
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

pgb-ohio said:
And it often hosts the Women's WCHA tournament, as well as NCAA tournament games.

It probably hasn't been mentioned on this thread. But Ridder was certainly on the organizers' short list as we were looking ahead to 2011. You guys shouldn't have to get an unlimited number of price quotes, but it might be worthwhile to get the numbers for Ridder.

Caution: If Mariucci requires pricey insurance, Ridder probably does too. And I'm guessing that most of the group will prefer Mariucci, other things being equal. But if a meaningful savings would be realized by choosing Ridder, that could tip the scales.

More comments?
Click to expand...

The insurance at the U is standard between the rinks. If we could have guaranteed that all players were USA Hockey members, they would drop the insurance. That is, however, $40 for someone to join, so it's not a viable option.

The hourly rental rate at Ridder is slightly less. I've played there in a charity tournament last spring, and it's kept in as good of condition as Mariucci. I think the same guy manages both ice rinks, seeing as how they're 50 ft apart. The locker rooms in Ridder a little nicer, too. It only makes sense, though, seeing as how it's a newer facility.
 
Re: 2011 Posters' Game - St Paul

Fun fact:

Down in basement of Mariucci near the tunnel over to Ridder you can find the official NCAA championship banners, the ones that say "University of Minnesota - Twin Cities." I took pictures. :)
 
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