Attendance

[chickod]

Re: Attendance

If the arena wasn't a dump it might help.

It definitely needs an "upgrade." Why it wasn't done when they "renovated" it (adding the balcony) a few years ago I imagine has to do with financial considerations. That being said, trust me, it was WAY worse in the 70s. They had the state basketball championships there EVERY year for a long time (because it was a central location and easily accessible from both Eastern and Western Mass). Problem is, most of those "mid-size" arenas were built around that time (or shortly afterwards) so they all sort of need upgrading...IMO. I frankly think Verizon Wireless in Manchester and MM in Springfield (someone said they "did that over" - well it couldn't have been any worse...dark and narrow) are worse. And Portland is too small. Providence is too big. I don't know about Bridgeport, but that doesn't leave many options.

 

[Split-N]

Re: Attendance

If the arena wasn't a dump it might help.

Meh, "dump" is a bit of an overstatement, IMO. A bit frayed around the edges maybe but not a dump. Arena staff was surprisingly courteous and security, while there, was not over-the-top-in-your-face.

If I had to complain about something it would be the lack of hotels and watering holes within walking distance of the arena. (As it was, all of the close-by hotels were sold out.) Probably would have been a logistical nightmare if the field included a team with a big road following.

 

[chickod]

Re: Attendance

Arena staff was surprisingly courteous and security, while there, was not over-the-top-in-your-face.

Not "over the top," but there's always one knucklehead who thinks he's a big shot. We arrived at 2:30 (and apparently the gates didn't open until 3 - I thought it was surprising that they only opened an hour before the game). Worcester is up in elevation and it was VERY windy and chilly, much more so than Boston. There were a lot of people outside waiting to get in that had been standing outside for awhile and were, frankly, freezing. I'm not saying they should have "let them in." But we were able to at least go in the outside door and wait in the vestibule (or whatever you want to call it). While there, a woman who had just picked up tickets at Will Call (and you can't tell me they didn't let "some" people in because there were TONS of people with Michigan maize shirts on who we could see walking around inside the arena) tried to get to the entrance. There was one of those "roll-up barriers that she tried to duck under and her purse caught on the other side. So I just unhooked it, let it roll up to the other post and let her by, then I replaced it. The guard comes up to me with a stern look and says "What don't you understand about the concept of this barrier?" Really?????

 

[ScottK]

Re: Attendance

We arrived at 2:30 (and apparently the gates didn't open until 3 - I thought it was surprising that they only opened an hour before the game). Worcester is up in elevation and it was VERY windy and chilly, much more so than Boston.

I've been to games in close to 75 different arenas, and almost every single one doesn't open the doors until an hour before puck drop. Also, downtown Worcester is only about 500 feet above sea-level. That's more than 150 feet lower than the top of Blue Hill, just outside of Boston.

 

[chickod]

Re: Attendance

I've been to games in close to 75 different arenas, and almost every single one doesn't open the doors until an hour before puck drop. Also, downtown Worcester is only about 500 feet above sea-level. That's more than 150 feet lower than the top of Blue Hill, just outside of Boston.

How many people live on the top of Blue Hill? Or Mt. Everest?

What does that have to do with anything? Or why the security guard snarled at me because I prevented a woman from falling after her purse got caught?

 

[dillon]

Re: Attendance

Providence is the best locale for Regionals or Finals. Good arena, good location, lots of bars, restaurants, hotels, always good attendance.

 

[theprofromdover]

Providence is the best locale for Regionals or Finals. Good arena, good location, lots of bars, restaurants, hotels, always good attendance.

And 10 minutes from my house!

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: Attendance

If the arena wasn't a dump it might help.

Yea I'm going to be honest here, it's not a nice newer arena like say Manchester but this whole Worcester = dump thing is very much overplayed. It gets the job done and it clearly is NOT even close to a dump even if one had very high standards.

 

[ScottK]

Re: Attendance

How many people live on the top of Blue Hill? Or Mt. Everest?

What does that have to do with anything? Or why the security guard snarled at me because I prevented a woman from falling after her purse got caught?

I was pointing out that your complaint about Worcester being "up in elevation", especially compared to Boston, was incorrect, especially since there are places much closer to Boston that are higher in elevation.

There is someone on top of Blue Hill 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: Attendance

Providence is the best locale for Regionals or Finals. Good arena, good location, lots of bars, restaurants, hotels, always good attendance.

Albany is nice, too. The arena is fine and Pearl St. is right there with many quality eats and drinks. And they always have a street fair right in front of the place, where the school bands play and vendors abound. We always have a really fun time there

 

[ericredaxe]

Meh, "dump" is a bit of an overstatement, IMO. A bit frayed around the edges maybe but not a dump. Arena staff was surprisingly courteous and security, while there, was not over-the-top-in-your-face.

If I had to complain about something it would be the lack of hotels and watering holes within walking distance of the arena. (As it was, all of the close-by hotels were sold out.) Probably would have been a logistical nightmare if the field included a team with a big road following.

Off the top of my head there are 5 major chain hotels in fairly close walking distance... now that does not change that they were sold out, but do the other alternative regional locations have more? I don’t think Manchester does. Providence maybe? Albany.. no idea.

 

[BlackI]

Re: Attendance

Albany is nice, too. The arena is fine and Pearl St. is right there with many quality eats and drinks. And they always have a street fair right in front of the place, where the school bands play and vendors abound. We always have a really fun time there

Providence was always my favorite. Been to Albany, but providence can't be beat in my opinion.

 

[Middle Street]

It definitely needs an "upgrade." Why it wasn't done when they "renovated" it (adding the balcony) a few years ago I imagine has to do with financial considerations.

A few years ago?? They added those balconies in 1989!

They did do some kind of renovation recently adding a bar area overlooking one end of the lower bowl, some fresh (yellow) paint and exterior facelift. It’s really the same looking building I remember going to Ice Cat games in the 90’s as a kid.

I personally think the place is a dump. It's dated, the seats aren’t comfortable, it was built for basketball and I don’t consider it great for hockey viewing. They have ugly curtains covering upper sections. Food options are bad. Last time I went for the regionals they turned ladies rooms into temporary men’s rooms (actually not a bad idea). The XL center and Dunkin Donuts are similar age wise with similar dated concourses, but they have better seating and views for hockey in my opinion.

 

[The Zlax45]

Re: Attendance

A few years ago?? They added those balconies in 1989!

They did do some kind of renovation recently adding a bar area overlooking one end of the lower bowl, some fresh (yellow) paint and exterior facelift. It’s really the same looking building I remember going to Ice Cat games in the 90’s as a kid.

I personally think the place is a dump. It's dated, the seats aren’t comfortable, it was built for basketball and I don’t consider it great for hockey viewing. They have ugly curtains covering upper sections. Food options are bad. Last time I went for the regionals they turned ladies rooms into temporary men’s rooms (actually not a bad idea). The XL center and Dunkin Donuts are similar age wise with similar dated concourses, but they have better seating and views for hockey in my opinion.

They redid the Providence building in 2008....I am all about Providence over Worcester every day. Manchester is a better building to watch hockey of course.

 

[BlackI]

Re: Attendance

They redid the Providence building in 2008....I am all about Providence over Worcester every day. Manchester is a better building to watch hockey of course.

Manchester has no atmosphere for college hockey.

They could care less. They are mostly into marathon races.

 

[chickod]

Re: Attendance

A few years ago?? They added those balconies in 1989!

When you're my age, 29 years is a "few years."

 

[SpauldingSmails]

Re: Attendance

Yes, Worcester has always had a bathroom problem. The Men's room in the section below me had two urinals. For the size of the crowd, I thought that the available bars and restaurants were OK but certainly not great (though the best beer bar in Mass. is only a couple of blocks away, so I am biased). Worcester and Providence are similar time distances for me, so I am fine with either (assuming I get a vote).

 

[nodak651]

Re: Attendance

Has a regional ever been hosted in Atlantic City? I know the ECAC tried hosting their tournament there. As a westerner, it would be a fun destination for a regional if UND ever got placed there. Capacity about 10.5 K

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.tow...2f8-8f92-dbd92dc917e6/4cf43d86f08cc.image.jpg

I think Indiana could also be a good host site for the midwest regional. It could actually be within driving distance for Michigan and Minnesota fans, and it is a new, smaller arena for a regional that has trouble with attendance. Capacity about 7.5 K

https://1mmbq819gfjidca44ex4ilea-wp...ntent/uploads/2016/01/events-tickets-fuel.jpg

 

[chickod]

Re: Attendance

I think Indiana could also be a good host site for the midwest regional. It could actually be within driving distance for Michigan and Minnesota fans, and it is a new, smaller arena for a regional that has trouble with attendance. Capacity about 7.5 K

https://1mmbq819gfjidca44ex4ilea-wp...ntent/uploads/2016/01/events-tickets-fuel.jpg

Looks like a nice, steep arena so even in the back you're not too far from the ice.

Why do you think a team from Indianapolis would have the nickname of "Fuel?"

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Attendance

Has a regional ever been hosted in Atlantic City? I know the ECAC tried hosting their tournament there. As a westerner, it would be a fun destination for a regional if UND ever got placed there. Capacity about 10.5 K

The ECAC tourney in AC was a complete failure. The arena was a dump and there was next to no local support for it. I was there twice and both times the staff didn't even know there were hockey games being played there. Absolutely no hockey feel at all. The focus on gambling also made it not family-friendly.