Minnesota Cup

[Bakunin]

Re: Minnesota Cup

Pretty much, except Sandusky = Alverez (aka College Hockey's Anti-Christ)

That ****stick badger could not have done what he did if Penn State hadn't joined D-1 hockey in the first place. No big donation = no B1G hockey conference.

I guess it's sort of a tag-team operation/devil's threeway sort of thing.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

That ****stick badger could not have done what he did if Penn State hadn't joined D-1 hockey in the first place. No big donation = no B1G hockey conference.

I guess it's sort of a tag-team operation/devil's threeway sort of thing.

Yeah, but you can't really fault a school for wanting to better it's program. They could have played in the CCHA or independently (their problem), but Barry had to have a hissy fit and demand a BTHC.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Re: Minnesota Cup

Yeah, but you can't really fault a school for wanting to better it's program. They could have played in the CCHA or independently (their problem), but Barry had to have a hissy fit and demand a BTHC.

Not true. Penn State had the rights under the bylaws to demand it and did. It likely would have happened without Barry. Think about it. If you're Penn State do you want to play in the CCHA, or play in the Big 10 where you automatically get games with all the CCHA and WCHA schools you want to play?

Barry is Joe Paterno in the analogy. He watched Sandusky screw everyone over and did nothing about it.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

Not true. Penn State had the rights under the bylaws to demand it and did. It likely would have happened without Barry. Think about it. If you're Penn State do you want to play in the CCHA, or play in the Big 10 where you automatically get games with all the CCHA and WCHA schools you want to play?

Barry is Joe Paterno in the analogy. He watched Sandusky screw everyone over and did nothing about it.

Well, if PSU did indeed demand it, then I hate both them and the fat boy.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Minnesota Cup

 

[dggoddard]

Re: Minnesota Cup

I'd say it's a fairly safe bet MN would make more money - probably a lot more money - hosting anyone at Mariucci in lieu of playing the two games at the X. Even a random **** team coming to Minneapolis will draw around 9k fans per game in paid attendance, so that's 18k for a weekend at $30+ per ticket. Plus MN would capture all of the concession revenue as well as parking. Total revenue for that sort of weekend would be somewhere on the order of $600k (remember, MN does have suites which adds to the revenue side as well). Assuming MN pays its opponent $100k to show up, that still leaves $500k.

At best, a tournament at the X might draw 50k fans total (15k for each gopher game, 10k for each of the other two games - and this is probably being generous). That means 12,500 tickets for that side of the revenue going to MN, none of the parking revenue, and who knows what if any of the concession money would go to them. The average ticket price would have to be at least $40 per game to match the Mariucci scenario. Actually, it'd have to be higher than that since the X pockets some sort of fee to use the facility.

I think you're numbers are way off.

Visiting teams only get paid if there is no reciprocol visit. Usually it will only cover airfare, so $10,000 or less.

The Minnesota Cup will generate corporate sponsorship opportunities that will cover many of the expenses. The Xcel is probably "free" ie- they take a predetermined slice of the ticket revenue.

While its possible that UM generates $500,000 per weekend in revenue (students tix, comps, ect would eat into your revenue #) there are significant game night expenses that offset the revenue. UM still gets the suite money, seat license money, Mariucci sponsorship, plus other fixed revenue even if the games aren't played at Marucci.

Finally, and perhaps most important, the games at the XCEL create more publicity, branding opportunities and exposure for the program.

I think UM would net around 100-200 thousand profit per weekend at Mariucci which is a drop in the bucket compared to the $15-30 million the Athletic Department make from TV/BCS Revenue.

Just as an aside. The Pepsi Center was offered to DU for free in 2005 during the NHL strike and DU turned them down.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

Not fat, drunk, and stupid enough looking.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I think you're numbers are way off.

Visiting teams only get paid if there is no reciprocol visit. Usually it will only cover airfare, so $10,000 or less.

The Minnesota Cup will generate corporate sponsorship opportunities that will cover many of the expenses. The Xcel is probably "free" ie- they take a predetermined slice of the ticket revenue.

While its possible that UM generates $500,000 per weekend in revenue (students tix, comps, ect would eat into your revenue #) there are significant game night expenses that offset the revenue. UM still gets the suite money, seat license money, Mariucci sponsorship, plus other fixed revenue even if the games aren't played at Marucci.

Finally, and perhaps most important, the games at the XCEL create more publicity, branding opportunities and exposure for the program.

I think UM would net around 100-200 thousand profit per weekend at Mariucci which is a drop in the bucket compared to the $15 million they make from TV Revenue.

Just as an aside. The Pepsi Center was offered to DU for free in 2005 during the NHL strike and DU turned them down.

Have you factored in that 30/34 Gopher games are already televised and they already see TV revenue from those? Granted, not as much, but they also don't have to split it 4 ways.

 

[mariucci]

Re: Minnesota Cup

To bad its not all 5 MN D1 teams.

Lets say UMD wins the "mn cup" in 13', in 14' the only round they'd play would be the final to defend it. Just an idea to keep all 5 in it yearly.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Cup

To bad its not all 5 MN D1 teams.

Lets say UMD wins the "mn cup" in 13', in 14' the only round they'd play would be the final to defend it. Just an idea to keep all 5 in it yearly.

The problem then would be that each of the other four schools would have to allot three games to the tournament, when they might only play two. I can't imagine that any of the four programs would want to potentially "lose" a game each season.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Cup

I think it's funny to hear how much UMTC and their fans care about the smaller programs in MN, but then in the next sentence say how they can't wait to play new opponents.

You can see giving some priority to MN D1 teams but still want variety. After all, they have 14 non-conference games to fill every year. I don't think it is unreasonable to want them to use NC games on more than the same 4 or 5 teams (not to mention, variety relates more to who we see at Mariucci since they have twice as many home NC games to fill there). Personally, the thing I like most about the possibility of a MN Cup event is it means the Gophers can still connect with the MN teams while balancing it with the opportunity to play teams from other places too. I would still want to see CC, BC, Northern Michigan, etc at times.

I just get a kick out of the Gopher "holier than thou" Mother Theresa type crap being spewed about helping others, when really they only do it when they can make money from it (like everyone else).

It's certainly a balancing act. I know they want to maintain ties and keep things healthy in the state. After reading comments from the Mankato AD, it is clear that he feels the leadership at the U is sincere about everything. But the Gophers can't focus solely on others when they have financial considerations in their own athletic department too.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Cup

The problem then would be that each of the other four schools would have to allot three games to the tournament, when they might only play two. I can't imagine that any of the four programs would want to potentially "lose" a game each season.

Exactly. These teams need a concrete idea of their exact number of games and if they only play two games instead of three, it costs them.

Not going to happen that way. It's going to be every team gets two games that weekend. End of story.

 

[mariucci]

Re: Minnesota Cup

The problem then would be that each of the other four schools would have to allot three games to the tournament, when they might only play two. I can't imagine that any of the four programs would want to potentially "lose" a game each season.

2-semi's and a championship?

How would it rotate to make sense?

If its the low man on the totem pole it may create an even deeper hole for said program to climb out of? im just over thinking this.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Cup

2-semi's and a championship?

How would it rotate to make sense?

If its the low man on the totem pole it may create an even deeper hole for said program to climb out of? im just over thinking this.

The only way having all 5 play would be to have some sort of round-robin play, where they each play each other once (4 games). I certainly can't imagine that the Gophers would be willing to use up 4 games on one tournament (not to mention the logistics that it would need to take place over two weekends).

 

[JDUBBS1280]

2-semi's and a championship?

How would it rotate to make sense?

If its the low man on the totem pole it may create an even deeper hole for said program to climb out of? im just over thinking this.

From my understanding the 4 other MN teams would be rotated. The previous year's results would have no bearing on the tournament field.

 

[4four4]

Re: Minnesota Cup

I think that's overstating the importance of the U's athletic program to the rest of the state. If you're talking exclusively hockey, you can make that argument. Yes, hockey brings in more cash to the rest of the schools. It doesn't share the revenues that they make with anyone else though. The rest of the athletic department has no bearing whatsoever on any other schools. The U doesn't fund any of the MNSCU schools in any way, shape or form. The hockey team may bring additional revenues to other schools when they visit, but that's the extent of the financial backing they provide. UMD may be a different story. I don't know exactly how the funding works there.

Please explain this preposterous statement.

If the Gophers programs lose money they surely will ONLY schedule non conference opponents at home. Everybody in the state should want them to make money and to a certain level succeed. If they don't make money the Gophers will never schedule non conference games ever again for any sport. Over time the state legislature will not continue to fund a poorly run athletic department. Goofball Maturi brags and brags about how he has balanced the university of Minnesota athletic department. He knows if they lose money the school cuts programs and schedules more non conference schools at home.

Another point, ask your local state rep or senator who funds the Gophers school and athletic department? The tax payer, which is our state government. If the University of Minnesota asks for a new stadium or a research facility the state goverment will try to grant them their wish. ie. TCF Bank Stadium comes to mind. Obviously, many times they don't get their wish but the state does try to help the University of Minnesota out with all their problems of course the school can try the private donation route. Pure and simple in my opinion the state legislature looks at the University of Minnesota as the most important Minnesota athletic department in the state.

 

[mariucci]

Re: Minnesota Cup

The only way having all 5 play would be to have some sort of round-robin play, where they each play each other once (4 games). I certainly can't imagine that the Gophers would be willing to use up 4 games on one tournament (not to mention the logistics that it would need to take place over two weekends).

I get that, and agree if they're not interested in 3+ games..

The other way to get the odd team out involved could be a consolation game with a visiting club, most likeley UND or UW-playing the odd team out.

I like JDubbs idea and have it on Hockey Day Minnesota.. Talk about drumming up a crowd.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Cup

I get that, and agree if they're not interested in 3+ games..

The other way to get the odd team out involved could be a consolation game with a visiting club, most likeley UND or UW-playing the odd team out.

I like JDubbs idea and have it on Hockey Day Minnesota.. Talk about drumming up a crowd.

I don't see UND or UW coming in for 1 game if they aren't involved in the entire tournament.

Hockey Day Minnesota would be a good way to get publicity, but there are a few (not sure if previously mentioned) issues with that. First, the Wild play at the X...where would this tournament be played at? Second, what happens when the Gophers lose in the first round? It is never exciting to see a consolation game played after the championship game. Finally, assuming they had a solid place to hold the tournament, it may overshadow the purpose of Hockey Day Minnesota (to showcase the sport in the state at all its levels).

IMO, it would be best played over Thanksgiving or the Christmas Break.

 

[mariucci]

Re: Minnesota Cup

I don't see UND or UW coming in for 1 game if they aren't involved in the entire tournament.

Hockey Day Minnesota would be a good way to get publicity, but there are a few (not sure if previously mentioned) issues with that. First, the Wild play at the X...where would this tournament be played at? Second, what happens when the Gophers lose in the first round? It is never exciting to see a consolation game played after the championship game. Finally, assuming they had a solid place to hold the tournament, it may overshadow the purpose of Hockey Day Minnesota (to showcase the sport in the state at all its levels).

IMO, it would be best played over Thanksgiving or the Christmas Break.

Wouldn't be at the X, thats an easy one.

Since Hockey day currently uses multiple sites (HS-College-pro), and the Mooch sits empty all day until 5PM theres plenty of time for a game in the afternoon, 1 semi-championship played in the evening.

Good point about UND-UW not interested in a solo game.

As far as MN getting bounced early? I have absolutely no idea how they are planning this. I don't think there can rightfully be a "cup" if its the Gophs to lose every year, so your guess is as good as mine.

Theres no better time to host it than Hockey Day Minnesota, many other programs have been complaining that their program gets no exposure on that day (rightfully so). The location debate can be applied as it stands without the Hockey Day scenario.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Cup

Wouldn't be at the X, thats an easy one.

Since Hockey day currently uses multiple sites (HS-College-pro), and the Mooch sits empty all day until 5PM theres plenty of time for a game in the afternoon, 1 semi-championship played in the evening.

Good point about UND-UW not interested in a solo game.

As far as MN getting bounced early? I have absolutely no idea how they are planning this. I don't think there can rightfully be a "cup" if its the Gophs to lose every year, so your guess is as good as mine.

Theres no better time to host it than Hockey Day Minnesota, many other programs have been complaining that their program gets no exposure on that day (rightfully so). The location debate can be applied as it stands without the Hockey Day scenario.

According to Maturi it will be at the X, but I suppose they could switch it. It shouldn't be at Mariucci. If they have it there, they should continue to call it the Mariucci Classic. The Target Center is an option, but not a good one. What about outside at Target Field? That would be pretty intense, although after year 1 it might lose its luster. It sounds like they are shooting for late January, so that would be very close to Hockey Day. I guess we'll have to wait and see how everything shakes out. Either way, it sounds like a good idea (from an outsider anyway) at keeping these rivalries going.