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Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

They should lower SRO tickets to $20, and let people move down to the unused corporate seats. IIRC there used be a rule at Mariucci that if a seat was empty after the first period, SRO ticket holders could take those seats. Does anybody know did they remove that rule? I'm sure some people do it anyway, but others don't want to be embarrassed when season ticket holders show up mid 2nd period and want their seats. I've seen people show up into the third period, which never made sense to me.
 
I would assume that tickets that are bought cheaper would be sold cheaper in secondary markets.


Ok. It just seemed to me that MN doesn't have an issue selling the tickets, but getting people to use those tickets. I just don't see how dropping the ticket price improves ticket utilization, which seems to be the major variable in game atmosphere.

I do understand that SRO ticket sales increase as price drops and that does have a major impact on atmosphere.
 
Ok. It just seemed to me that MN doesn't have an issue selling the tickets, but getting people to use those tickets. I just don't see how dropping the ticket price improves ticket utilization, which seems to be the major variable in game atmosphere.

I do understand that SRO ticket sales increase as price drops and that does have a major impact on atmosphere.

Aversge ticket price right now is $50 a game, and that is just the average. For the marquee matchups the tickets average upwards of $70 each. For a family of five, that is $250-350 plus parking and concessions to attend a game.

If season ticket holders try to unload some games at those prices in secondary markets, there aren't going to be nearly as many people who are willing to pay that than if they were only charging $20 a ticket. $100 is much more manageable, and more people will be willing to pay that in a down season or to watch a non-marquee matchup IMO.

Up until this season I would say the Gophers have typically seen a 90% capacity turnout, if not better for marquee matchups. Average season plus B1G indifference caused that to fall further this season.

Obviously they can do other things to improve atmosphere, but I think the most important thing they can do is ensure there is a full arena. Lowering prices to be more inclusive to more of the fan base would go a long way IMO. The pricing is getting utterly ridiculous.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Ok. It just seemed to me that MN doesn't have an issue selling the tickets, but getting people to use those tickets. I just don't see how dropping the ticket price improves ticket utilization, which seems to be the major variable in game atmosphere.
Great point. I would also add that for the majority of the games that had large numbers of empty seats there were lots of sellers but very few buyers outside the arena looking for tickets. As a result the market price for good seats would often drop to the $10 - $15 range, and yet they would still go unused. Of course all of these tickets were originally sold at much higher prices than what they would ultimately end up going for on the street. But I suspect if those tickets had originally been purchased at lower prices - say an average of $25 instead of $50 - there would have been a higher - not a lower - number of fans who decided to either stay home or drive down to try to sell them out front.

Probably wishful thinking in the short term, but hopefully within a few years the situation will revert back to the way it used to be, when demand would usually outstrip supply and the arena was full more often than not.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Just posted in the Wisconsin thread:

"Here ya go, Badger fans, we here in Minnesota are doing our best to make you competitive again, so as to no longer be an embarrassment to our league."

Two former Burnsville boys' hockey state champions fill out Wisconsin's 'dream team' coaching staff
http://www.startribune.com/two-forme...aff/374051121/
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Just posted in the Wisconsin thread:

"Here ya go, Badger fans, we here in Minnesota are doing our best to make you competitive again, so as to no longer be an embarrassment to our league."

Two former Burnsville boys' hockey state champions fill out Wisconsin's 'dream team' coaching staff
http://www.startribune.com/two-forme...aff/374051121/

Other programs, OSU and Notre Dame, focus on Minnesota.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

I think he made it crystal clear that he was referring to the facilities. New scoreboards and sound system.

Those are trinkets in the arena. Most fans find the scoreboard to be a plus, the same with the sound system, but they don't make the atmosphere. Atmosphere at a game is dictate by fan involvement and excitement. Showing a replay may get fans excited, but, like other schools, they don't show the questionable replays for the specific purpose of not riling up the fans. It's a missed opportunity because having the equipment and using it to truly aide your team are two very different things. (Also, those get-weird/wacky/whatever clips just annoy everyone over the age of 12.)
 
Those are trinkets in the arena. Most fans find the scoreboard to be a plus, the same with the sound system, but they don't make the atmosphere. Atmosphere at a game is dictate by fan involvement and excitement. Showing a replay may get fans excited, but, like other schools, they don't show the questionable replays for the specific purpose of not riling up the fans. It's a missed opportunity because having the equipment and using it to truly aide your team are two very different things. (Also, those get-weird/wacky/whatever clips just annoy everyone over the age of 12.)

You asked what he was referring to and I told you, though it should have been crystal clear. I have absolutely zero interest in discussing the merits of anything Gopher hockey with you. Especially if it is going to be a stupid discussion on your interpretation of our game atmosphere. Sorry.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

You asked what he was referring to and I told you, though it should have been crystal clear. I have absolutely zero interest in discussing the merits of anything Gopher hockey with you. Especially if it is going to be a stupid discussion on your interpretation of our game atmosphere. Sorry.

The arena itself is fine - I much prefer it to watching a game at the X. But a good arena does not a good atmosphere make, that's on the fans.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

The arena itself is fine - I much prefer it to watching a game at the X. But a good arena does not a good atmosphere make, that's on the fans.

Yeah, an arena full of excited fans creates the atmosphere, the rest is cosmetic for me. I'm probably the exception, but having played this game for decades, I'm personally so focused on the technical aspects, and compete level of each team it doesn't bother me if there's a light crowd or a packed house. Sometimes I prefer a light crowd so I can sit where I want and relax without people around me and study the game.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Yeah, an arena full of excited fans creates the atmosphere, the rest is cosmetic for me. I'm probably the exception, but having played this game for decades, I'm personally so focused on the technical aspects, and compete level of each team it doesn't bother me if there's a light crowd or a packed house. Sometimes I prefer a light crowd so I can sit where I want and relax without people around me and study the game.
Ha! Gophers could use about 2,000 additional fans, just like you! Provided, of course, that you at least clap when the technical aspects and compete level earn your approval. ;)
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

The arena itself is fine - I much prefer it to watching a game at the X. But a good arena does not a good atmosphere make, that's on the fans.

The X is good just cause you have half the arena to yourself. For atmosphere, Mariucci.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Breaking News: The Wild leave the NHL for the Kontinental Hockey League. ARTICLE

Yeah I know bad joke...APRIL FOOLS.
 
Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Btw - why are we still in the season thread? Everyone too depressed to admit it is the off-season?
 
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