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RPI 2026-27: Houston Field House, We Have Lift-off!
- Thread starter Ralph Baer
- Start date
The new strategy. Appeal to the fans they think they want at the game - NOT the fans that are actually at the game. Painful. I was at both OSU games.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
FWIW, we had better attendance than SLU hosting LIU (and a better result). However, a Tuesday game would draw less.
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
If the check cleared for your season tickets and you gave them a valid email address, then you received a survey. Can't recall exactly when it landed....I'm thinking April sometime. Check your spam folder.
The damage inflicted on the program didn't happen overnight, nor will it be reveresed overnight. Any objective review of the recent efforts can only conclude that the battleship is being turned around. It will take some time. Attendance woes aren't unique to RPI...but winning will only help boost fannies in a seat. An idea: everyone who attends HFH games bring one friend to the Union game. The solution starts with all of us -- break out your mirror.
NYhockeyguy
Member
My thoughts on the recent changes.
I personally agree that the new announcer’s style is a little much, especially with the stark contrast between his energy and the general energy of the building. I appreciated Al’s classic, if not sometimes understated approach. That said, I won’t fault the powers that be for trying. We complain when the HFH experience is akin to being at Sunday mass, so while perhaps the current style is an overcorrection, I appreciate the attempt.
I also appreciate they have slightly stepped up the usage of the videoboard, with improved graphics and a handful of attempts to use it to spark “let’s go red” cheers. Our crowds will sometimes go a full game without attempting any sort of sustained cheer, so I again appreciate the effort.
Agree on the clock issues. Also I don’t know why they bother turning on the old board in the end zone. It is often several seconds out of sync with the main board.
I hope the sound system is upgraded sooner than later, it was always bad but seems especially bad now.
In terms of the box office, I was glad to see they finally implemented credit card readers (previously they had to type in your card info and zip code into the computer, which was mind boggling). I wish they could skip the 20 questions game (last name, email, phone etc) and would just print you your ticket and send you on your way.
Some changes are good, some are bad, but at least they’re doing something. I would rather have an eager admin that is listening but strikes out swinging than an apathetic one that strikes out looking. Hope in the coming weeks and months, the product on the ice is worth being the topic of the midweek banter rather than what’s going on in the inexplicably blue and red seats
.
I personally agree that the new announcer’s style is a little much, especially with the stark contrast between his energy and the general energy of the building. I appreciated Al’s classic, if not sometimes understated approach. That said, I won’t fault the powers that be for trying. We complain when the HFH experience is akin to being at Sunday mass, so while perhaps the current style is an overcorrection, I appreciate the attempt.
I also appreciate they have slightly stepped up the usage of the videoboard, with improved graphics and a handful of attempts to use it to spark “let’s go red” cheers. Our crowds will sometimes go a full game without attempting any sort of sustained cheer, so I again appreciate the effort.
Agree on the clock issues. Also I don’t know why they bother turning on the old board in the end zone. It is often several seconds out of sync with the main board.
I hope the sound system is upgraded sooner than later, it was always bad but seems especially bad now.
In terms of the box office, I was glad to see they finally implemented credit card readers (previously they had to type in your card info and zip code into the computer, which was mind boggling). I wish they could skip the 20 questions game (last name, email, phone etc) and would just print you your ticket and send you on your way.
Some changes are good, some are bad, but at least they’re doing something. I would rather have an eager admin that is listening but strikes out swinging than an apathetic one that strikes out looking. Hope in the coming weeks and months, the product on the ice is worth being the topic of the midweek banter rather than what’s going on in the inexplicably blue and red seats
.
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rpi82
Registered User
The credit card readers turned out to be a mixed blessing. We were there when they opened the ticket windows on opening night. Apparently some extra training was in order. We bought 4 tickets (2 alum and 2 senior) for $72. The kid who took our order was very nice but had trouble with the reader. He tried the card 3 times. Sure enough, my brother got a credit card bill with 3 charges, 2 at $72 and, strangely, a third at $22.
I also thought it was odd that they asked for a phone number instead of just handing over the tickets. I knew my name and number were in the system so I gave then mine and it worked fine, but it would seemingly be a lot easier to just print tickets for window purchases.
Lastly, I used to buy all my tickets online. However, starting last year they removed discounts from that system. Apparently everyone was magically either a alum, senior or youth. Now, if you want to buy discounted tickets you have to either go to or call the box office. That has the additional benefit of avoiding online fees - it's only the price of the tickets. I bought six for the Freakout (2 alum, 3 senior and 1 public) over the phone and saved quite a bit of money.
The information harvesting when trying to simply buy a few tickets is too much. The time it takes for a simple transaction is way too long.
Never renewed season tickets after the two year shutdown until this year when they finally offered a senior rate. Gee!!! Like something that might actually work. So there really was a survey and now I know why I never heard of it. Was not a season ticket holder when they did it.
Now that I know who the "voters" were limited to, I am absolutely certain they did not vote for what is going on now. Any doubt about that remember that the majority of the voters get a monthly government check on a Wednesday. In other words they are mostly retirees like me. Not a chance they even suggested what is going on now much less voted for it.
Get real. This bunch is just as likely to do some of their socializing at a local senior center than go to a hockey game. They would also find the "spirited" discussions that transpire there less annoying that the current Fieldhouse game atmosphere. Discussions like which brand of adult diapers works best??? Which brand of laxative works best??? Who's favorite actress was better Lana Turner or June Allyson??? or who was Bobby's best dance partner on the Lawrence Welk Show??? Come on. No way this bunch even hinted or suggested they wanted what is going on now.
As for the bringing a friend, not exactly as easy to actually do as it is to say. Did not attend they second Ohio State game. Made multiple attempts the prior evening at the Fieldhouse to just give the damned ticket away. Tried again the next day around the neighborhood and at stores in the village. Not a single solitary person had the slightest interest in taking a free ticket. It ended up in the shredder.
RPI Hockey or sports in general is not hip anymore. It no longer has any pop or resonates with anyone other than a shrinking group of diehards. Even the local sports media basically ignores them. Something down the road may change that someday. Maybe that something is actually already here (Lang???) who may very well become the second savior of the hockey program after Kearns. Only thing for certain is that the program will not be saved by an insufferable wall of noise. That may very well only serve to chase even more people away.
NYhockeyguy said:
In terms of the box office, I was glad to see they finally implemented credit card readers (previously they had to type in your card info and zip code into the computer, which was mind boggling). I wish they could skip the 20 questions game (last name, email, phone etc) and would just print you your ticket and send you on your way.
Some changes are good, some are bad, but at least they’re doing something. Hope in the coming weeks and months, the product on the ice is worth being the topic of the midweek banter rather than what’s going on in the stands.
rpi82 said:
The credit card readers turned out to be a mixed blessing. We were there when they opened the ticket windows on opening night. Apparently some extra training was in order. We bought 4 tickets (2 alum and 2 senior) for $72. The kid who took our order was very nice but had trouble with the reader. He tried the card 3 times. Sure enough, my brother got a credit card bill with 3 charges, 2 at $72 and, strangely, a third at $22.
I also thought it was odd that they asked for a phone number instead of just handing over the tickets. I knew my name and number were in the system so I gave then mine and it worked fine, but it would seemingly be a lot easier to just print tickets for window purchases.
Lastly, I used to buy all my tickets online. However, starting last year they removed discounts from that system. Apparently everyone was magically either a alum, senior or youth. Now, if you want to buy discounted tickets you have to either go to or call the box office. That has the additional benefit of avoiding online fees - it's only the price of the tickets. I bought six for the Freakout (2 alum, 3 senior and 1 public) over the phone and saved quite a bit of money.
Checks will accomplish pretty much the same thing as cash. However, there is a better than even chance that you will be carrying the check as outstanding for at least one cycle.
In my case around the time the football stadium opened, I had to carry a check as outstanding for THREE cycles. Obviously, the current staff played no part in that debacle.
In terms of the box office, I was glad to see they finally implemented credit card readers (previously they had to type in your card info and zip code into the computer, which was mind boggling). I wish they could skip the 20 questions game (last name, email, phone etc) and would just print you your ticket and send you on your way.
Some changes are good, some are bad, but at least they’re doing something. Hope in the coming weeks and months, the product on the ice is worth being the topic of the midweek banter rather than what’s going on in the stands.
rpi82 said:
The credit card readers turned out to be a mixed blessing. We were there when they opened the ticket windows on opening night. Apparently some extra training was in order. We bought 4 tickets (2 alum and 2 senior) for $72. The kid who took our order was very nice but had trouble with the reader. He tried the card 3 times. Sure enough, my brother got a credit card bill with 3 charges, 2 at $72 and, strangely, a third at $22.
I also thought it was odd that they asked for a phone number instead of just handing over the tickets. I knew my name and number were in the system so I gave then mine and it worked fine, but it would seemingly be a lot easier to just print tickets for window purchases.
Lastly, I used to buy all my tickets online. However, starting last year they removed discounts from that system. Apparently everyone was magically either a alum, senior or youth. Now, if you want to buy discounted tickets you have to either go to or call the box office. That has the additional benefit of avoiding online fees - it's only the price of the tickets. I bought six for the Freakout (2 alum, 3 senior and 1 public) over the phone and saved quite a bit of money.
Folks, I learned a long time ago how to avoid any and all of the above. Rather than putting all of this time in at the box office just make a quick stop at your bank and get cash to bring to the Fieldhouse. With cash, combined time at both your Bank and Fieldhouse will be less than what appears to have been spent doing the above at just one place. Want to go in and out at the Fieldhouse, lose the credit cards.
Checks will accomplish pretty much the same thing as cash. However, there is a better than even chance that you will be carrying the check as outstanding for at least one cycle.
In my case around the time the football stadium opened, I had to carry a check as outstanding for THREE cycles. Obviously, the current staff played no part in that debacle.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Krawchuk has been great so far. .960 and a 36-save shutout of Ohio State to open the year. The matchup to watch this weekend at RIT is special teams. RIT's power play is 1 for 15, and RPI hasn't allowed a power-play goal yet (14 for 14). RIT's Krbecek is hot too, with 48 saves on 50 shots in the tie at UMass, so it could be a goalie weekend.
Agree - but sometimes I think we are going to see a low scoring goalie controlled game - we get one of those 10-9 whoever scores last games.
tanman
Member
Featured at center ice and back on the unis as well! I kind of get that they tried to work the stylized lettering into it for consistency but it just doesn't look right. The "bullet" is iconic and part of institute history from the glory days, and I for one welcome our classic Puckman overlord! I'm just relieved they didn't try to resurrect the chic.. er.. redhawk.
Reminds me, I should update my avatar...
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Tony, thanks for the advice.
I had heard a while back that some sports venues (Progressive Field was the specific example I heard about) no longer allow people to simply come to the box office and pay cash for a ticket on game day. I was concerned that the Field House might have gone a similar route, so I'm happy to hear that it has not.
I haven't been to an RPI hockey game in quite a few years (would you believe - since the playoff series against Brown in 2013?). Considering the distance I would have to travel from south-central Pennsylvania, I haven't wanted to order tickets in advance, for fear that winter weather conditions would make it inadvisable to travel to Troy when the games were to be played. At least now I know that if I decide to make the trip, I should be able to plunk down the cash and buy myself a ticket once I get to the top of Peoples Avenue.