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UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
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Ned Braden
Federal League All-Star
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
Put it this way: They're giving tickets to tonight's game to all faculty and staff who show up w/an employee ID.
Put it this way: They're giving tickets to tonight's game to all faculty and staff who show up w/an employee ID.
sterlippo1
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
What is it with the attendance up there? sellouts used to be the norm and there hasn't been one yet this year I believe . December 7th should be one though
What is it with the attendance up there? sellouts used to be the norm and there hasn't been one yet this year I believe . December 7th should be one though
Well, they jacked the ticket prices by almost 50% over the past few years for starters, and I have heard that they treat their season ticket holders extremely poorly. But, I think that the most disturbing change has been the blocks of reserved seats as part of season tickets bought by corporations, which commonly go empty.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
Just my opinion, but...
Athletics assumed that hockey was the golden goose that would keep on giving. They consistently raised prices each year, apparently assuming that there would be no consequences and that the season tix waiting list would always be there. Trying to bleed every cent they could get, they turned the end zone opposite the student section into reserved seating...less than chair back seats, but more than GA. They were also well behind the curve on recognizing that the economy tanking would affect consumer decisions, and when they did respond it was too little, too late, and poorly executed and marketed. Add in the pandering to corporate sponsors and the team's relative decline in performance, and the result is declining attendance and a non existent season tix waiting list (since at LEAST 2007).
An example of a good idea that was poorly executed was the "Young Alumni" season ticket they created for 2011-2012, where those who were <5yrs from graduation could get season tix at a reduced price (approx 30% less). It was barely marketed, but even then, it showed an ignorance of the demographics of the student body. About half of the undergraduate population is from out of state, and many of the in state students are looking to gtfo of NH, so the target market was inherently limited. But suppose a young alumni was interested. These tix were in the end zone opposite the students and were assigned seats instead of GA. So if a friend came to town, they couldn't necessarily get seats together, making the whole venture less attractive. It is no surprise that Athletics scrapped the program after one year (and a potential 30% increase in ticket price the following year for those who HAD utilized the program.
UNH is also too quick to reach for every penny they can get from fans. Last year, with sales obviously suffering, they offered a "Standing Room Only" season ticket at a much reduced price. With the team's first half success last year and attendance improving as a result, they quickly jacked prices this year. Or, more accurately, they eliminated cheaper options like the SRO ticket, resulting in a 50% increase in season tix price for those who had had SRO (and an annoying renewal notice saying they were receiving a discount). Shockingly, season tix sales are in the sh*##%r, if the flyers plastered everywhere are any indication, to say the least of the "Black Friday" deals they're offering for select games (at the same price as the SRO tix they eliminated...go figure).
Just my opinion, but...
Athletics assumed that hockey was the golden goose that would keep on giving. They consistently raised prices each year, apparently assuming that there would be no consequences and that the season tix waiting list would always be there. Trying to bleed every cent they could get, they turned the end zone opposite the student section into reserved seating...less than chair back seats, but more than GA. They were also well behind the curve on recognizing that the economy tanking would affect consumer decisions, and when they did respond it was too little, too late, and poorly executed and marketed. Add in the pandering to corporate sponsors and the team's relative decline in performance, and the result is declining attendance and a non existent season tix waiting list (since at LEAST 2007).
An example of a good idea that was poorly executed was the "Young Alumni" season ticket they created for 2011-2012, where those who were <5yrs from graduation could get season tix at a reduced price (approx 30% less). It was barely marketed, but even then, it showed an ignorance of the demographics of the student body. About half of the undergraduate population is from out of state, and many of the in state students are looking to gtfo of NH, so the target market was inherently limited. But suppose a young alumni was interested. These tix were in the end zone opposite the students and were assigned seats instead of GA. So if a friend came to town, they couldn't necessarily get seats together, making the whole venture less attractive. It is no surprise that Athletics scrapped the program after one year (and a potential 30% increase in ticket price the following year for those who HAD utilized the program.
UNH is also too quick to reach for every penny they can get from fans. Last year, with sales obviously suffering, they offered a "Standing Room Only" season ticket at a much reduced price. With the team's first half success last year and attendance improving as a result, they quickly jacked prices this year. Or, more accurately, they eliminated cheaper options like the SRO ticket, resulting in a 50% increase in season tix price for those who had had SRO (and an annoying renewal notice saying they were receiving a discount). Shockingly, season tix sales are in the sh*##%r, if the flyers plastered everywhere are any indication, to say the least of the "Black Friday" deals they're offering for select games (at the same price as the SRO tix they eliminated...go figure).
scoreboard
Registered User
Freak is correct in his assessment. They took advantage of the season ticket holders and it finally backfired. Unfortunately, the program is not what it used to be. ( Loss to Harvard 6-3 tonight at home) UNH used to own the Whit. No more. The fans have reacted to these changes.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
Freak about summed it up.... and when things were good they couldn't have treated season tix holder's more poorly.
Let's just say I was a season tix holder of 4 seats from day it opened until 2006 and the treatment peaved me enough to send an email explaining I was disappointed over several things in the treatment as a long time fan and supporter and debating whether to renew tix again for another year to Scarano. Our family had literally followed the team as well to every away game and missed about a total of 5 home OR away games in a 6 year stretch. His response was a single word saying "thanks" with no explanation as to what he meant by thanks. I swore on that day I would never renew nor would I buy another ticket to a UNH hockey game at the Whit as long as he remained. I've been to a total of 4 games combined since, all of which were NCAA regionals and HE playoff games but haven't set foot in the building nor will I as long as Scarano remains. I know quite a few from that timeframe that feel similar and had some pretty negative experiences from admin as long-time season tix holders who refuse to attend games as well now.
It blows my mind that despite lagging sales, a declining success in the team, and an increasingly empty arena that they march forward with the same arrogance to increase prices, and snub loyal fans over and over as if they're stuck in some fog of ignorance as to the damage they've done.
Freak about summed it up.... and when things were good they couldn't have treated season tix holder's more poorly.
Let's just say I was a season tix holder of 4 seats from day it opened until 2006 and the treatment peaved me enough to send an email explaining I was disappointed over several things in the treatment as a long time fan and supporter and debating whether to renew tix again for another year to Scarano. Our family had literally followed the team as well to every away game and missed about a total of 5 home OR away games in a 6 year stretch. His response was a single word saying "thanks" with no explanation as to what he meant by thanks. I swore on that day I would never renew nor would I buy another ticket to a UNH hockey game at the Whit as long as he remained. I've been to a total of 4 games combined since, all of which were NCAA regionals and HE playoff games but haven't set foot in the building nor will I as long as Scarano remains. I know quite a few from that timeframe that feel similar and had some pretty negative experiences from admin as long-time season tix holders who refuse to attend games as well now.
It blows my mind that despite lagging sales, a declining success in the team, and an increasingly empty arena that they march forward with the same arrogance to increase prices, and snub loyal fans over and over as if they're stuck in some fog of ignorance as to the damage they've done.
The Zlax45
Registered User
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
My opinion of Scarano isn't great but if you look at the record of the Men's Basketball coach and how he had his contract extended...it is embracing that he thinks the program is in good shape!
How many straight years does Coach Mc with the football program need to win before they upgrade the stadium?
My opinion of Scarano isn't great but if you look at the record of the Men's Basketball coach and how he had his contract extended...it is embracing that he thinks the program is in good shape!
How many straight years does Coach Mc with the football program need to win before they upgrade the stadium?
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
Not sure what the actual attendance figures were tonight, but I was actually a bit surprised to see the number of people there, considering that the game was on the Tuesday night before the Thanksgiving break.
As far as the game goes, we saw the UNH team that we know and love
, you know, the one that plays down to the level of their opponent. 
Which means if it continues this weekend out in Colorado Springs, it's going to be a LONG weekend.
And I don't think that we will see Wyer back in net any time soon. Did not look real confident at all tonight.
Edit: paid attendance tonight was 4,661 compared to the Brown game two weeks ago (another Tuesday night game) when it was 4,366.
Not sure what the actual attendance figures were tonight, but I was actually a bit surprised to see the number of people there, considering that the game was on the Tuesday night before the Thanksgiving break.
As far as the game goes, we saw the UNH team that we know and love
, you know, the one that plays down to the level of their opponent. Which means if it continues this weekend out in Colorado Springs, it's going to be a LONG weekend.And I don't think that we will see Wyer back in net any time soon. Did not look real confident at all tonight.
Edit: paid attendance tonight was 4,661 compared to the Brown game two weeks ago (another Tuesday night game) when it was 4,366.
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scoreboard
Registered User
Not sure what the actual attendance figures were tonight, but I was actually a bit surprised to see the number of people there, considering that the game was on the Tuesday night before the Thanksgiving break.
As far as the game goes, we saw the UNH team that we know and love
And I don't think that we will see Wyer back in net any time soon. Did not look real confident at all tonight.
Edit: paid attendance tonight was 4,661 compared to the Brown game two weeks ago (another Tuesday night game) when it was 4,366.
But remember the good old days when the "official" attendance at every game was 6,501? They were showing ads for season tickets on tonight's TV telecast. Isn't the season a third of the way through? Kind of embarrassing I think.
scoreboard
Registered User
Hey, sometimes things work out, and sometimes patience is a virtue. I'm happy to have been proven wrong on this one.
But just for a little perspective, let's not forget that in seven seasons between 1997-2003, the once-powerful UNH Football program as led by Bill Bowes for 25+ years went through a stretch with only one winning record (6-5 in Coach McDonnell's second season). Coach Bowes posted back-to-back losing seasons in '97 and '98 before retiring, and then Coach McDonnell went a combined 23-33 over his first five seasons up through 2003, including two 10th place finishes and an 8th place finish (in a 10 team league) between 2001-2003.
Then Ricky Santos showed up, Chip Kelly gave him the keys to the car with the spread offense, and it's been playoffs ever since.
I think Coach McDonnell has done a great job, considering the resources and facilities (or lack thereof) he has had to work with.
Having said that ... and I say this with some hesitation, but it is the "elephant in the room" ... both Coach Umile and Coach McDonnell have not gotten their respective programs to the "Final Four" in their sports for a LONG time (Umile since 2003; McDonnell never once).
Let's hope Coach McDonnell can take that next big step this December, and ditto for a return to that level for Coach Umile in April.
For football, based on results, the coaches should have swapped positions.
CollegeHockeyRinkReport
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
A couple reads for UNH fans:
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/nch...n-the-future-gustav-olofsson-colorado-college
This weekend's opponent has promising freshman Gustav Olofsson
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hoc...c-raphael-girard-luke-esposito-kyle-criscuolo
Recap of UNH-Harvard…Understandably Umile was not too pleased. I think I counted the word "disappointing" six times in post-game. He also said "miserable" and "pathetic" when expressing his mood and/or defensive lapses.
A couple reads for UNH fans:
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/nch...n-the-future-gustav-olofsson-colorado-college
This weekend's opponent has promising freshman Gustav Olofsson
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hoc...c-raphael-girard-luke-esposito-kyle-criscuolo
Recap of UNH-Harvard…Understandably Umile was not too pleased. I think I counted the word "disappointing" six times in post-game. He also said "miserable" and "pathetic" when expressing his mood and/or defensive lapses.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
I paid $12 for my gen adm ticket, and then sat with my cousins in reserved seating near the blue line behind the penalty boxes. My cousins seemed fairly good natured about paying more than twice as much for their seats as I paid, and infinitely more than the faculty and staff who do not care about hockey paid tonight. But, by the end of the first period, I wanted my money back. I cannot remember how many times we used the word 'pathetic' tonight, which Umile obviously channeled from us. Someone needs to explain to the team that with nine additional OOC games this season, they need to win some of them, no matter how bad the other teams are, if they are hoping for another appearance in the NCAAs.
I paid $12 for my gen adm ticket, and then sat with my cousins in reserved seating near the blue line behind the penalty boxes. My cousins seemed fairly good natured about paying more than twice as much for their seats as I paid, and infinitely more than the faculty and staff who do not care about hockey paid tonight. But, by the end of the first period, I wanted my money back. I cannot remember how many times we used the word 'pathetic' tonight, which Umile obviously channeled from us. Someone needs to explain to the team that with nine additional OOC games this season, they need to win some of them, no matter how bad the other teams are, if they are hoping for another appearance in the NCAAs.
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They ARE upgrading the stadium. Very soon.
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
From my living room it looked like 3 of 6 were his fault. The GWG was abysmal.
The Zlax45
Registered User
I will believe it when I see it!
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HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
It was disappointing to say the least! Just seemed that some of the notables were not "there" on the ice and kudos to Harvard for their quick transition game and their keeper had plenty to deal with (33 saves). The Correale goal (sp) was a beauty and I was psyched to see Speelman get one. Last 10 minutes we were soooo close on many occasions. Looked like Harvard really needed this one. Should be an interesting weekend! Go 'Cats!!!
It was disappointing to say the least! Just seemed that some of the notables were not "there" on the ice and kudos to Harvard for their quick transition game and their keeper had plenty to deal with (33 saves). The Correale goal (sp) was a beauty and I was psyched to see Speelman get one. Last 10 minutes we were soooo close on many occasions. Looked like Harvard really needed this one. Should be an interesting weekend! Go 'Cats!!!
Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau
Post-coital
Greg Ambrose
Registered User
Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread
I'm going to play devils advocate here and ask why the University is going to spend $$$$ (fill in the blank for me) to "upgrade" Cowell Stadium. The football team has been successful to a certain point (very similar to the hockey team btw) over the last ten years. But despite that success, there are many games each season where the attendance is in the 6-7,000 range. Sure homecoming does well, and it looked like the Maine game last Saturday had pretty good attendance, but I don't see students, faculty, the community in general busting down the doors week after week to watch UNH football. This leads to me to ask if "upgrading" Cowell is a good investment for the school and for the state.
Now some will say that the facilities have to be upgraded in order for UNH to continue to compete with their peers in the CAA and the FCS. But is that really necessary? It has been cited several times by people with more knowledge than me that very few FCS actually make money on football, including places like Montana and Delaware. I don't know how much UNH football spends each year (I've heard over $2,000,000) but they definitely run the program at a deficit. A Cowell Stadium upgrade would just increase that at a time when the Univeristy can't afford it. Just one man's opinion.
I'm going to play devils advocate here and ask why the University is going to spend $$$$ (fill in the blank for me) to "upgrade" Cowell Stadium. The football team has been successful to a certain point (very similar to the hockey team btw) over the last ten years. But despite that success, there are many games each season where the attendance is in the 6-7,000 range. Sure homecoming does well, and it looked like the Maine game last Saturday had pretty good attendance, but I don't see students, faculty, the community in general busting down the doors week after week to watch UNH football. This leads to me to ask if "upgrading" Cowell is a good investment for the school and for the state.
Now some will say that the facilities have to be upgraded in order for UNH to continue to compete with their peers in the CAA and the FCS. But is that really necessary? It has been cited several times by people with more knowledge than me that very few FCS actually make money on football, including places like Montana and Delaware. I don't know how much UNH football spends each year (I've heard over $2,000,000) but they definitely run the program at a deficit. A Cowell Stadium upgrade would just increase that at a time when the Univeristy can't afford it. Just one man's opinion.
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