Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

[markwojo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

How does % of capacity fit into it? If I continue on with that logic, you're saying, UW playing in a 8500 capacity building like the Coli and selling out every game 100% would somehow be better and more meaningful than UND selling 98% of the Ralph. (Marriucci is 10,000; the Ralph is 11,634.) You can speculate that MN would sell out a 15k arena every game, but there's no actual evidence for it. 4 Minnesota teams drew 14k to the 18,500 capacity Ex for the Northstar cup. Only 75% of capacity with 4 fan bases to draw on. Wisconsin will probably have close to that this weekend. (90% capacity) There is actual evidence that Wisconsin could sell out a 10-11k arena most every game, the same as both those programs. Then it would be flat and everyone would be happy, I guess. If UW had a 20k seat facility would attendance be an even bigger disaster at 55%?

You may be right, but I'm not sure that because UW drew 14k in 2 of 16 years at the KC, it doesn't necessarily indicate there's ever really been a hockey fanbase big enough to fill it with any consistency. In 2007, (one of those years) College hockey drew 400,000 more fans across the board to regular season games than it did last year. 3.6m in '07 vs. 3.2m in '14. Whether or not that's significant to UW isnt for me to say. May very well be it's just coincidence.

Most of these numbers are through last year btw, so it doesn't take in to account this year's terrible team which will probably effect next year's numbers more anyway.

You can talk about 10K in a 15K arena, but the reality is it has been way closer to 8K in real fannies in the seats then the 10K they claim. Comparing Wisconsin to Minnesota or North Dakota makes a bit more sense then comparing to programs with rinks that hold 6K.

In a nut shell....if you can't walk into the Kohl and realize it is not even remotely close to what it was 5 years ago...you simply don't want to see it. I've been to multiple games this year that have the feel of the once a year exhibition games against the likes of the Russian Red Army team several years ago. Rows of empty seats in the lower bowl, entire sections empty in the second balcony, and virtually not a single soul in the third level are a testimony to the fact that the program is in shambles...regardless of what attendance gets announced or printed in the paper the next day.

 

[icebadger]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

In a nut shell....if you can't walk into the Kohl and realize it is not even remotely close to what it was 5 years ago...you simply don't want to see it. I've been to multiple games this year that have the feel of the once a year exhibition games against the likes of the Russian Red Army team several years ago. Rows of empty seats in the lower bowl, entire sections empty in the second balcony, and virtually not a single soul in the third level are a testimony to the fact that the program is in shambles...regardless of what attendance gets announced or printed in the paper the next day.

I was sure Barry's fan council was going to rectify game day atmosphere among its other duties. A terrible team is one thing and is certainly the largest factor for many people when deciding to attend a game. It certainly has affected my decision indirectly. I decided not to attend any games this season as a protest against the program's direction and the changes in game day atmosphere that I have mentioned many times. I lost track of how often during the Michigan series the canned music would be blaring during stoppages in play, times the band would normally be playing, even if it was just the drums. Now it's just music. The concessions debacle. The tickets are another thing. If it costs $24 to sit in the front row (someone correct me if I'm wrong), it shouldn't cost $20 to sit in the last row of the 3rd level. Now you could look at that as a steal for a first level ticket. With a toddler in tow, that's another full-price ticket, so I am looking to save money and sit far away. $4 less! If you're going to sell four-packs of tickets as some sort of deal, the cost should be something less than the exact cost of picking four games yourself. It's seemingly little things like that, that have really soured me on the whole experience from buying to the tickets, to the atmosphere at the game, and finally to the putrid product currently being turned out. I should add that I don't mind "our style'' of play. I've always liked Bo's teams and enjoyed the hate everyone let loose when his teams won games in the 40's and 50's. I don't care what our style is so long as it results in significantly more than 2 wins a season and at least a tourney berth.

 

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I was sure Barry's fan council was going to rectify game day atmosphere among its other duties.

Since I am currently on this council, what game day atmosphere things would you be referring to?

Keeping in mind that one person's ideal game day atmosphere is not going to be the same as any other person and not all ideal experiences are realistic I'd honestly like to hear what your ideal would be.

Care to share?

Feel free to reply here or send me an off-line note at UWFanAdvisory at g mail

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

There's only so much you can do about atmosphere when you aren't regularly filling the lower bowl. So short of any sort of initiative to get butts in seats, I don't have an answer for you.

I'm also a bit on the "libertarian" side of fan atmosphere: the less you try to control it, the better it is.

There have to be limits, of course. We can't go having road flares and mascot fellatio, of course, but you have to let the crowd do its thing, and the students need to do their part. Canned music over the PA is for filling in dead space of a dead arena, unless (like say, Jump Around at the football games) it's used to actually engage the crowd. But this is a college game... that's the band's job. Let them do their thing and hope that you have a big enough crowd to react to it.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Another thought nugget that popped into my head about the 2010 runners-up: just imagine how good that blue line is if McBain had played his senior year.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Another thought nugget that popped into my head about the 2010 runners-up: just imagine how good that blue line is if McBain had played his senior year.

Speaking of Jamie McBain, I'm wearing his red junior year road red tonight in protest against the "white out." Its even signed by Mike Eaves!

 

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Since I am currently on this council, what game day atmosphere things would you be referring to?

Keeping in mind that one person's ideal game day atmosphere is not going to be the same as any other person and not all ideal experiences are realistic I'd honestly like to hear what your ideal would be.

Care to share?

Feel free to reply here or send me an off-line note at UWFanAdvisory at g mail

To elaborate on this post a little bit:

We have our winter meeting coming up next weekend, so I would encourage anyone with constructive ideas to send them over.

I have the general feeling of of this group wanting to see a change in the coaching staff thoroughly documented.

But please send me your thoughts on the hockey product specifically or any feedback on any other UW Athletics experiences.

Send me the good, the bad, the ideas. I'll do what I can to pass them along or have them brought up during open discussions.

 

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Speaking of Jamie McBain, I'm wearing his red junior year road red tonight in protest against the "white out." Its even signed by Mike Eaves!

What about the "white out" are you protesting? I'm curious.

 

[gwhinwi]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I was only able to get to one game this year (Friday night versus Ferris State) due to moving out of the area, but the place just doesn't have any energy or vibe any more. This isn't just a single season thing, as it has been building to this over the last few years. When I got my original season tickets to the Kohl Center in 1998, the place was electric. We sat in 313 for a few years until they moved us out to give the students MORE seating. Now, you barely see students filling the 1st and second level.

I love Wisconsin hockey. I will never forget watching the games on channel 3 when I was a kid and relishing the chance to see this team play at the Coliseum when I was lucky enough to get a ticket. Now, I sit in my home office in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday nights and watch the games online and have to answer questions like this from my daughter.

"Dad, why are you watching the games if they are this terrible?"

To which I can only respond "Because I'm a Wisconsin Hockey fan."

We can argue records and talk about attendance figures all day, but the fact remains that there is something wrong with the program. You can hear it at the Kohl Center and you can see it in the team on the ice.

 

[drop_the_puck]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I think what's killed the gameday atmosphere for me is the blowout losses we keep having. There have been a ton of 5-0, 5-1, Boston massacre type losses recently which are completely deflating to fans.

I don't mind watching a hard-fought 5-3, 4-3, even 1-0 loss. It's hard to stay on the edge of your seat and into the game when the loss goal margin is so high.

I actually think UW is doing ok with stadium atmosphere, besides less band. RC Cola tastes plenty good with "additives" in it, so no beef there. The introductions have gotten much better over the last five years and the "hey" guy and Phil are great. Good on-ice product makes everything better.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

What about the "white out" are you protesting? I'm curious.

Are you calling me racist?

I don't like events that tell the fan base to do something. The product on the ice/field/court/etc should be good enough that we are already into the game.

I know its cardinal AND white, but I prefer the cardinal part of things.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I've often wondered what the demographics are of current season ticket holders are and how much of an aging population it is. And what it takes to replace them at some point. My guess is that 3000 people that spend $100 a night to not go to games aren't 30-40 or even 50 somethings that might generally be more enthusiastic at games anyway. I don't know. I do think that there's a certain complicity from fans themselves in the game day atmosphere in addition to whatever it is people don't like about the administration or team.

I've been to a number of games over the last several years and people around me sit with folded arms like they're at the opera. Or at Marriucci. I've had folks frown at me over the top of their reading glasses for counting along with Phil. (Really? But it's Phil!) Ok, so the Metamucil hasn't done it's job and you're not feeling the best, but c'mon... A part of atmosphere is what the fans make of it. Sometimes I think if Bob Johnson had the kind of fans we have a number of today, the program would have never gotten off the ground to begin with. Not just at games. Really old school fans were the type of folks that would charter a trip to Penticon with a truckload of Badger gear to watch prospects like Fabbro and Jost play and let them know they're wanted here. I don't see a lot of that kind of enthusiasm and support for the program even when we're winning. (But...but... I PAID for my tickets!)

There's a good amount of... I don't know... I hesitate to call it 'entitlement', but in the right context that's maybe close enough. A sort of "I paid my 24 bucks now I'll sit on my *** here and judge if you've entertained me to my standards and expectations." And then asking questions like "Why aren't you providing me with more enthusiastic dancing monkeys to amuse me?" They seem oblivious to the idea that if you want a great atmosphere, sometimes you have to be willing to be the dancing monkey yourself. Frankly it's usually a hell of a lot more fun anyway. Not to mention---> Bananas!

I do think that the admin has done a correct thing in reaching out to students and increasing their numbers this last year. If nothing else, I think redoubling those efforts again this coming year to ensure an even bigger student section would be #1 on the list of things to improve games and atmosphere.


Also--> Guck the Fophers!

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I do think that the admin has done a correct thing in reaching out to students and increasing their numbers this last year. If nothing else, I think redoubling those efforts again this coming year to ensure an even bigger student section would be #1 on the list of things to improve games and atmosphere.

Agree on the students.

Now that we no longer have our season tickets and I can pick my seats, I always choose them adjacent to the student section. It's a lot more fun to be near that energy - especially in a half empty building.

 

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Agree on the students.

Now that we no longer have our season tickets and I can pick my seats, I always choose them adjacent to the student section. It's a lot more fun to be near that energy - especially in a half empty building.

I was thinking of this difference in atmosphere when reading what you and UWisco said about the atmosphere. From the middle of the student section, I've been at games where the attendance just makes me sad, but both the game and the fans create a fairly electric atmosphere. I'm sure it sounds and feels very different in the emptier parts of the arena.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Agree on the students.

Now that we no longer have our season tickets and I can pick my seats, I always choose them adjacent to the student section. It's a lot more fun to be near that energy - especially in a half empty building.

I moved my seats to be next to the student section. The band is literally just down to my right, which despite the game results has made this season more enjoyable. If nothing else they are always doing something, so if the game isn't entertaining at least the students still are.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I was thinking of this difference in atmosphere when reading what you and UWisco said about the atmosphere. From the middle of the student section, I've been at games where the attendance just makes me sad, but both the game and the fans create a fairly electric atmosphere. I'm sure it sounds and feels very different in the emptier parts of the arena.

Yeah, if you're basing your take on the atmosphere from the middle of the student section, I'm sure you're loving it.

Our seats used to be 204 (row A) on Fridays and 223 (row B) on Saturdays. I never knew (or had forgotten) what I was missing. It may not seem like it should, but it makes a HUGE difference being on the end with the students. It doesn't seem that far away, but the other end of the arena seems like you're at a completely different event - even when it's full.

LOVE being by the students regardless of the circumstances now.

I moved my seats to be next to the student section. The band is literally just down to my right, which despite the game results has made this season more enjoyable. If nothing else they are always doing something, so if the game isn't entertaining at least the students still are.

This.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

I was thinking of this difference in atmosphere when reading what you and UWisco said about the atmosphere. From the middle of the student section, I've been at games where the attendance just makes me sad, but both the game and the fans create a fairly electric atmosphere. I'm sure it sounds and feels very different in the emptier parts of the arena.

Even under the best of circumstances it's a different world when you are forced to join the 'old people'. Sponge up every second while you can.

And start skipping a few classes to stretch out your time an extra year or two!

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Some years ago when I had extra people coming I sometimes could get seats right behind the bench. If anybody ever can I'd recommend doing it for a very different perspective. The last time I did I think was early in '09-'10 and I have to say that Blake Geoffrion had an unbelievable motor that wasn't always as apparent from further away, as it was when he's coming in and out 2 feet away from you. After that I wasn't surprised at all he scored all those goals around the net that year.

 

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

Our seats used to be 204 (row A) on Fridays and 223 (row B) on Saturdays. I never knew (or had forgotten) what I was missing. It may not seem like it should, but it makes a HUGE difference being on the end with the students. It doesn't seem that far away, but the other end of the arena seems like you're at a completely different event - even when it's full.

It's definitely way easier to feel engaged with the live event (this goes for pretty much any sporting event) when the people near you are on board with creating some energy.

 

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXXII: No Where To Go But Up!

To elaborate on this post a little bit:

We have our winter meeting coming up next weekend, so I would encourage anyone with constructive ideas to send them over.

I have the general feeling of of this group wanting to see a change in the coaching staff thoroughly documented.

But please send me your thoughts on the hockey product specifically or any feedback on any other UW Athletics experiences.

Send me the good, the bad, the ideas. I'll do what I can to pass them along or have them brought up during open discussions.

Oh, and alcohol sales, that one has been beaten to death too.

Here is a link to the university's alcohol policy Alcohol Policy

The sale (or lack there of) is a based on the university alcohol policy as established by people outside of the Athletic Department.

This is why alcohol sales are available in the suites.

To help bridge the gap to the regular ticket holder, they have opened up a alcohol serving facility in the Kellner Club that is only open for donors at the Captain's level (beyond what I am personally able to give). This gives them a predictable number of people that would be looking to purchase alcohol and allows for the proper level of staffing.

Here is a link to the details on this program Kellner Club Service

And for those who would ask, here is the like to the benefits chart that tells you how much you need to give to be at the Captain's Level ($500) and what other benefits you would get at that level of giving Benefits Chart

Just because they didn't enact the policy in the way that you want it doesn't mean that they didn't listen...