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Post by cfrivals on Dec 8, 2018 20:46:42 GMT -5
Let’s face reality, to be Worcester’s team, you have to play at a higher level. Worcester will never support the PL or Atlantic Hockey. They are low level. Now Worcester has the Sox AAA team, the bar has been raised. The years of the Bombadiers, Counts, Tornados and all the other Gimmick Leagues are over. Do you think real hockey fans would take the Railers over a HE matchup between HC and BU? Or will they all trek up to the public skating arena to see HC vs Sacred Heart? I dropped $120 to take my three sons to the game today. To see a BE quality team, not a big deal but for mid of the pack PL team, too much$$. The video was a start, but cmon, a ton more has to be done before Worcester comes back to a college that flicked them off their shoulder like a pesky fly!
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Post by bfoley82 on Dec 9, 2018 1:08:43 GMT -5
Let’s face reality, to be Worcester’s team, you have to play at a higher level. Worcester will never support the PL or Atlantic Hockey. They are low level. Now Worcester has the Sox AAA team, the bar has been raised. The years of the Bombadiers, Counts, Tornados and all the other Gimmick Leagues are over. Do you think real hockey fans would take the Railers over a HE matchup between HC and BU? Or will they all trek up to the public skating arena to see HC vs Sacred Heart? I dropped $120 to take my three sons to the game today. To see a BE quality team, not a big deal but for mid of the pack PL team, too much$$. The video was a start, but cmon, a ton more has to be done before Worcester comes back to a college that flicked them off their shoulder like a pesky fly! Will Holy Cross fans take hockey matchups against Vermont, Maine, UNH, Merrimack? Holy Cross played the two best teams this year in Hockey East at home and neither game was sold out in advance.
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 9, 2018 2:34:54 GMT -5
Holy Cross was Worcester's team when the Crusaders were NCAA and NIT champs in Basketball, NCAA champs in Baseball, and playing in the Orange Bowl in football, there was no internet and TV was what you could get with an antenna on your roof.
Now we have good coaches in place, good facilities, we are walking on foot because our steed has been shot out from underneath us by political correctness, but still working hard and getting better I think, or at least hope.
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Post by ndgradbuthcfan on Dec 9, 2018 5:10:50 GMT -5
Holy Cross was Worcester's team when the Crusaders were NCAA and NIT champs in Basketball, NCAA champs in Baseball, and playing in the Orange Bowl in football, there was no internet and TV was what you could get with an antenna on your roof. Now we have good coaches in place, good facilities, we are walking on foot because our steed has been shot out from underneath us by political correctness, but still working hard and getting better I think, or at least hope. I think HC was Worcester's team well after the forties and fifties. The decline in interest began few a decades later.
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Dec 9, 2018 7:34:38 GMT -5
Spending 2 seconds worrying about former fans who have made the decision to not support guys like Breslin, Powell, Mashburn, Walker, Feaster, Sankes, Szatko, Whearty, Meade, Hamilton, Simmons, Thomas, Clifford, Evans, Brown, Keister, Dudzinski, Miller, Champion, Alexander (and now Floyd, Grandison, Green, Butler etc) is a colossal waste of my time as far as I'm concerned. Let them throw their support behind the NBA and the one and done schools - I'm sure they are SO appreciative of their support. This sentiment is especially felt if these fans are as loyal as the fans we've seen at UMass and BC - all proud and out front when they are winning; either absent or filling message boards with four letter words when they are losing. Everyone has a right to their opinions and their likes and dislikes, but I am so tired of hearing about these people.
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Post by unhfan on Dec 9, 2018 8:21:31 GMT -5
Worcester like the rest of New England is a pro sports community. It is what it is not going to change.
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Post by rgs318 on Dec 9, 2018 9:08:01 GMT -5
If they truly love a sport, such as basketball, they may come back to a place where that sport is still played. Clearly that is not the NBA where "rules" have become only "suggestions" with showmanship and flash making the actual game take a back seat.
Of course, ticket prices (with family options) could help.
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Dec 9, 2018 9:33:14 GMT -5
It should be noted, since cfrivals started this particular thread: I know he has little use for the PL, but he (and his sons) still show up at most games (and has all the while).
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Post by joe on Dec 9, 2018 9:36:58 GMT -5
HC is Worcester’s basketball team in as much as the Friars are Providence’s Team. The best benchmark of local support is attendance at home games.
Hypothetically, let’s say HC knocked of PC or Michigan and has maybe 1 loss coming into yesterday’s game. Don’t you think they would have needed to raise a couple of those “black curtains of apathy” so that people could sit in the upper tiers of the DCU? It is a simple question - is is possible to achieve this level of success while playing in the PL and how would this be done? Two options:
A: Be a PL juggernaut.
B: Be highly competive for a few years and try to join the A10 or BE, favor the former.
Being the only show in town in a major city which is rapidly redefining itself as a commuter city of Boston with increasing numbers of young people, having a large venue at our doorstep, and a good coach, there is just so much potential for a fun little sports niche in Worcester, regardless of NE being a “pro sports” region. See Seton Hall, St. John’s etc.
People still like a good story and a good team.
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Dec 9, 2018 9:42:08 GMT -5
Personally, I think A. is more realistic. In fact, I see no reason why it can't be done.
Being a cynic, I think what yesterday's attendance would have been if we were in the A-10, but were riding a 4-5 season level of success that Fordham has had. I'd guess maybe the attendance would have been 3,132 rather than 2,132.
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Post by cmo on Dec 9, 2018 10:14:47 GMT -5
On a side note, the new restaurants and hotels near the DCU make it a pretty good spot. Hopefully now the ncaa’s will come back.
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Post by sader1970 on Dec 9, 2018 10:50:09 GMT -5
Let me share a brief conversation (OK, my monologue) with NAD at the DCU yesterday. Ticket prices are too high for Holy Cross events and many do not see it as a good value - especially those lacking purple in their veins. I was specifically referring to football games in Fitton Field but you can expand the discussion to basketball in the Hart Center. Talking about football first. We have a 23,000+ seat stadium. Those seats "cost" the same whether there is someone's fanny in it or not. I suspect Coach Chesney and the team would much rather see 15,000+ fans than 5,000. I believe ticket prices are $10+/- depending on special promotion days. Lower the price to $5 for adults, $2-3 for kids, kids under 5 free. My guess is that you will have so many more people going that would more than make up for any "lost" revenue at $10 per ticket. Seeing crowds back in Fitton, especially re-gaining the loyalty of local Worcesterites would be worth it. Here's a radical notion. Designate one football game a year as a "Thank You, Worcester!" game where everyone with a Worcester address gets in free. You want to "Worcester's Team?" Show some appreciation. A similar price reduction should be explored for the Hart Center. If we truly want to be "Worcester's Team" again, let's make it more affordable for families to attend. Oh, yeah, and we must win too!
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Post by joe on Dec 9, 2018 11:20:28 GMT -5
By the way my son and I were at the game at 11:45 yesterday, and they could not scan our tickets correctly, also we did not get a bobblehead. My son is actually into Bob Cousy and the Celtics, as well as HC, so it was a disappointment for him. We just assumed we were too late. Learned later that there was a designated table set up where the first 200 people (we were probably numbers 30 or 49) in the door were supposed to go ask for them. Maybe we were too early. I’ve been to a game or two in my life, and giveaways are generally given when you walk through the door. Flash forward to buying a box of Skittles which was mostly filled with air for 5 bucks!!! 15 bucks to park, etc., cost of tickets, a couple dogs, and it all adds up. I can imagine this may turn off some Worcester folks, so for the DCU to work, we have to be really good and the opponents need to be high level for people to pay these costs on a regular basis.
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Post by rgs318 on Dec 9, 2018 11:38:21 GMT -5
Joe, All of that can clearly be a turn-off. I feel bad for your son. Perhaps send a note to HC and let them know...there might be a spare bobble-head available (if someone gets it who has good sense!).
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Post by Ray on Dec 9, 2018 11:56:21 GMT -5
It's been nearly 40 years since the Big East decision. Worcester has changed in that time, just as the landscape of college sports has changed. Due respect to rivals' longterm perspective, but if you think there are more than 50 Worcester residents who still harbor resentment for that decision so many years ago, I think I'd take the under on that.
Short of the echo chamber that is this board, it's not a relevant discussion point when discussing whether the city will/won't support the current product.
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Post by thecrossisback on Dec 9, 2018 12:06:51 GMT -5
Tickets are way to expensive. 19 for football. You can charge a lot if you have nice facilities and not sitting on bleachers. A new stadium would also help the attendance.
Yesterday our student and any student ID got you in for 5 bucks which wasn't bad. Parked at Mt Carmel Church and walked.
But others that had to pay 20 is outrageous.
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Post by sader1970 on Dec 9, 2018 12:09:16 GMT -5
Joe, I picked up two and would be happy to send/give you one. If you will be at a game soon at the Hart, I can bring you one. Otherwise, send me a PM with your name/address and will send you one.
The only reason I looked for the table was from past experience the last time they gave bobbleheads at the DCU.
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Post by ndgradbuthcfan on Dec 9, 2018 12:21:31 GMT -5
It's been nearly 40 years since the Big East decision. Worcester has changed in that time, just as the landscape of college sports has changed. Due respect to rivals' longterm perspective, but if you think there are more than 50 Worcester residents who still harbor resentment for that decision so many years ago, I think I'd take the under on that. Short of the echo chamber that is this board, it's not a relevant discussion point when discussing whether the city will/won't support the current product. Like living WWll vets, the number is decreasing every year, but it's still way more than 50 (from a Worcester native and HC fan for 60+ years).
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Post by rf1 on Dec 9, 2018 12:24:32 GMT -5
As a URI fan, I was a triple winner - free tickets/free nearby parking/Rhody win. I sat at mid-court nearly on the floor via comp tickets. Just one other non-connected person was in my row in some of the best seats in the house. I would assume these seats were reserved for the HC administration but there apparently were not many takers. I went on the City of Worcester parking web site Friday to see the rules and rates on street parking. Really found little useful information there. Nearby parking garages showed low rates but from past experience I knew they upped the rates for DCU Center events. Drove down Major Taylor yesterday and saw empty meter spaces on School St right at the corner. Meters had little signs on them which indicated free weekend parking for the holiday shopping season. Nice bonus for me but I can't see where merchants are helped out if this is not really advertised and no one knows about it.
There seemed to be a good number of people on the streets as I walked to the DCU Center. Unfortunately nearly all of them were headed to the cheerleading competition meet at the convention center.
Made one last trip to Maxwell Silvermans before it moves after the game since my car was so close. My party appeared to be the only group eating there. It was around 4pm which is early but still did not think it would be that dead.
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Post by joe on Dec 9, 2018 12:32:17 GMT -5
Joe, I picked up two and would be happy to send/give you one. If you will be at a game soon at the Hart, I can bring you one. Otherwise, send me a PM with your name/address and will send you one. The only reason I looked for the table was from past experience the last time they gave bobbleheads at the DCU. What a nice gesture. I may take you up on that. See this is what HC is all about. Hope all the URI fans are enjoying theirs;)
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Post by lou on Dec 9, 2018 12:55:42 GMT -5
We looked at a few Shrewsbury street restaurants but all weren't open yet, so we left town. Saturday afternoon, DCU event, c'mon Worcester!
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Post by rf1 on Dec 9, 2018 13:10:25 GMT -5
A URI college hoops game day perspective: Ryan Center and Tickets - URI plays on campus at the 7,657 all chair-back seat Ryan Center which opened in 2002 and is operated by Comcast's Spectra Venue Management. Single game tickets have many different price points and range from $15 to $150 and depend on what type of game (OOC/A-10/Premium). Students (up to the first 1,500) get in for free as part of an athletics fee they pay. A good portion of the crowd (probably in the 3k range) is taken up by season ticket holders. Season ticket packages range from $130 for recent alums to $1,300. Seat locations are based on a points system that rewards additional school donations and ticket longevity. Most seats are between $275-500 per season. Mini season ticket packages from 3-5 games are typically offered every season and priced from $39-130. URI Individual Ticket Prices www.gorhody.com/tickets/men-s_basketball/individual_tickets_12-14URI Season ticket Packages www.gorhody.com/tickets/men-s_basketball/season_ticketsTicket Advertising & Buying - URI is constantly sending out promo emails and tweets (PC does the same). Local print, radio, tv game ticket ads as well. There are also many promotional deals and group rates for games. Sell family 2/4 packs that provide ticket/popcorn/soda from $12.50-15 per person. URI ticket holders have an account on line (URI website) where they can electronically reprint tickets, transfer them to friends, or even donate to a military member. Can buy tickets online seeing the available open seats to choose from or at box office. You typically even get a same day game email reminder that highlights parking and policy and other pertinent info to help improve your event experience. Parking - all parking at URI is free. There are large paved lots in and around the arena. Can sometimes be tricky getting in and out with the traffic because the main road to the URI campus is the two lane Route 138. Locals such as me know there are some country back roads running to the north which bring you by the turf farms and onto divided 4 lane highway Rte 4. Security - every entrant must now remove all metal from pockets and be scanned with wands before entering the Ryan Center for security purposes. Souvenir Shop - there is a full souvenir store at the north entrance lobby that is open before/during/after games. Sells URI clothing and novelty items Concourse - Concourse located on 2nd level (entrance is on court floor level) is carpeted and airy (some high ceilings and windows to outside) with plentiful concessions and bathrooms. Pubs at each end behind the baskets where beer and wine is available. Alcohol cannot be brought back to seats and is not sold at concessions. There is also an alumni lounge that has food and drink for big shots accessed from the concourse which is off limits to general public. Luxury Suites - seven luxury suites on a third level on the bench side available for rental. Full catering of food and beverage for parties. Video - URI has two video boards and a video ribbon screen that wraps around nearly the entire arena (save for the one corner that has video screen) on upper balcony facing below its seats. Replays, score, player stats, promo video are displayed on these. Game Production - URI has two emcees that roam the court and stands during breaks to rev the crowd up and do sponsor promos. They have microphones and are often displayed on the video screens. Usually always have Ram mascot, cheerleaders, Ramettes dance team, and pep band at all games unless during school break. There are constant corporate sponsors promos during breaks. There are many giveaways during the games (free pizza/ DD coffee / dinner gift certificates). Multiple T-shirt tosses throughout the game during breaks. A mechanized gun cannon also shoots mini novelty basketballs into the crowd. Young kids seem to really love all this stuff. Pre and post Game - URI is a rural campus. There are very few eating and drinking options close to the Ryan Center. People drive to the restaurants and bars with the village of Wakefield a few miles away getting most of them.
Ryan Center at URI interior seating bowl and luxury suites (above upper balcony on right)
Ryan Center at URI concourse
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Post by cfrivals on Dec 9, 2018 15:27:10 GMT -5
It should be noted, since cfrivals started this particular thread: I know he has little use for the PL, but he (and his sons) still show up at most games (and has all the while). Dave, you know me very well. I have always supported this team although I never agreed with the PL decision. I for one love the DCU games and wish they had one or two each year against a higher level program. I made the Worcester’s team thread because I think the last chance the school had was 2001-2005. That was the best opportunity to upgrade and market the heck out of the program. That opportunity was wasted and led to the departure of RW and the 10 year demise of the program. As others have mentioned, there is so much going on with sports these days, you can watch about 30 games a night, and also catch every HC game online. Why attend a live game? The program needs to win! Win and WIN! If they can do that consistently and upgrade the schedule, get on tv and win those games, maybe people will start to notice. But just to say you are Worcester’s team, not yet!
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Post by sader1970 on Dec 9, 2018 16:43:24 GMT -5
Crossback: Some of us went to the Harvard basketball game and general admission tickets (no senior discount! ) was $20 a pop. So, the Mrs. and I went, cha-ching -$40. Parking in an open lot about 1/3 mile away, cha-ching - $10. As I posted before, I caught a Harvard T-shirt from the cheerleaders so my "free" Harvard T-shirt cost me $50. What is outrageous is Harvard with their billion dollar endowment has to soak people attending their events, especially when they own their little arena. Holy Cross had to rent out the DCU. I guess you charge what the market will bear.
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Post by rf1 on Dec 9, 2018 16:47:49 GMT -5
Just trying to show you what other New England colleges do to attract fans to their men's basketball games. Much of what URI does is done even better by PC and UConn.
You need a good product as well as much more to get decent numbers to games. Reasonable pricing, multiple ticket options, promos, multi-media type advertisements, good opponents, decent concessions, in game entertainment production, etc...
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