Attendance Woes, Goalie Perceptions and Other Notes
by Joe Dunman on Nov 5, 2009 7:57 AM MST
in NHL News
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PrintThe Avalanche beat the Phoenix Coyotes last night in front of the smallest home crowd in team history: 11,012. That's not a lot of people for a building that holds 18,000+. Of course, there are lots of reasons for people to be discouraged from attending a hockey game in Denver, and Adrian Dater lists these "caveats" in his blog post after the game:
OK, first the caveats:
1. I know it’s still a bad economy.
2. I know it was a last-place team last year.
3. I know they probably aren’t as good as their record right now.
4. I know it was a Wednesday night in early November.
5. I know it was the Phoenix Coyotes who were the opponent.But, caveats out the way: where was everybody tonight at the Pepsi Center?
I don't know about you, but I'd say those caveats answered his question for him. Every single reason for not attending he listed was significant in itself, but when you combine them with the high price of tickets, those factors working together are almost insurmountable. The low attendance illustrates this fact.
So, how do the Avs turn it around? Keep winning games, keep promoting the star players like Stastny, Duchene and Anderson, and lower ticket prices. Easy, right? Seems simple enough to me.
Speaking of Anderson, he got his first break of the season last night as backup goalie Peter Budaj filled in for him. Budaj, despite the delusional warnings of fans who hate him for no good reason at all, had an excellent game. He stopped 28 of 29 shots in the Avs' 4-1 victory, and was named the third star of the game. Not shabby for a guy who hadn't played since the pre-season.
For some reason, you can't talk about goaltending in the NHL without everyone throwing out all logic, reason and perspective. On one side are those that perceive Budaj as the WORST GOALIE EVER, despite his past flashes of brilliance. No doubt, he had a terrible season last year, but so did the Avs in general. Budaj is one of those goalies who is, without a doubt, only as good as the team in front of him. Last year the team was terrible, and he was terrible. This year the team is good, so he is good. That just seems to be the way he is.
But did Budaj's strong play last night threaten Craig Anderson's starting job in any way? That would seem to be an easy "no," but lord knows somebody has to go looking for controversies where they don't exist. Like the Associated Press, whose recap included:
That set a solid tone, especially with Budaj playing at the top of his game.
As for any talk of a goalie controversy, Sacco quickly quelled it.
"I go on a game-by-game basis and right now Craig's done a good job for us," Sacco said.
Who is talking about a goalie controversy? Who? There is no talk of a controversy. Craig Anderson was named the NHL player of the month for October, and has played extremely well through the start of the season. Nobody with any sense at all honestly thought Budaj's performance last night (good or bad) would have any effect on who coach Sacco relies on as his number one goalie.
Maybe it's been so long since the Avs had a star goaltender that nobody remembers how rotations are supposed to work. The starter plays a few games, the backup relieves him for one or two, then the starter plays a few more games. This is not difficult to understand. Unless you're an AP writer, I suppose.
Finally, I expected a big game from Paul Sastny last night and he certainly delivered. He assisted on three of the Avs' four goals, including Milan Hejduk's power play tip-in of a Kyle Quincey slap shot in the first period. I don't know why, but Son of Stastny just doesn't play well on the road. Get him home at the Pepsi Center, though, and he's money.
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Anyone who thinks there is a goalie controversy should have their heads examined. Budaj played a very good game…Anderson has played 15 good games.
Budaj will get his chances, and as stated by right minded individuals, SHOULD be a very good back-up, especially if the defense is there to sweep out the garbage, as noted in the game thread.
The only controversies (or questions) on this team…to me, are:
Wilson over Clark?
Duchene needs new linemates
Ice girls or no ice girls
For a short shift last night (I think they were changing) Duchene was out there with Jones and Stewart, and they were fantastic. They also saw time together in a few previous games and I was fairly impressed.
I’m not sure why Sacco’s not keeping that line together for a few more games. They look fantastic. (In fact Svatos best scoring opportunity, other than the goal) was when Stewart came to the bench after he and Jone set up the play. Duchene passed to him in the slot for a good shot. But he wouldn’t have been in that spot without Stewart and Jones play to set the entire thing up.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 8:26 AM MST up reply actions
There is no goalie controversy, except for one people are trying to fabricate. Isn’t it nice to have 2 goalies who are playing great.
I am not very good at lines, but yesterday the Duchene, Jones, Stewart came to mind. All three players are strong and fast, so they seem like they would be a good fit for each other.
Svatos to me is like a smaller, less talented Alexander Semin. All of the bad penalties, incosistency, invisibility, and lack of physical play, but without the goal scoring. He needs to score goals, or there really isn’t any reason for him to be out there, because he does not contribute the hard hitting physical defensive play that would compensate for a lack of goal scoring.
Duchene needs to start shooting that puck sooner and then going in for the rebounds.
As far as attendence, there is absolutely no coverage of the Avs on the news. There is maybe 15 seconds of coverage during the sports section of the news. It is as if the Avs don’t exist to the local television stations, so why should they exist to the general public.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
The Blackhawks faced that same problem for years. Under Rocky Wirtz, the local media blackout (which was more than just the games themselves) killed the team’s exposure, and killed attendance. Now the ’Hawks are back on the TV in Chicago and the United Center is full most nights.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Under ole Dollar Bill, I could wait until the day of a game to run out and get tickets…now when I want to see a Hawks game, I either have to be a credentialed reporter, watch it on TV, or go to Stub-Hub.
It’s amazing what a little marketing (bringing the Cubs marketing guy was GENIUS), and a new attitude will do for a team
Oh, and I meant to say Bill Wirtz, not Rocky.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I am starting to drink the kool aid
i do think this is a very good team with good young talent, look at 08-09 Blues, the Yotes are a very good team to watch right now, shouldnt matter what team it is. it was going to be a good game regardless given how both teams have been playing recently. The economy does still suck despite what the analysts say. tickets to the Avs games arent cheap Ive looked, from coming from KC to go. yes it was a last place team last year…“LAST YEAR”, its a new season the team is doing great so no excuse other then monetary problems
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
lack of attendance
Only thing I can say to ths is Marketing. Look at The Denver Post e-mail sports update two topics #1 The Yankees win the World Series, #2 Dater’s blog about where was everyone at. Why not post a headline Budaj looks great in AVs 4-1 win over Yotes!!!
When you are turning over an organization you promote the new faces. For Example when the Penguines went from Super Mario to Sid the Kid the marketing for Sid the Kid was through the roof. We have two 18 year olds and a Goalie who are turning heads use it!!! Commercials, billboards what ever you have to do but introduce your AVs to the market and you will get the reply.
I mean come on they did it with the Nuggets in the return of Chancey and with the Birdman!! you want fans in seats give them a reason to be there.
I would be there if it wasn’t for the fact that i live in NC now but I will be in Raleigh on Jan 8th to watch our boys destroy the Hurricanes!!
you’re assuming they actually have some sort of marketing budget… i’m thinking most of that is funneled to the nuggets. I also find it rather depressing that in my car on the radio down here in colorado springs i can find Blackhawks games easier than the Avs.
Considering the fact ...
…that I live in Germany, I cannot really comment on how the economic situation in the US and such things influence the attendance at Avs games, but I’m pretty sure that it does. Also I’ve heard numerous times that tickets are still very pricey even though there have been some special offers, etc. So these factors sure as hell negatively influence the attendance.
But apart from those factors to me it seems, that there is another major factor: The team badly needs a star. This one guy, that should put asses in seats. There has always been a Roy, a Forsberg or a Sakic in Colorado. Now these guys are gone and no one has stepped up to replace them! And I do not mean replacing them down on the ice, but rather in the perception of the population! It’s obvious that hardcore fans know who Stats, Duchene, O’Reilly are, but the average bandwagon fan probably doesn’t!
So the Avs management should try and “build” a new generation of Avalanche Stars. Of course these guys have to be good on the ice, but apart from that there has to be advertisement, commercials and so on …
Otherwise they’ll have to bring Foppa back! He’d definately put some asses in the seats of the Pepsi Center!
Osirius, I’m just curious…why are you in Germany? Are you in the Forces? Are you German? I’ve been there before, cause I’m in the AF. I thought Germany was pretty awesome, even though I was only there for a couple weeks. In which part/city do you live?
Well, I’m not exactly German (though I got German citizenship), as I’ve been born in Poland. But I’ve been living in Germany for over 20 years now …
Unfortunately I don’t live in a very attractive part of Germany! I live in the so called Ruhr Region, which has been the center of heavy industry and mining and it partly still looks that way.
But I study in a different city, which is more or less a typical town full of students, with a lot of nightlife going on, so that’s pretty cool! It does distract from my studies though… ^^
Where did you live in Germany? As you’re in the AF, I assume somewhere in the Rhein/Main area?
I may be going to Germany in the spring. I might get in touch with you for some pointers.
We may be going through that region, as my wife has shown an interest in going to Belgium too, but it’s all very preliminary at this point.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 12:11 PM MST up reply actions
I’m going to be in Germany for a few weeks in April. Maybe you could spend the night? We could listen to records, watch TV and make some popcorn… Ask your mom. Do you have a sleeping bag?
No, seriously.
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 5, 2009 5:13 PM MST up reply actions
Ice Hockey World Cup
You should stop by in Gelsenkirchen for the opener of the World Cup. Germany will be hosting the USA and they are trying to beat the world record for attendance for a hockey game.
“The German national team will meet Team USA in a world record encounter on May 7, 2010. For this game, the arena of football club Schalke 04 will be converted into a giant ice hockey arena hosting app. 76,000 people.”
Add to that
The commercials they have on TV and the radio, the “Avalanche Experience,” do nothing to excite. They could do better with “These are: Hockey Words”
"I clearly miscalculated how popular it would be to show Calvin urinating on a Ford logo"--Bill Watterson
by frightened inmate #2 on Nov 5, 2009 9:57 AM MST up reply actions
Those commercials make me miss Quenneville’s “It’s time for a line change” commercials. Not that they were serving the same purpose or anything, but still. Q was better than these horrid things.
by Rather Dashing on Nov 5, 2009 10:16 AM MST up reply actions
Forsberg
Here’s a new article from ‘bleacher report’: Basically, this guy James Crider echoes my exact same feelings about Forsberg. So, I thought I’d share this article, in case anyone else shares this point of view. I think it’s a good one, even if only to put more asses in seats, like Osirius mentioned above…
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/284484-former-avalanche-star-peter-forsberg-eyeing-nhl-return
I don't know...
Forsberg loves CO. If the team keeps playing this well, I think there’s more than a good chance he’d come here.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 10:40 AM MST up reply actions
He does still have a house here, and as far as I know, his GF is still attending Metro.
Thanks Joe...
There’s no way to know for sure, but there’s definitely a lot more reason to believe he favors the Av’s over any other team. There’s no reason to believe he’s strictly about joining a guaranteed Cup contender, because he’d probably not even consider the Av’s if that were the case. I think he would never have even left the Av’s, if it’d been up to him.
well, it sort of was up to him
He just decided NOT to pull a Milan and play for his market value, at the expense of the team…
Dater said the Caps have been watching a while. That would be the most unholy terror of a powerplay…
09
Yup
I agree.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
The most incredible part is that there was something on Bleacher Report worth reading.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 10:50 AM MST up reply actions
I laff’d
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:11 AM MST up reply actions
good article
this inspires me to speculate at lines with everyone healthy and Forsberg.
// the obvious ones…
Forsberg – Stastny – Hejduk
Wolski – Duchene – Svatos
McLeod – O’Reilly – Jones
Tucker – Galiardi – Stewart
I would think these would be the most likely ones if he returned. Sacco clearly has a huge hard on for the Svatos – Duchene pairing, and we know the top line works. That’s a dangerous lineup, especially if the 2nd line got going.
// if I was coach…
Wolski – Stastny – Hejduk
Forsberg – Duchene – Stewart
McLeod – O’Reilly – Jones
Tucker – Galiardi – Svatos
Why Stewart on the 2nd? I felt that Forsberg was on a bit of an island last year physically when with Stastny and Hejduk. Forsberg needs a protector. Stewart could be that guy without starting too much himself, and he’s got the hands to serve as a finisher, more so than Tucker or McLeod. Plus he’s a RW.
Putting Forsberg on the 2nd also balances scoring, and reduces his defensive workload. Anything to keep him fresher is a good thing. Shift him on the 1st unit PP with Hejduk and Stastny, and you’re set.
That second set is close to what I came up with:
Wolski-Stastny-Hejduk
Forsberg-Duchene-McLeod
Tucker-O’Reilly-Jones
??-Galiardi-Stewart
Trade Svats.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 12:13 PM MST up reply actions
I like
we really do need better wingers though. I love the duke, woller, and highlander, but I wish Jones and Stewie weould step up or get upgraded…
P.S. I’m trying out Woller, kinda like a Rolls Royce is a Roller… I do like the royalty line nick though
09
I think my boy Dr. Jones is well on his way to becoming elite, after watching him all year. He delivers hits moreso than a Svantos does, never stops working and can score a goal or two when you need him to.
He’s obviously not there yet but I’m still comfortable with him on the top lines.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:13 AM MST up reply actions
but there is the whole concentrating talent VS more dangerous lines with careful pairings thing. Coaching philosophy I guess…
09
Which is why I think Foppa is better on Duchene’s line. That sets up more than just a strong 1-2 punch; it’s one of those things that makes the other team ask itself, “Which line do we put our top guys out against??” And that answer won’t be easy.
I like Tucker with Radar and Jones because he’s got the grit needed for ugly goals in front of the net which lets O’Reilly use his tenacity and slipperiness (not a word but I’ve no other one right now to describe him) to get the passes off to Jones for the shot and vice versa. Tucker also has veteran leadership skills to ground that line if needed. (I still cannot believe I’m writing shit like that.)
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 1:02 PM MST up reply actions
Slipperiness is the new word of the day.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:14 AM MST up reply actions
Drop prices
Do some promotion. Take the program directors for the sports section of local news out to a few dinners, I dunno. Comp a corporate box package to editors, you know. PROMOTE THE TEAM.
Concerning Attendance..
Have those of you living in Denver noticed if its easy to buy cheap tickets day of game outside of the Can? I am coming into town during which there are 2 home games (Calgary & Caps). I started looking around on the web and tickets ARE really expensive. Almost $20-30 higher than the market I am in (Dallas Stars). Also, no coupon codes, promos etc. Really discouraging. Sure I would love to go to both but Im spoiled and like to sit down low, therefore higher prices. Just trying to figure out if I should worry about buying tickets ahead of time or if I can maybe get some game day deals.
I’m sure there will be tix at the box office, and there are usually scalpers outside, altho I dont know if they are decently priced… I never check.
Thanks Joe...
I’m just curious…how can anyone tell if the scalper’s tickets are legitimate, that they’ll work? I’ve never bought them, because I wouldn’t trust it. Could they be counterfeit, illegal, etc?
They certainly could be… avs21fan’s tickets were stolen out of the mail, and the Avs canceled the ones that were stolen. Instead of being used, those tix will almost certainly be sold on the roadside for whatever the guy can get for them. its all profit for the scalper, and the buyer could wind up at the front door with a canceled ticket.
Thanks Joe...
I’ve bought from scalpers, and never had a problem. But I follow at least one rule:
Only buy official printed tix, never buy off craig’s list or home printed tix.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 11:21 AM MST up reply actions
Well
I probably wouldn’t. I think you could find them relatively cheap on StubHub this season.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 11:25 AM MST up reply actions
stub hub charges 15% of what you sell the ticket for, making you inflate the price just to get your money back, fyi
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Nov 6, 2009 1:27 PM MST up reply actions
I was hoping to not pay more than $75-80, which I know is probably a pretty good deal. Ive bought some from a scalper for that much and they probably either broke even or made $20 or so. My worry is that everyone wants to see Ovie like I do and not much will be available. But maybe that’s unfounded.
I have had good luck with Craigslist
One year, we were supposed to get 20 inches of snow, got 5, and I got two club level corner seats for $40 a pop.
I guess I would just recommend buying tickets where you actually meet the person somewhere, like their office or home.
"I clearly miscalculated how popular it would be to show Calvin urinating on a Ford logo"--Bill Watterson
by frightened inmate #2 on Nov 5, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions
I’ve also had success with CL
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 5:42 PM MST up reply actions
I’ve done it a few times with great luck. I go to the regs that are around tho. There’s always a main place they camp out. In ’07-08, I caught a Ducks game after Forsberg came back and sat right on the glass…for $60. Got to see Foppa kick ass within feet of me.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 11:23 AM MST up reply actions
er, within a few feet of me, I mean. Upper deck is also within feet…albeit a whole lot more. lol.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 11:24 AM MST up reply actions
You have to list going head to head with a World Series clinching game as a caveat.
I only buy from the scalpers. Wait til the game is starting and they just want to get rid of their tickets. You can get lowers for as low as $15.
Or buy two singles and just sit together in one of the 7,000 empty seats.
Waiting till the game starts…great idea, but oh so painful. I like watching the puck drop. lol.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 11:34 AM MST up reply actions
The 3 most important words in a bad economy...
Prices, Prices and Prices!! The Avs could easily boost their attendance overnight by doing a few small things:
1. Ticket prices. Lower them by at least 33% to make the tickets comparable to most other NHL teams. The cheapest ticket you can get at the Can is $45 for a seat that is touching the ceiling. A lower bowl starts at $120. Way too expensive for anyone whose spouse is not a Wal-Mart heir.
2. “Convenience” Fee. Get rid of the damn thing, plain and simple. The ticket price should include everything. This fee is the equivalent of Stan slapping you in the face and peeing on your rug that really tied the room together.
3. Parking. Parking at the Can is $20. Make it free for anyone with hockey tickets, or lower it to $5.
For a family of 4 to get lower bowl tickets, park, and everyone get a snack and a drink, it costs:
4x$120 (for lower bowl seats) = $480
“Convenience” charge (15% of ticket price) = $72
Parking = $20
2 shitty-“beers” = $16 (for the sake of this argument, let’s call Coors Lite beer)
$6 × 4 pretzels/nacho/ice cream = $24
2 pepsis x $4 = $8
Grand total for one family of 4 to see a hockey game and have a small snack = $620. The attendance numbers have less to do with the Avs than they do with Stan’s Greed.
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind - Humphrey Bogart
I honestly don’t get why sports venues and others don’t lower the prices. I mean, isn’t getting $20 for a seat better than getting $0 for it?
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 1:05 PM MST up reply actions
I like the family packs the Avs do…4 tickets, 4 drinks and the four meal packs for 99 bucks saves about 100 bucks right there…
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
There’s a few of catches though… Are you talking about the Arby’s pack? Those Arby coupons are not valid at the Arbys in the Pepsi Center. It’s kind of a conspiracy. You go thinking you’ll eat dinner in the Pepsi Center, get there and realize the coupons aren’t valid. Now you have to shell out money to buy dinner. Plus isn’t it $99 before the fees?
Those seats are usually pretty good though. Just beware of the Arby’s Conspiracy.
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind - Humphrey Bogart
Thanks for the heads up.
They also advertise family packs with non-Arby’s food. The convenience fee is still horseshit, but if you are willing/able to go to the box office to purchase, you don’t have to pay it, so you should be able to get the whole fam in and fed for $100. Parking and/or Light Rail passes extra, of course.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
Am I the only personcapable of either A) Eating before I go to the game or B) Have the ability to sit through a 3-4 hour game without having to get food/drink every 5 minutes. I laugh everytime I go to a live sporting event when I see the amount of people who wast half the game lining up for ford/drink. I’ve also managed to sit through 6 odd hours of Live Cricket without having to buy food or drink.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
I scream too much, so there must be a drink near me at all times.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
i just like beer.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 6, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
I'm this way.
Eat, hit up the bathroom before the game, and try not to leave my seat when I’m there. Seems senseless to me.
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by A.J. Haefele on Nov 6, 2009 12:28 PM MST up reply actions
Exactly
It seems pretty simple to me, plus you get to watch the entire game without missing large parts of it because you were looking at the back of a dumbasses head and a wall.
If you like beer and want to miss half a game thats you’r choice. It just seems stupid.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
I like beer and have a small bladder.
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Nov 6, 2009 1:29 PM MST up reply actions
Attendance
There has to be a huge correlation between the attendance woes and the cost of normal priced tickets. I wish someone would do more digging on this, because the Avs release some ridiculously misleading data (MRD) that indicates they are relatively affordable, but in reality, I believe they are among the highest 2 or 3 ticket prices in the league. Somehow the MRD reports that the average ticket price is around $44 or something like that. When you look at a seat diagram of the Can and the cost of individual game tickets, the real average price has to be somewhere around $90 a pop.
I think some of the gimmicks they have pulled the last few seasons to fill seats may also be backfiring. Now people know there are cheap tickets out there for resale, and are even less likely to pony up around $100 for a full price ticket. How would you feel if you were paying $85 a ticket for a seat and found out the guy next to you got his for $23?
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
RMD
Looks like I picked a bad week to quit amphetamines.
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
by Bob in Boulder on Nov 5, 2009 1:41 PM MST up reply actions
I’ve heard the Avs consider lower bowl tickets as “premium seating”, so they are not factored into the average ticket price. So that average of $44 is really the average price of an upper balcony seat.
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind - Humphrey Bogart
Correct
the Avs factor 0 lower bowl, club or Box seats into the Fan Cost Index because they are all “Premium”.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 1:50 PM MST up reply actions
Wow ...
… I honestly don’t know what to say about such a method of calculating average prices! That’s just hilarious!
Did you know, that there are only beautiful women in Germany? That’s because we consider the ugly chicks as “subpar women” and so they are not factored in the average German women look! ;)
by Osirius on Nov 5, 2009 1:51 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd
because it highlights the absurdity so well.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 2:52 PM MST up reply actions
Also rec’d, but in my case because it reflects the truth of the matter. As a former exchange student who lived about 2 years in Germany, allow me to assure you that the whole racial purity shit that went on there in the last century (and continues by virtue of the fact that it’s a very racially homogenous society) does nothing for the looks of the people. Ever been to mainland China? Pretty bad there too.
Shallow/homogenous gene pool = ugly children. I guess that it’s God’s way of rewarding us for getting along w/ one another.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
That ...
…finally explained to me, why you have this German sounding nickname! And the logo of this disgusting Kölsch as you avatar! ;)
Nun weiss ich wie's da im Ruhrgebiet geht!
Man hat die Verwegenheit das Lieblingsbier eines ehemaligen Gast- bzw. Austauschschulers zu verleumden, ohne eine gute Alternative vorzuschlagen!
Sicher ein Zeichen eines verzogenes Studenten, der mehr Zeit beim Hockeygucken verbringt als beim Lernen! ;)
Da muss Ich allerdings zugeben, dass als ich in Ihrer Gegend zwei Wochen verbrachte, fand ich Export was ganz tolles!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
This goes for Germany too
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 10:44 PM MST up reply actions
Would that sentiment include,
the egregious grammatical error from the halfwit who decided that in respect to his country he ought use the 3rd person conjugation of the verb “to be” (are) in place of the first person plural possessive (our).
Just wonderin’ if were gonna get rid of all the damned Feriners and all.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
(Pssst. That’s the irony.)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 6, 2009 7:17 AM MST up reply actions
Ooops.
Humor fail.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
FYI
I did not use a green background to trick people into thinking this was rec’d
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 6, 2009 9:42 AM MST up reply actions
Ich muss leider gestehen, daß du mit der Einschätzung bezüglich Hockeygucken und Lernen nicht ganz unrecht hast! ;) Vor allem, da NHL Spiele hier nicht grade am frühen Abend zu sehen sind …
Es ist übrigens mehr Tradition als Nicht-Kölner über Kölsch zu lästern, als meine wirkliche Überzeugung. Finde Kölsch nur ein wenig zu wässrig …
Aber um eine, meines Erachtens, sehr gute Alternative aus dem Ruhrgebiet zu nennen: König Pilsener aus dem (nicht wirklich) schönen Duisburg!
does anyone else feel like you’re being talked about here??
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 6, 2009 9:26 AM MST up reply actions
No worries.
You are.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
By the way ...
…you should have made a trip to Poland, while living in Germany! Believe me: That’s where the good looking women come from! ;)
Likely.
I found the “scenery” much more attractive during my year at university in Moscow.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
Although
German women do seem to generally have prodigous…assets…ahem.
On my travels around Europe, I found Belgian women to be the nicest.
by eltharion_doa on Nov 5, 2009 5:48 PM MST up reply actions
AVG Tickets for all NHL Teams
follow this link and you will see the AVs are #4 in pricing for AVG tickets in the NHL. Only Dallas, Toronto, and the Rangers cost more to see on average.
Gracias
But that link is for 2001-2002 prices. And still seems woefully low. By my estimation, looking at a seat map with season ticket prices on it (ind game tickets are more expensive), very few seats are $23 each, quite a few seats in the upper deck are $36 each, very few seats are $42 each, quite a few seats, still in the upper deck, are $51 each, some upper deck seats are $62 each, and prices in the lower bowl range between $85 and $196 (rink side) each, with most of those costing $111 a pop. I don’t know how much club seats or, Roy forbid, box seats are, but there are plenty of those in the Can as well. But by my estimation, again, the average price looks to be around $90. If clever accounting were disgarded.
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
by Bob in Boulder on Nov 5, 2009 2:10 PM MST up reply actions
The rink-side I am seeing on ticket horse for the corner lots is $216. But I think you are right on the dot with your average of $90. This is, of course, not factoring in the fees they will tack on, bringing the average close to $100.
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind - Humphrey Bogart
Dater had numbers for premium and non-premium averages in a versus article. it said the lower cost per seat was like 120$, i think?
On the goalie non-controversy...
notice how no one’s on the boards saying
“I WUZ WRNG. BOODZ WUZ GR8!!”
You know if the team lost – even if it was 1-0 and on a 5-on-3 PP with the D leaving him hung out to dry and sleeping at the net – it would be
“BOOOOODZ SUX!!! SND HZ AZZ DWN!”
lame.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 3:12 PM MST reply actions
I do feel bad for him, because he’s a capable NHL backup…I don’t think he has the goods to be a solid #1 guy, but he’s got the heart and drive.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Exactly
Nothing wrong with being a 15-20 game a season guy if that’s your talent level.
by eltharion_doa on Nov 5, 2009 5:49 PM MST up reply actions
I actually think he’s got a case to be the best back-up in the league.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:18 AM MST up reply actions
I’m just thankful he’s not swiss cheese Aebischer or Josie and the pussycats Theodore.
He’s a great back-up, but no one can be a great #1 with no defense in front of him
How about Phillipe “5 goals allowed is perfectly acceptable and above average” Sauve?
Every time I hear that name I get chills of fear and hatred.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:19 AM MST up reply actions
Not sure I agree with the high ticket prices...
I keep on hearing about the high ticket prices when explaining why Avs fans are not attending home games. Prices could always go down, of course, but Avs tickets are probably among the most affordable in the NHL. I try to attend every Avs game I can down here in Dallas and I pay a whole lot more here than if I were able to go to a game at the Pepsi center. I showed some of the ticket pricing to another buddy of mine here and he could not believe the disparity between the two!!
no fricken way, that is completely false.
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=689687, 2nd post. that’s from a year ago, no one has taken the time / found the true average this year that I can find. either way, the Avs have the 2nd highest true average ticket price, behind only toronto as recently as a year ago. There’s been change for this year iether, so the only way they’ve changed would be relative to other teams.
those prices are why no one is coming. it’s that simple.
“True average” okay, maybe. But what about each individual section? I know rinks are set up differently, but you certainly could get comparable numbers. Has anyone done that? I mean, maybe it’s the cost of the high-end seats that are driving up the average. I don’t know; that’s why I’m asking.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 3:38 PM MST up reply actions
You're right, I'm an idiot. My apologies.
I stand corrected. I took a look at the Dallas Stars ticket prices and to my suprise it looks like they have dropped their ticket prices this year. I have not been to a Stars game yet. I definitely plan on attending more now that the prices have dropped. I can’t wait until the Avs come to visit and beat the Stars both times! I get a kick of going to Stars games because the fans know little to nothing about hockey. Always a good time. I hope Kroenke lowers ticket prices for our fans. As hard as our team is playing they deserve to play hockey in front of a full house!
agreed, it's a shame that the team isn't getting the exposure they deserve
i used to go to Dallas games a lot when I was in college/grad school. I always enjoyed the games there. I remember feeling like the only guy cheering when Clark scored that short-handed goal with our net empty to send it to OT, and then again when Sakic iced won it.
Maybe it’s just the good memories that I enjoy. :)
Ticket prices ...
…last season have been as high as this season. Probably even higher, as the Avs introduced some new stuff afaik. But the attendance has never been this woeful! Not even during the Avs’ worst stretches, when they probabla would have gotten their ass kicked by most AHL teams.
So there has to be something more to it than just ticket prices and shitty economy (As far as I remember economy has been pretty dismal as well last season).
It could boil down to a number of circumstances yesterday, like the World Series (by the way … did the Yankees win? I don’t really follow baseball at all), the Wednesday night, the resurgence of the other Denver Franchises…
Guess we’ll have to wait til some other mid-week games. Avs will be hosting Nashville on Wed, Nov 25 and Minnesota on Wed, Dec 9. Not exactly the most thrilling games either!
But if this trend continues management really needs to do something! Lower prices, get Foppa back, reactivate Sakic … dunno … hire Ice girls! Something!
Okay, so I’m sure the answer is “Yes” but…would ice girls really bring more men into the games?? I mean, come on guys, really?? If so, it’s just a little bit pathetic. Sorry, but true.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 5, 2009 5:04 PM MST up reply actions
Ice Girls wouldn’t do a single bloody thing to boost ticket sales…they would have better luck if they went into Denver area strip clubs and let the strippers hand out tickets…
Other things will have to be done from the lazy-ass marketing department.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
but we have a mascot! A MASCOT!!!!
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 5, 2009 5:14 PM MST up reply actions
WE HAVE A FUCKING DOG!!! AND A DOCILE ONE AT THAT!!!
BRING BACK HOWLER!!!!!
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Speaking of Howler! Some time ago I read something about an incident or something, which caused the organisation to get rid of Howler! What’s up with that?
Pretty sure I’d pay to see that.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
If it was a Wings fan, I’m SURE I would pay money to see that.
by Rather Dashing on Nov 5, 2009 10:54 PM MST up reply actions
With the costume still on?
Was it Tucker Max?
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by A.J. Haefele on Nov 6, 2009 12:33 PM MST up reply actions
It’s not a dog. It’s a freaking Saint Bernard!
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 5, 2009 5:17 PM MST up reply actions
According to his website that little barrel on his neck has… pepsi in it.
Damn.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:21 AM MST up reply actions
I vote for some quality single malt in his barrel!
by Osirius on Nov 6, 2009 12:11 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd!
and seconded!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - We really suck, it's just that we didn't get the memo.
I cote for some quality single malt… in MY barrel.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!
Vote, even
I got so excited for Whisky I couldn’t even spell.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!
It's for kids
Why do adults care what the mascot is, unless it scares your kids.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 5, 2009 10:45 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah… stupid adults!
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 6, 2009 1:18 AM MST up reply actions
Nope… internet porn is free.
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 5, 2009 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
you know, that’s not a bad idea either…head on over to a porn site…YOU JUST WON AVALANCHE TICKETS…hummm…win/win there.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I guess
Last season people with season tickets would have renewed them not knowing how bad the economy would get. This season…not so much.
by eltharion_doa on Nov 5, 2009 5:51 PM MST up reply actions
I shelled my third for our season tix last year, knowing it was a terrible idea. And sure enough, I ended up having to move back in with my dad for a bit [granted that it wasn’t all the tickets fault, but it certainly helped]. This year, I was not so foolish. four-five games max is all my wallet can take.
Thanks Joe...
To be honest … the ice girls thing is something I picked up during the worst parts of last season! ;) I’ve never been to an NHL game, so I cannot really evaluate the atmosphere, especially not at the Pepsi Center. Though I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that thrilling with 11k people in attendance!
I just used the ice girls thing as an metaphor for an action of last resort to get some fans in the can.
On the other hand those girls probably would distract Andy too much! ;) Geez, that pic was awesome …
W66
All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 5, 2009 5:19 PM MST up reply actions
The problem is the marketing department for the Avs lacks imagination. Take a look at some of the great commercials the Colorado Rockies have put together the last few years (see below). Is it too much to ask for a billboard or two that features Stastny, Duchene or Anderson? The problem is the casual fan in Denver has no clue who is on the team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSSHvVREPPw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp_fVTikisE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnF6Xmh45uw&feature=related
Colorado Avalanche Prospects (www.avsprospects.blogspot.com)
by Angélique C. Murray on Nov 5, 2009 6:32 PM MST reply actions
Those commercials are fantastic. We’ve had similar team-oriented commercials, but they just don’t seem to do much.
by Rather Dashing on Nov 5, 2009 6:34 PM MST up reply actions
the Blackhawks seem to have some pretty decent marketing as well, especially of their younger guys. their where the wild things are one was somewhat entertaining i thought. It would also help if they had radio coverage that reached the next city south of them… can’t always get to a bar to watch the games or drive an hour north.
Do you all realize how awesome these commercials could be for the Avs? Sure, Johnny Hott Pocket was good, Stastny helping someone remove a tooth so they look cool, those are all great! But where did the creativity go?
I remember a commercial about Sakic back in the day, where he was being “interviewed” abougt how fast his wrist shot was.
Sakic:" did you see that" (after he moves his arm slowly)
Interviewer: “yeah”
S: “did you see that” (he does the same thing)
I: “yeah…..(sighs)…”
S: “did you see that!” (seemingly not moving at all)
I: " no, you didn’t even move…"
S: “yes I did”
the actualy thing is way better, but you get the idea…
Mr. Anderson - THE ONE
by slapshotr2007 on Nov 5, 2009 7:45 PM MST up reply actions
WHO YOU CALLING TULO?
YOUR PRICES ARE TOO LOW
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Nov 6, 2009 12:22 AM MST up reply actions
For anyone who’s wondering I was able to walk-up and get a ticket for 27$ at the box office, that’s for the worst seats in the house. So I guess for the average game without internet fees that’s the price range. I do wish that Stan would realize how bad this is going and lower the damn prices, if only a few dollars a piece. The Nuggets RAISED prices this year and they’re more managable than the Avs!
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
Let’s see…..
Tickets to an Avs game- $27-$alot
Concessions at said game- A whole hell of a lot.
Parking at said game- $20
Jager and Beer at home- $25. with a plush recliner and HD. Plus my own bathroom close by. And no jackass in front of me (ok that argument doesn’t really apply this year)
So it ain’t “priceless”, but FOR FUCK’S SAKE STAN DON’T YOU GET IT???
I mean really, you are just like my dumb ass bosses. They saw that liquor cost was going up at the bar. True. What they didn’t see was that if you lose sales, (because they drove away all the late night business) your losses look that much worse. Their response? Shut the bar down at 10pm instead of 2am. The result? No sales, and the percentage goes up. The moral here is not to bitch at my bosses, but to say, “hey dumbass, if you are selling something you are making money, if you are selling nothing its a downward spiral of suck”
Yeah, that seat used to be worth (insert random amount we’d pay to see Peter Forsberg here). But it ain’t now. If you want to get people back you are going to have to make it cheap, and hook them on the product (insert competent marketing campaign here) to get us to come back.
Seriously, you married into Wal-Mart. Are you a complete tool, or do you know that Wally World succeeded by offering stuff for cheaper than everywhere else? Because otherwise, I’m only left to believe that you are making plenty of money elsewhere and could give a shit less about us Avs fans. In which case, Screw You Bub, I’ll watch at home for the low low rollback price of $25 for some Jager and beer and maybe $5 for some munchies.
PS, go ahead, go Dollar Bill Wirtz style, and see where that gets you. Asshole.
/end rant
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!
But how do you really feel?
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
There’s Avs parking directly across the street for $5
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 6, 2009 7:18 AM MST up reply actions
woh
meters are 25 cents per one hour?? holy crap. here in any part of LA/OC/So Cal/No Cal/Central Coast (with the exception of perhaps Bakersfield and Fresno) meters are a quarter for every quarter of an hour. Yup, 25 cents for 15 minutes.
2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks
by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 6, 2009 11:03 AM MST up reply actions
Yeah, I always park at the Auraria Campus and it’s still $10.
Colorado Avalanche Prospects (www.avsprospects.blogspot.com)
by Angélique C. Murray on Nov 6, 2009 4:19 PM MST up reply actions
I know that
and you can take light rail, etc. You also don’t have to eat and drink at the game. My point was to try and illustrate how I can have a much better experience at home, for a lot cheaper. Yeah I’d still like to see games in person, and I probably will at least once this season. But I’d go a lot more if some things were addressed, and I’m sure that applies to others as well.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!
Oh
I got your point, loud and clear. Just wanted to make sure no one out here is paying a ridiculous $20 for parking.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Nov 6, 2009 1:40 PM MST up reply actions
SoS Ass Whooping
Is that the caption for the picture used for this article, cuz it sure looks like Stastny is about ready to give him a big nasty spanking?
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
SoS is so hott right now
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
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