OKC Barons Attendance Thread

[ScottInOKC]

Anyone know what the break even point is on attendance? I know the Barons have a pretty sweet lease at the Myriad, but I'm sure ~3000 a night is well below what they were expecting.

[Brett]

That is sure disappointing. People keep on using excuses like OU football, concerts, etc - but the fact remains other cities deal with that too. Sure hope they can fill up more seats.

OKC had the worst attendance in the league last night

[OkMoonDawgs]

I think if you would do a league wide comparison you would also see they have one of the highest ticket prices as well. Out side of AHL team in Canada they are one of the highest stateside, especially with a huge rink capacity by AHL standards. I think I heard the Baron's cheapest ticket is 5-10 dollars more expensive than the NBA Thunders cheapest tickets. Thats quite the head scratcher ..

[ScottInOKC]

IMHO, if we don't start putting 5000+ in the Myriad, the Barons will have a VERY short stay in OKC.

[Brett]

they need to do more promotion. college night - students get in for cheap...

put 500-1000 tickets at $10 or less. maybe do something with the thunder - bring a thunder ticket stub and get 2 for 1 or something.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

they need to do more promotion...

Exactly. I think your ideas on college night and $5-10 are excellent ideas. The Thunder things might be a little more complicated.

I think another way to get some butts in the seats is more giveaway nights. So far, they only have 9 games where there's a giveaway of some sort. Two of those dates have passed already. I don't see why they couldn't get a couple more in there. Perhaps a bobble-head night (If not a player, you always have the mascot or Ben Buckland to model one after). Maybe some commemorative swag nights like patches, pucks, hockey cards, etc. Also, they don't all have to be on Friday night.

On a side note, I wonder how much the team name thing is really keeping people away. Not that I agree with them, but I know some people were bitter about that.

[OkMoonDawgs]

what was the attendance Friday? what about today?

[OkMoonDawgs]

found it ... Yesterday, total, # of games, and Avg

Oklahoma City 3,259, / 19,243 /4 /4,811

[ScottInOKC]

They can only ride the 9800 of opening night so long. I predict the upcoming Tuesday night crowd will be the worst number yet. I hope I'm wrong...

[Laramie]

I wouldn't be too concerned about attendance until after college football season.

We do have to compete with two competitive area college teams (OU, OSU), NBA basketball and if the CHL can average over 6,000 its finale season here; the AHL should be able to match that.

After watching two games here; it's obvious that the quality of hockey in OKC is much faster and more exciting than the CHL.

When the team begins to win; the butts will fills the seats.

A win against Lake Erie and now an 8 - 2 dismantling of Houston @ the Toyota Center.

Attendance will get better.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Well Ive pinched every penny over the last couple of weeks and will be purchasing a 10 ticket flex pack today (I was opting for a bigger package or season tix but times are tuff and I got to get what I can get lol) so I should be in the building tomorrow night.

I think 5,000 a night is doable, but I think 9,000+ like on opening night will be few and far between. Remember, when the Blazers were setting North American minor league attendence records the Sooners were at one of their programs all time lows and we didnt have the Thunder. Now as much as it sounds like an "excuse" its simply just the truth, this is Oklahoma we grow up playing football and basketball here, hockey is not even on the radar for most people. When I was 14 and attended my first Blazers game I had never watched a minute of hockey before. However I was hooked after that one game and began to beg my parents for Blazers tickets for every occasion, I would listen to John Brooks' play by play for every game I couldnt attend, I even sold programs for them one season not so I could make money but so I could see the games for free lol.

So basically if I got "hooked" on the CHL theres no reason in the world we cant get a whole new batch of hockey heads hooked on AHL, they just need better promo (like a few of you have said) to get some new butts in the seat and hopefully spread hockey fever around here!

[Laramie]

Bill Haverchuck:

You have very good insight on OKC hockey; promotions will definitely be needed to keep this team afloat.

OSU and OU are having a quality year in college football. Great expectations are in store for the OKC Thunder. There is a lot of competition for the sports dollar in our market; my experience with hockey has been that as it gets colder, fans would prefer to be inside than outside. Attendance usually picks up in late November and/or early December.

Notice that most of the teams in the AHL that have very good attendance have the market all to themselves.

The economy is an issue for now and as things get better, so will fans flock to the return of AAA hockey to OKC.

I was disappointed in the lower scale ticket prices--we're all on a budget; when I purchased some additional tickets for opening night, $12.00 was the most inexpensive seat, the Thunder has lower priced seating beginning at $10.00. Now, overall, the Barons' hockey seating isn't as expensive as the Thunder.

I can't attend all the Thunder and Barons games; so, I'll have to pick and choose which Barons' games to attend.


.

[The Reasoner]

Interesting points people raise. As a non-OKC person I am amazed to hear that Thunder tickets are actually cheaper than Barons (for the cheap seats). I would agree that there should be ways for people to get into the cheap seats for very low prices. This is the only way you will build a fan base is to get people in. And hopefully if some people enjoy the game enough they might want to try sitting down by the glass or behind the bench or something at the next game. But if I were in charge of the barons my goal would just be to get people in the building any way possible, at least at first.

[ScottInOKC]

I guess I shouldn't be TOO concerned about the Barons yet...Only 6700 last night for the Phoenix Coyotes, OUCH!

http://www.nightmareonhelmstreet.com/2010-articles/october/phoenix-phails.html

[Brandon Rush]

I guess I shouldn't be TOO concerned about the Barons yet...Only 6700 last night for the Phoenix Coyotes, OUCH!

http://www.nightmareonhelmstreet.com/2010-articles/october/phoenix-phails.html

can we go get Clay Bennett to buy them too?!?!!?!?!?!!

[ScottInOKC]

3986 tonight (10/22), 4366 average through the first 6 games.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Is there anyway to find out what the league average is so far this season?

[ScottInOKC]

Ask and you shall receive :D

http://theahl.com/stats/schedule.php?view=attendance

As of 10/23 the league average is 4857. OKC is right there in the middle of the pack.

[Laramie]

can we go get Clay Bennett to buy them too?!?!!?!?!?!!

Sounds great!

Expand the Cox Convention Center Arena (raise ceiling/add upper deck) to seat 18,200 and bring those Coyotes to town.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City's attendance looks great for this time of year. We're having to compete with OU-OSU football, Thunder basketball and college basketball will be on the way.

Still believe attendance will pick up during the colder winter season and Oklahoma City has a potentially great core of AAA players on the ice.

[Casca]

Maybe between periods we could do a lingerie league like the LFL (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingerie_Football_League), but on ice. Maybe a little misogynistic and exploitative, but I'm sure it would pack the seats. :)

[Brett]

LOL hell yeah. Sounds like a plan to me.

Ok, is it just me - or do the in game promotions kind of suck?

3 nights at the America's Best Value Inn??? Really - that's the best they can do? Maybe a $120 prize.

And they really need to bring back the t-shirt cannon. Get Derrick on the ice to pump up the crowd and yell for the shirts.

[ScottInOKC]

LOL hell yeah. Sounds like a plan to me.

Ok, is it just me - or do the in game promotions kind of suck?

3 nights at the America's Best Value Inn??? Really - that's the best they can do? Maybe a $120 prize.

And they really need to bring back the t-shirt cannon. Get Derrick on the ice to pump up the crowd and yell for the shirts.

How about get a Derrick that can ACTUALLY skate? Wow, I thought I was a bad skater... (No offense if Derrick is a member here :D)

[Brett]

How about get a Derrick that can ACTUALLY skate? Wow, I thought I was a bad skater...

Yeah that would be multi-tasking. Skate, waving your arms, and shooting a shirt cannon. He doesn't stand a chance...

[Solongamory]

From the website about Derrick... 'Since that time, his family has honed their skills to be good athletes, great entertainers and a champion for their favorite sports team.'

Well me my wife and 9 year old son went to a Tuesday night game, and my wife and sports fan cannot be useful the same sentence, but even she asked me, "Where is Derrick?". He skated out on the ice before the game, and we never saw him again. Not in the stands, not on the ONE floor of concessions, not even back on the ice. And if my wife (who I have to drag to sporting events) notices then most future hockey fans (kids) are missing out on the Entertainment aspect of coming to a game.

Also another hit to the promotions is Thunder being in town. Sponsors didn't have many options, but with the Thunder in town why sponsor a promotion to an AHL team over the $$$$ of the NBA? I don't like it but it's a reality. And the Barons need to get creative, especially with their in game promotions (i.e. Baseballs, pantyhose, knocking over water bottles) c'mon really?!?! The overall product looks cheap right now. Uniforms (awesome), logo (pretty sweet), AHL (great talent), gane atmosphere (lacking).

It just looks to me like Prodigal probably went to the Oilers and said look we did A,B,C and it's a pretty good template. While the Oiler officials said 'yeah but X is what we've done previously and we are sticking with it'! The product just seems out of touch with what was here previously with the Blazers, there's no connection, but let's hope it builds.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Yeah if youre coming to the games for anything other than the on-ice product youre probably not going to be happy.

Im begining to wonder if that rabid Blazers fan base (that I was apart of) were actual hockey fans or just hockey atmosphere fans.

[Brett]

I remember the first couple Thunder games were atrocious regarding in game entertainment. They picked it up after listening to the criticism.

I hate to be negative - but to get the casual fan in the door you need more than just hockey. I thought the Blazers did quite a decent job. The contests where people shot pucks into the net, etc.

[Duane]

The Blazers staff had very good game presentation. There was usually something going on every time there was a stoppage in play.

[Solongamory]

Holy crap i just reread my post. OK, so I will never post from my phone again. I'm surprised anyone could even read that.

But yeah, they need to improve the on the lack of entertainment. I mean, they don't even play the 'I need more cowbell' clip of Christopher Walken. haha

I don't even remember hearing that much music as well. I don't know, i go to watch the action as much as anybody, but I gotta here some music in there. I also think it makes it look worse on attendance with the lights fully on the stands as well. At least at the Ford Center the crowd lighting was toned down a little bit. I don't know, maybe I am being too hard on them.

[Solongamory]

http://m.newsok.com/barons-attendance-numbers-not-a-surprise/article/3508000?custom_click=lead_story_title

[Brett]

Isn't Allgood the guy the ran the Redhawks promotions

edit: I'll answer my own question



Byrnes will assume the day-to-day duties of outgoing executive director John Allgood (http://www.newsok.com/keysearch/?er=1&CANONICAL=John+Allgood&CATEGORY=PERSON). Allgood, who will remain with the franchise through Tuesday’s Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game, recently accepted a similar position with Prodigal, a group owned by Bob Funk Jr. (http://www.newsok.com/keysearch/?er=1&CANONICAL=Bob+Funk&CATEGORY=PERSON), that operates the Oklahoma City (http://www.newsok.com/keysearch/?er=1&CANONICAL=Oklahoma+City+Thunder&CATEGORY=ORGANIZATION) Barons hockey team and co-promotes rodeo events.

[Brett]

Had a co-worker stop me today tell me about his Barons game experience.

He went to last Friday's $1 beer night with his neighbors. A few of his observations.

an email from my co-worker Jason


Other than the box seats on the end (which I'll never see) and the VIP club (which I'll never see either) I really didn't see many "improvements". The team store was very nice though but did all the money just go for the corporate eye candy? The VIP club was almost completely empty when I walked by. I realize corporate support is a big part of a teams' success ... but the whole concourse just seems dark and dingey.
$1 beer is a great idea if you can get it. I only saw 2 $1 beer stations in the whole place. Again, I realize that they are not making much of a profit on this. But who's going to stand in line 15 minutes and miss the game? At least get a few more stands.
Concession stands were decent but there really wasn't many choices. I saw a pizza hut and BBQ place but other than that just hot dogs. Maybe get a few more choices??
My neighbors have season tickets. We checked out the season ticket lounge after the 1st period. They said they were out of dollar beer in there. I really didn't see much in there except a TV with the Rangers game on.
The crowd really didn't seem to get into the game. Most of the time the only noise I heard was some belligerent drunks screaming at any opposing player close by. Again, that's going to be part of the issue with dollar beers. Was just hoping for a few more chants and cheers to go along with the game.

Brett - overall - I really enjoyed the game being a fair-weather hockey fan. I am like most people around here ... OU football is on the top of my list. Please let your guys know that this is just constructive criticism. For the most part I enjoyed the game and the guys are way better then the Blazers. I think I got spoiled going to Thunder games and OU football.

[OkMoonDawgs]

I didnt get to go to $1 beer night but this guy does make some good points . Was it 1$ bottles or beer in plastic cups? How do you run out ? HAHA

I am just bummed they cant get more people in the seats. I know we have OU football , pro football , and waka waka whatever else. I still think its a price point issue. Real hockey fans like us dont care too much about pricing as we are gonna go if we want to go. Avg Joe doesnt think its a good deal if he can see a Thunder game for less. However when I go and I see the upper levels completely Baron ( haha funny I know) , I cant help but think its a pricing issue. They should offer those empty seats at like 5 bucks,walk up 1 hour prior to the game. Contact churches etc and sell them huge chunks at 5 bucks a pop. DO SOMETHING... The only thing other than that that will fill the place up is a Calder Cup.

[Laramie]

I remember the first couple Thunder games were atrocious regarding in game entertainment. They picked it up after listening to the criticism.

I hate to be negative - but to get the casual fan in the door you need more than just hockey. I thought the Blazers did quite a decent job. The contests where people shot pucks into the net, etc.


You are correct Brett:

I was a casual fan (one of few black-hispanics) when the Blazers played at the State Fair Arena and the promotions (eg.,turkey shoots-open goal, .25 cent beer...) is what kept me interested as well as the on-ice product.

I could roller skate and it didn't take me long to learn how to make the transition to ice-skakting. Many after game skating nights til 12 a.m. and Saturday morning skating open to public really helped. My ankles were strong and the balance was there.

I wasn't to fond about the hockey names: Jean Paul, Jean, Patrice, Mario, Igor, Maxime, Lou Angotti... Now these names are very common if you follow the NHL.

The Thunder did listen to fans about improvement suggestions. They welcomed criticism/suggestions and used it as a tool to improve.

We appear to have a great nucleus of players who could make this a season with some loud enthusiastic support. We are considered by many the loudest building in the NBA so why not the AHL as well?

I feel as though attendance will improve; however, the promotions need to be there to put the butts in the seats initially.

[Brett]

OKC Barons are 17th in the AHL attendance with average of 4,183

[Brett]

Attendance is now down to 3999 average.

Just FYI Hershey leads the AHL with a 8,715 average. Not surprising after winning the Calder Cup though...

[ScottInOKC]

3975 through 11/21. A couple of 5000+ nights would bump the numbers nicely.

[Brett]

3975 through 11/21. A couple of 5000+ nights would bump the numbers nicely.

Yep... #1 on PK and #20 on attendance. Not good. Hoping we have a good crowd for Tuesday night. I'm telling everyone I know to check it out.

A quick check of the stats...

OKC Barons are #20 in attendance, but I did notice one thing. Check out Abbotsford. They are the only other team near the top of the AHL in points with a lower attendance number.

290

[UMD Fan]

Interesting.

You can definitely see a winning record vs attendance trend huh??

I hate to say it... but I think the crowd was cheering louder for the fights last night than the goals. Hey, I like a good hockey fight better than anyone but I also want the team to win. Seems like many were there just to see some brawling. We're not going to see the CHL amount of PIM's in the AHL guys.

[tlinville]

Kind of crazy that we're in front of Toronto.

[UMD Fan]

Kind of crazy that we're in front of Toronto.

I thought that too - but I guess the Marlies have always struggled with attendnace with the Maple Leafs right there. I believe they are the only team that has the farm team and parent club in the same city.

I had an old college teammate from Toronto. He said it's all about the Leafs.

[Brett]

From: http://okc.biz/article/11-24-2010/Barons_look_to_tap_new_fan_base.aspx

Barons look to tap new fan base

Dean Anderson
11.24.2010


http://okc.biz/Libraries/New_uploads/newicemh_7-06x4-73cm.sflb.ashx
Photo/Mark Hancock


The lifeblood of any professional sports franchise is its ability to sell tickets and connect with its fans.

The lifeblood of the now-defunct Central Hockey League team Oklahoma City Blazers was to find corporate sponsors to write big checks and then give tickets away.

Robert Funk Jr. is president of Prodigal Sports LLC, which formerly owned the Blazers and now owns the American Hockey League’s Oklahoma City Barons.

He says the mistakes of the former won’t be repeated by the latter.

“We scrapped the entire organization,” Funk says. “We’ve only brought really five people from the old organization, and they were mainly on the operations side. Even then, we’ve changed a lot of our policies. Really, what we’ve completely revamped is the way our revenue streams are structured. We are a ticket-focused organization. Really affordable family entertainment is what we want to be.”

To that end, Funk hired John Allgood from the Oklahoma RedHawks. The club’s former executive director was a mainstay in public relations for his ability to help the baseball franchise bring people through the gates.

Under Allgood, the RedHawks set minor-league attendance records in Oklahoma. Now the goal for both men is not only to bring hockey back to its glory days in the metro, but to take it where it’s never gone before.

“Having such a strong hockey history and hockey fan base in Oklahoma City already, it’s honestly not difficult,” Funk says. “The task at hand now is to grow that base. I think we’ve taken the right steps by taking hockey to another level. Having the highest level of professional hockey available to us without being in the NHL is probably the best step to get there.”

http://okc.biz/Libraries/New_uploads/SCPA0092_7-06x4-30cm.sflb.ashx

WHAT WENT WRONG
Funk says the Blazers’ business model built around corporate sponsorships helped lead the league in attendance for 16 seasons, but didn’t do much for the bottom line. He admits the organization wasn’t “fan-centric.”

“We’re trying to re-educate everyone and let them know it’s different than it was before,” he says.

Funk contests that the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder had anything to do with the Blazers abandoning ship. The NBA and the CHL are two different animals, with two different fan bases, he says.



The Barons’ recent opponents have included the Houston Aeros and Toronto Marlies.

But there’s no doubt having an NBA franchise in town created tension and took away dollars from the team.

Since the two shared Ford Center, scheduling was a major gripe for the Blazers. The Thunder got its pick of home dates, which meant New Year’s Eve — historically one of the Blazers’ most successful nights of the season — was taken.

A few months before the club went dark, the Blazers requested new negotiations with the city on lease terms. That eventually ended with the Blazers choosing not to renew their lease and the franchise closing its doors.

The No. 1 option, which was already in the works, was to bring the AHL to town.

A WHOLE NEW GAME
The on-ice differences between the Barons and the Blazers are immediately noticeable. Only four players on the Barons’ roster are under 6 foot tall, a far cry from the days of the 5-foot army the Blazers put on the ice.

During CHL games, play would be stopped every few minutes as referees tried to separate guys who had tossed off their gloves and were trying to make a name for themselves with their fists.

“In the AHL, it’s about development,” Allgood says. “The coaches’ goals and the players’ goals are to get better so they can play in the NHL.”

Funk notes that 85% of players in the NHL come from the AHL. That means fans who like to see a little bit of hockey mixed in with their fights might be disappointed. Everyone in a Barons jersey is focused on getting out and up to the parent club, the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL.

Opening night in October saw plenty of Blazers jerseys in the stands, which was something all involved wanted to see. But as the season winds down in April, expect those Blazers jerseys to number fewer, as the Barons market more toward a new fan base. Allgood says that’s already happening.

“We’ve actually sold more season tickets to a new base than the previous base,” he says, declining to give any numbers. “We’ve got more fans coming for the first time to see an AHL game, as opposed to coming to the CHL.”

Over the course of this six-month season, Allgood says the club’s schedule currently conflicts only six times with the Thunder.

Funk says the city and the club agreed to upgrades of the Cox Convention Center’s locker rooms, club-level seating and the chillers, which needed between $3 million and $4 million in repairs just so they could continue making ice. The Barons agreed to add a $2 facility fee on each ticket to help make those things happen, but Allgood says a family of four can come to a game and eat for approximately $70.

“We offer a unique product,” he says. “When it comes from a corporate standpoint of sponsorship, that is a demographic that corporate sponsors want to reach, and we’ll be quite attractive to sponsors.” —Dean Anderson

[Brett]

A few thoughts on the above article.

I think a big problem with attendance is people want to see the old CHL 5 fights a game style of play. The AHL is not about that. These guys aren't career minor leaguers - they're one step away from the big show. It's all about development in the AHL. It's not the race to 400 PIM like the Blazers had.

Listening to the fans near me - I constantly hear - "drop the gloves" or whatever... Sorry guys - these guys are not going to develop sitting in the penalty box 5 minutes at a time.

And the big hits... another thing that drives me nuts. You don't take a run at someone across the ice every time just to get a big hit. More times than not ... when you run a guy looking for a big hit on the boards... you are taking yourself out of the play and out of position. Heard some lady last night complaining because a Baron didn't finish his check (at least 5 seconds after he passed the puck) along the boards and turned back into the play. 10 seconds later he had an awesome scoring chance.

Point is - the days of the old Blazers CHL goon shit is long gone. If you want 100 PIM's per game drive down the turnpike to Tulsa. These guys are here to play the game and get a shot at the NHL.

[OKC Baron Fan]

^ Agree with above. I love a good hockey fight more than anyone but you're not going to see that as much with the AHL.

[Steve]

Check out Abbotsford. They are the only other team near the top of the AHL in points with a lower attendance number.


Yea, Abbotsford is an interesting beast. The attendance sucks, but the city signed an agreement with the team that promised the team they would make money. As a result, most of the city is upset that they are subsidizing a hockey team.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/110488214.html

[Brett]

Yea, Abbotsford is an interesting beast. The attendance sucks, but the city signed an agreement with the team that promised the team they would make money. As a result, most of the city is upset that they are subsidizing a hockey team.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/110488214.html

Interesting, didn't realize that. Welcome by the way.

[Brett]

A few thoughts on the above article.

I think a big problem with attendance is people want to see the old CHL 5 fights a game style of play. The AHL is not about that. These guys aren't career minor leaguers - they're one step away from the big show. It's all about development in the AHL. It's not the race to 400 PIM like the Blazers had.

Listening to the fans near me - I constantly hear - "drop the gloves" or whatever... Sorry guys - these guys are not going to develop sitting in the penalty box 5 minutes at a time.

And the big hits... another thing that drives me nuts. You don't take a run at someone across the ice every time just to get a big hit. More times than not ... when you run a guy looking for a big hit on the boards... you are taking yourself out of the play and out of position. Heard some lady last night complaining because a Baron didn't finish his check (at least 5 seconds after he passed the puck) along the boards and turned back into the play. 10 seconds later he had an awesome scoring chance.

Point is - the days of the old Blazers CHL goon shit is long gone. If you want 100 PIM's per game drive down the turnpike to Tulsa. These guys are here to play the game and get a shot at the NHL.

To add to this thought -

Prime example - this was fairly common with the Blazers.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZKIi1Lqs7w

Way too many fans want to see this and don't care about the hockey.

If the Barons advertised "Line Brawl Night" you can guarantee the place would be packed. If they had a superstar like Ovechkin or Stamkos (I know, never going to happen) in OKC for a night people would say "who's that?". Sad but true...

Maybe once we get a good rivalries going it will fill some seats. That will take a few years though.

[Steve]

Way too many fans want to see this and don't care about the hockey.

If the Barons advertised "Line Brawl Night" you can guarantee the place would be packed. If they had a superstar like Ovechkin or Stamkos (I know, never going to happen) in OKC for a night people would say "who's that?". Sad but true...

Maybe once we get a good rivalries going it will fill some seats. That will take a few years though.

Yea, the sad part is we swung from one extreme to the other. We went from a beer league with fighting and enforcers to a finesse team with no enforcer at all. That is a bit too much. It would have been better to have gone to a gritty team that crashes the net and have a good enforcer to counter guys like Gadzic and Kassian. The enforcer would also give the casual fans someone to cheer for. Instead we get a team with no true enforcer (I don't consider Plante, Ondrus or Bendfeld true enforcers) and players that are more focused on passing the puck looking for the beautiful one-timer instead of throwing the puck towards the net and looking for rebounds. Oh well. JMO

[Brett]

So did anyone see the attendance on Lake Erie game last night?? over 10K. OKC down to #22 in attendance.

Noticed they had these promotions all in one night... and dollar dog night also includes dollar sodas! This is the kind of stuff I hope the Barons can do also.

*Rally Towel Giveaway presented by Scion
*Dollar Dog Night presented by Pepsi, Sugardale, and FOX Sports Ohio
*Postgame Family Skate
*Face Off Against Diabetes
presented by Kaiser Permanente

check out all the stuff the Monsters have on their promotional schedule.

http://www.lakeeriemonsters.com/schedule/promotions/

[Steve]

Yea, that was crazy. I didn't know if the 10,000+ was attributed to the kids auction. I guess they were auctioning off things like ride the zamboni, sit on the bench, etc... It almost sound like kids were screaming like it was a school day game from what I could hear on the radio. But 10K+ is pretty impressive. I hate to say it, but I think we will drop some more in attendance (maybe to like 25th) before it is all said and done. It must just take several years to get promotions like this sponsored by corporations. I also noticed that San Antonio has "Kiss rocks" which are every Friday game. They offer $1 drinks (beer and soda) all game long (Not just to the end of the 2nd period). Like I said thought it must take some time to get someone to want to sponsor this. I don't know. It is frustrating that we can't have it, but there has to be a reason why.

http://www.sarampage.com/schedule/promotions/?event_id=516

The other one I liked was the all you can eat night. Every weeknight home game with the Rampage is an All You Can Eat Night Weeknight! For just $20 get a ticket to the game plus as many hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, and soda that you can eat. Hell, I would do that. I paid like $30 to sit in Dodger right field to do this. It was an experience.

[Brett]

Wow... that's a good deal also!

Sure hope the Barons pick up on some of this. Like you said though - need to pick up some sponsors.

[DaveC]

Here's a couple of observations from me

First off, the Cox Center just doesn't seem very inviting. Kinda dark and dingy on the concourse. No where to sit and have a meal that you just bought. Need to have more dining options and tables out there.

Used my friends season tickets last week. Seems like the lounge has gotten better from what I heard - but still waaayy subpar. These are the guys that are spending thousands of dollars to support the team. Gotta fix this up.

No game programs? All I found was a printed off sheet showing the rosters. I think we should at least print some game programs that have rosters (with pics), some advertising, some specials, etc. Seems kinda cheap to me.

[Brett]

Not to beat a dead horse... but here's a few more thoughts.


First off, the Cox Center just doesn't seem very inviting. Kinda dark and dingy on the concourse. No where to sit and have a meal that you just bought. Need to have more dining options and tables out there.

I agree 100%. With all of that extra space over by the escalators you could put 10-12 tables on each side. Kind of rope it off so people don't walk thru it. They need somewhere where you can sit down and eat between periods!



Used my friends season tickets last week. Seems like the lounge has gotten better from what I heard - but still waaayy subpar. These are the guys that are spending thousands of dollars to support the team. Gotta fix this up.

I've been spending more time in there myself because of shorter bar lines and also again - somewhere to sit down and chat for 10-15 minutes between periods. Plus pregame too!


No game programs? All I found was a printed off sheet showing the rosters. I think we should at least print some game programs that have rosters (with pics), some advertising, some specials, etc. Seems kinda cheap to me.

They do have some new game programs that were available Tuesday. I heard all about it because our resident celebrity Rob Ferguson has the cover shot. :)


On a related note: I saw a commercial on KOCO this morning about tomorrow's dollar dog game. Hope this helps. They don't have ANY excuses on attendance tomorrow. We're the only show in town. Thunder are away and college/high school football is done. Let's fill the stands!

[puckchk]

the Redhawks instituted all you can each seats, maybe the Barons will to, since we now have their marketing guy on board???

[ScottInOKC]

5102 tonight. Nice jump from Tuesday.

[Brett]

5102 tonight. Nice jump from Tuesday.

I guessed about 4500. Not bad. Lots of dollar dogs sold

[Brett]

Excellent write up at the Copper N Blue Blog. Echos a lot of comments that have been suggested here

http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/12/19/1786413/oklahoma-city-barons-attendance-head-scratcher

[Mike C]

Very good article that sums it all up nicely. I believe attendance will pick up, but it is going to take time. No need to panic as I see it.

[pb4life754]

one thing that no one really talks about here i got into hockey because of the blazers i was in 4th grade when i went to my first game the next season we had season tickets till the next to last year the thing i remember most is the players were available to talk to after the game outside the locker room when they moved to ford center were in season ticket holder area going to coaches after the game back in the day i dont hardly see this I'm a hockey coach and i was going to buy some pucks for my kids and see if i could get them signed i emailed and called for 2 weeks still no answer i gave up but the thing is some of these guys are going to play in the nhl some day i know the players would love to get to meet these players

[Brett]

one thing that no one really talks about here i got into hockey because of the blazers i was in 4th grade when i went to my first game the next season we had season tickets till the next to last year the thing i remember most is the players were available to talk to after the game outside the locker room when they moved to ford center were in season ticket holder area going to coaches after the game back in the day i dont hardly see this I'm a hockey coach and i was going to buy some pucks for my kids and see if i could get them signed i emailed and called for 2 weeks still no answer i gave up but the thing is some of these guys are going to play in the nhl some day i know the players would love to get to meet these players

True. Not that I know personally - but I heard the Blazers were very active with meet and greets, etc. The Barons did have a meet and greet Saturday night after the game at the Bricktown Brewery. We went but I felt bad bugging the guys. It was crazy busy and they were sitting down trying to eat. It didn't seem like many people came really.

As for the youth hockey - I am kind of surprised that they haven't had a few players come out during a kids practice and meet the kids.

[Brett]

Another side note:

Does anyone else that the attendance looks like they are there for a Neil Diamond concert??

Not knocking Neil - but a lot of older folks it seems like. Which is great.... don't get me wrong.

Sure seems like we're missing out on the under 30 demographic though.

[puckchk]

I was really noticing that Friday night. all the younger people were leaving the Thunder game early and mocking the hockey fans leaving.....they can stay with the NBA

[Brett]

I was really noticing that Friday night. all the younger people were leaving the Thunder game early and mocking the hockey fans leaving.....they can stay with the NBA

I saw a few more Friday night due to the Snuggie giveaway but I noticed more old people (or lack of young people) Saturday. Maybe it was just my section.

Does anyone know where it shows the promotion schedule on the Barons website?? For the life of me I can't find it. I heard someone talking about a college night. That would be awesome! Of course I still think they'll need to do it more than once.

Obviously the promotions are working. Dollar Dog night had a decent crowd, jersey giveaway night had a big crowd, and so did the snuggie night.

Dollar beer night hasn't really been much of a hit but at least it brings a few more people out to the games. Still think we should include dollar pops (or sodas like you Okie's call it) during weekday games also. Not everyone wants to drink beer.

[OkMoonDawgs]

Dallas Stars do free soda refills if you buy their souviner cup for 6.50 . I love soda POPS!

[Brett]

Dallas Stars do free soda refills if you buy their souviner cup for 6.50 . I love soda POPS!

Something like this would help too.

I sure hate paying 3.50 for a damn bottle of pop.

[UMD Fan]

You know it's really really sad. I could go on and on about what I heard at the game. I must sit pretty close to you Brett - I heard the crazy old lady yell "Ref, you're prejiduce" after Belle's penalty. LOL - I seriously was embarrased for her.

Anyway... All I heard all night (again) is why aren't they fighting? People yelling drop the gloves at every whistle. People yelling for our guys to run across the ice for a huge hit - then they're 30 feet out of position.

Yes.... hockey is physical sport and there will be monster hits and fights. BUT THIS IS NOT THE DAMN CHL!!! These guys are trying to make it up to the Oilers. They're not going to make it up by getting 500 PIM's a season. They're not going to get called up for 10 monster checks a game (and then end up a -4)

So damn annoying.

[DaveC]

You know it's really really sad. I could go on and on about what I heard at the game. I must sit pretty close to you Brett - I heard the crazy old lady yell "Ref, you're prejiduce" after Belle's penalty. LOL - I seriously was embarrased for her.

Anyway... All I heard all night (again) is why aren't they fighting? People yelling drop the gloves at every whistle. People yelling for our guys to run across the ice for a huge hit - then they're 30 feet out of position.

Yes.... hockey is physical sport and there will be monster hits and fights. BUT THIS IS NOT THE DAMN CHL!!! These guys are trying to make it up to the Oilers. They're not going to make it up by getting 500 PIM's a season. They're not going to get called up for 10 monster checks a game (and then end up a -4)

So damn annoying.

Yeah, it's too many years of Blazers goon hockey. Could almost guarentee 2-3 fights per game.

I think it'll take some time. If the Barons go deep in the playoffs I think it will help create some excitement in the city.

How bout the lack of local media covering the Barons though? Seriously - what a joke.

[Brett]

Slow day - looking at the top 5 attendance in the AHL

1)Hershey Bears - 9,094

No big surprise here. They won the Calder Cup and it's a big hockey town.

A list of their upcoming promo schedule.... you see where I am heading with this.

433

2) Manitoba Moose - 8,373

Canadian city - obviously hockey is big. But all you need to do is look at other Canadian teams and see it's not automatic.

Their promo schedule. Nothing really great here - makes me wonder what they're doing to get the fans in the door? I seem to remember them having a dollar dog or pop night that almost sold out the place.

Friday December 31, 2010


Annual New Year's Eve Classic: A Winnipeg Hockey Tradition!
First 5000 fans in the door will receive a free 32oz Moose 15th Anniversary collectors' cup and a voucher for one free fill of Coke Zero.




Holiday Hat-Trick

Saturday January 1, 2011
The Manitoba Moose are once again making it easy to spoil the hockey fan this holiday season by offering the Holiday Hat-Trick Package.

The Holiday Hat-Trick includes two Manitoba Moose tickets along with a Hardcore Hockey Manitoba Moose hat. There are two separate packages that feature different seating options from the Green package ($30.00) to the Copper package ($40.00).

Recipients will receive two vouchers redeemable for Moose tickets in January, February or March 2011, along with the Moose hat. The vouchers fit in a customized Moose envelope, making it the perfect holiday gift! (ticket vouchers must be redeemed at MTS Centre box office).

The Holiday Hat-Trick is available at Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/110045639EFE9B9B?artistid=806590&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9) or at the Off the Rack store.
Manitoba Moose Outdoor Practice

Sunday January 9, 2011


Third Annual Manitoba Moose Outdoor Practice: Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM.
Come see the Manitoba Moose scrimmage and run some drills outdoors at Kirkfield-Westwood C.C. (165 Sansome Ave.)
Team practice will be followdd by a full team autograph session.
Kirkfield-Westwood C.C. won the right to host the outdoor practice by finishing in second place in last year's Community Jersey Promotion. For more info visit the Jersey Promotion page (http://www.moosehockey.com/jerseypromo).



Fleece Blanket Giveaway

Saturday January 15, 2011


First 3500 fans in the door will receive a free Moose fleece blanket, courtesy of Manitoba Lotteries.

Nolan Baumgartner Bobblehead Night

Sunday January 23, 2011


Third Moose bobblehead night in team history.
First 5500 fans in the door will receive a free Nolan Baumgartner bobblehead.

Mike Keane Night

Saturday February 12, 2011
The Manitoba Moose are pleased to formally confirm the followign date for Mike Keane Night, a career celebration for one of Manitoba's most admired hockey champions.

Mike Keane Night will be held on Saturday, February 12th at MTS Centre when the Manitoba Moose host the San Antonio Rampage. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

More details to follow.


Hockey Night in Manitoba

Saturday February 19, 2011


Come for a celebration of hockey and our community spirit surrounding the game.
Moose will wear special Gateway Flyers/Manitoba Moose jerseys as part of the Manitoba Moose Community Jersey Program (http://www.moosehockey.com/jerseypromo). Jerseys will be auctioned off on the concourse and eBay.
First 5000 fans in the door will receive a free Moose player wall decal.

Military Night

Friday March 18, 2011


A special night to honour the Canadian Forces.
Moose will wear a special Military themed jersey. Jerseys will be auctioned off on the concourse and eBay.

Family Day

Sunday March 20, 2011


Special guest appearance by Batman (The Dark Knight). Batman will be available for pictures and autographs.
Mystery Boxes will be on sale on the concourse. All proceeds in support of the Yearling Foundation.
Special 2:00 P.M. start time. Perfect to bring out the whole family!

Folklorama Night

Friday March 25, 2011


A night to celebrate multiculturalism in Manitoba.

Post-Game Team Autograph Session

Sunday March 27, 2011


Full team autograph session following the game.

Fan Appreciation Night

Saturday April 9, 2011


Special night to pay tribute to the greatest hockey fans in the world!
Pre-game player awards.


3) Providence Bruins- 6,224

Promo Schedule

434


4) Grand Rapids Griffins - 5,837

Promo schedule

Too big to list on a picture.

Every Friday is:
Dollar Beers and Hot Dogs: Every Friday, enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 domestic drafts from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last.
College Nights presented by Chemical Bank: Every Friday home game, college students can show their ID to purchase a lower bowl ticket for $12 (or $10 in advance at The Zone) and stop by the McFadden's concourse table to receive a free pass to the post-game party at McFadden's.

Winning Wednesday

Winning Wednesday: Every time the Griffins win at home on Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday game.

Library Nights: For every Sunday and Wednesday home game, fans who present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours can purchase a lower bowl ticket for just $10 - a savings of $7! Limit four tickets per card per person.

Saturday games


SPEND A SATURDAY NIGHT OUT WITH THE GRIFFINS!Check out all the Big Events and Giveaways Happening on Saturdays this Season!
Oct. 30: Halloween Costume Party
• Rally Towel and Clingz Schedule Giveaway
http://griffinshockey.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/thumbcache/46387f7cd0e252a1b27639481f6fda57.200.jpg• Post-game open skate
• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

Nov. 6: Faith and Family Night presented by Appletree Christian Learning Centers
• Aluminum Water Bottle Giveaway (top photo)
• Post-game open skate

Nov. 20: Fleece Blanket Giveaway presented by Comerica (middle photo)
• Post-game open skate
• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

Dec. 4: Drawstring Backpack Giveaway presented by Dean Foods (bottom photo)

Jan. 1: Inaugural New Year’s Day Game presented by Ram
• U-M & MSU Griffins Hat Giveaway (Griffins hat in either school’s colors)
• Fan 4-Pack (http://griffinshockey.com/f4p/)
• Post-game open skate
http://griffinshockey.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/thumbcache/64909b672321685bce8742ffc02e7f96.200.jpg• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

Jan. 22: Jimmy Howard Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Huntington Bank
• ZOOperstars
• Post-game open skate
• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

Feb. 5: Hockey Day in West Michigan presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union
• Fan Vote Bobblehead (http://www.facebook.com/grgriffins?v=app_4949752878) Giveaway
• Jersey Auction #2
• Post-game open skate
• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

http://griffinshockey.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/thumbcache/191d2fcd631e63c877fdc6ae5c98bff3.200.jpgMarch 5: Star Wars Night
• Bottle Opener Giveaway
• Post-game open skate
• Huntington Bank post-game autograph session

March 19: Mascot Mania presented by Centennial Securities
• Team Poster Giveaway
• Jersey Auction #3
• Post-game open skate


Saturday post-game skates
Oct. 30; Nov. 6 and 20; Jan. 1 and 22; Feb. 5; March 5 and 19

Saturday Huntington Bank post-game autograph sessions
Oct. 30; Nov. 20; Jan. 1 and 22; Feb. 5; March 5.


you get the picture.... TONS of promotions. Basically every home game has something

5) WB-Scranton Penguins - 5,686

Promo Schedule

435



Ok - there's the top 5. When I google "OKC Barons Promo Schedule" .... MY site comes up. I can't even find a promo schedule on the Barons homepage.

[DaveC]

Those pics are tough to read. Any way you can blow them up?

[Brett]

Sorry, I can't. I noticed that too. Sorry.

OKC Barons attendance might struggle Saturday. OU is playing in the Fiesta Bowl.

[DaveC]

Sorry, I can't. I noticed that too. Sorry.

OKC Barons attendance might struggle Saturday. OU is playing in the Fiesta Bowl.

Yeah, might hurt us. Plus, everyone will be hung over from partying Friday night.

[Brett]

Rough weekend for attendance. The "paid" attendance was around 3400 each night but there's NO WAY we had that many. Maybe 2K tops.

We're now back under 4K average and 20th in the AHL. 3,927 to be exact

[blane44]

It takes conditioning to get people used to AHL skill hockey as opposed to CHL "goon" hockey. Do the people like hockey, or do they like the fighting in hockey? The AHL doesn't work everywhere it's tried, unfortunately. Quad City had some real nice years in the old UHL, then Calgary put their AHL team there and nobody showed up. People complained it was boring and there was no fighting! Oh, and the ticket prices were too high. Two seasons and the AHL Flames were out. The CHL is in Quad City now, and the locals are happier.

Hopefully fans in OKC will come to appreciate the AHL brand. No reason it shouldn't work here.

[Brett]

It takes conditioning to get people used to AHL skill hockey as opposed to CHL "goon" hockey. Do the people like hockey, or do they like the fighting in hockey? The AHL doesn't work everywhere it's tried, unfortunately. Quad City had some real nice years in the old UHL, then Calgary put their AHL team there and nobody showed up. People complained it was boring and there was no fighting! Oh, and the ticket prices were too high. Two seasons and the AHL Flames were out. The CHL is in Quad City now, and the locals are happier.

Hopefully fans in OKC will come to appreciate the AHL brand. No reason it shouldn't work here.

That's exactly it. I sure it works out here. In my opinion they can have the goon sh*t back in the CHL. I'd much rather follow a team that had actual players trying to get in the NHL. And 400 PIM's won't get you in the NHL.

Around 4700 Friday night at 4,058 last night. I have a feeling it's going to be dead there today with the NFL playoffs.

[Brett]

3,564 last night. Average is 3992 after 25 home games.

Which makes me realize - only 15 home games left this season! Sad.

[Laramie]

Yeah if youre coming to the games for anything other than the on-ice product youre probably not going to be happy.

Im begining to wonder if that rabid Blazers fan base (that I was apart of) were actual hockey fans or just hockey atmosphere fans.



I think what is missing from Oklahoma City hockey is BRAD LUND:cool:. I never thought that I would admit that; are we missing Brad?

I believe that Brad Lund knew Oklahoma City and how to promote ice hockey here.

Any chance of Bob Funk Jr., bringing Mr. Lund back or have they severed ties to the point of no return?

[Brett]

Nice crowds over the weekend. Not bad at all

Sure like to finish the season in top 10 AHL attendance!

[Mike C]

I think what is missing from Oklahoma City hockey is BRAD LUND:cool:. I never thought that I would admit that; are we missing Brad?

I believe that Brad Lund knew Oklahoma City and how to promote ice hockey here.

Any chance of Bob Funk Jr., bringing Mr. Lund back or have they severed ties to the point of no return?

Mr. Lund liked giving tickets away...as a season ticket holder, I like the approach of ensuring the value of a ticket. If people can get tix for free, there isn't much point in paying is there?

[AvsOkie]

So it looks like 2647 "fans" last night is the new low point for the season. But given that last weekend had two of the best nights ever, hopefully we might return to form with more cleared streets and free kids hats.

But then again, it is still snowing outside. Might scare alot of people away. Even the Thunder game earlier this week was half full. Okies just don't like the snow. (with at least one exception...)

The wife and I will be going, maybe we will get to see a win this time...

[Brett]

So it looks like 2647 "fans" last night is the new low point for the season. But given that last weekend had two of the best nights ever, hopefully we might return to form with more cleared streets and free kids hats.

But then again, it is still snowing outside. Might scare alot of people away. Even the Thunder game earlier this week was half full. Okies just don't like the snow. (with at least one exception...)

The wife and I will be going, maybe we will get to see a win this time...

Yea I laughed out loud when I saw that number. I figured maybe 1000 people there tops.

Roads are actually getting better today finally. Still not great but drivable if you're smart

[ScottInOKC]

4374 last night for a season average of 4020.

[Phillyfan]

8 of our final 10 home games are on a Friday/Saturday, so this is the time to really make a push and get people out to the game. I sure hope this college Night is not a bust, but dollar beer seems to have lost it's attractiveness. I would be pleased with a croud of anything over 4,000 on Wednesday for this "college night." However, they should be promoting this youth stick night like crazy, no reason youth stick night shouldn't bring in 6-7,000. If Friday isn't over 5,400 or so and Saturday not over 4,800-5,000 then I'll be disappointed. Am I setting to high of expectations, or do y'all see this as reasonable?

I never got why they would put a giveaway promo night on the same night as a thunder game, why not put a giveaway night as Saturday when you're the only show in town, but I guess they need to lure fans over from the Thunder games somehow.

If they are raising tickets much next year, then that could be the beginning of their demise. We are having a hard enough time bringing people to games with $10 seats, now I heard that next season they won't have that option and all seats will be raised in price. Which means the cheapest seat will be more than $14, if that's the case then the Barons' office will be shooting themselves in the foot big time. I know they have to pay for the renovations somehow, but they went overkill in that, imo. We didn't need "Blue Line" and we didn't need 10 luxury boxes that maybe 3 of them are being used a night. I'd much rather have had them renovate the restrooms.

[Brett]

Welcome Phillyfan.


I sure hope this college Night is not a bust, but dollar beer seems to have lost it's attractiveness. I would be pleased with a croud of anything over 4,000 on Wednesday for this "college night." However, they should be promoting this youth stick night like crazy, no reason youth stick night shouldn't bring in 6-7,000. If Friday isn't over 5,400 or so and Saturday not over 4,800-5,000 then I'll be disappointed. Am I setting to high of expectations, or do y'all see this as reasonable?

College night is really just something the Barons are doing with local colleges - no real walk up tickets to college students I guess. I had some co-workers asking about me about this - and I asked Barons - they told me to just call their office. Hope it's not a bust too.


I never got why they would put a giveaway promo night on the same night as a thunder game, why not put a giveaway night as Saturday when you're the only show in town, but I guess they need to lure fans over from the Thunder games somehow.

Tell you the truth - I've never really even noticed this.


If they are raising tickets much next year, then that could be the beginning of their demise. We are having a hard enough time bringing people to games with $10 seats, now I heard that next season they won't have that option and all seats will be raised in price. Which means the cheapest seat will be more than $14, if that's the case then the Barons' office will be shooting themselves in the foot big time. I know they have to pay for the renovations somehow, but they went overkill in that, imo. We didn't need "Blue Line" and we didn't need 10 luxury boxes that maybe 3 of them are being used a night. I'd much rather have had them renovate the restrooms.

I thought they were raising tickets for the the following year?? - next season prices will stay the same I think. My season ticket renewal said I could "lock in" next seasons prices for the next 2 years.

As for the Blue Line Club - wow what a bust. That should be the season ticket holders lounge instead. Has anyone heard what renovations they are looking at doing?

[AvsOkie]

Weekday games tend to be pretty low. Over 3000 would be a good showing. I have seen zero advertising and promotion on campus, and I do not remember any promotion at the Bedlam Hockey game last weekend either. So I have a feeling the additional college student presence will be negligible. (which is a shame - at almost 2500 on Friday, more people showed up for UCO/OU than some Barons games)

Very disappointed in this "college night" though, it is like trying to find government secrets to get any information about it. We still don't know anything. I don't know why it can't be walk up and show your ID just like at a movie theater or anywhere else that does college promotions. Having to call and bug them about any ticket promotion they do is very 20th century of them, if not 19th century. Can't even talk to someone at the promotions table at a game about this, it is always "call the office..." and I do, eversomuch, hate telephones...

Anyway...off the soapbox...

Youth jersey promo night brought in about 5k, and 6k the next night. Not as good of a promo this time, but might hopefully still see a boost. Hoping for definitely above 4k both nights to drag the average up. I know we are personally bringing at least 4-6 more people with us for Saturday's game who don't usually go - trying to do our part!

I think their giveaway nights are usually on Fridays. I have a feeling Friday might be a harder sell than Saturday, for various reasons, but a night they think they could get more people in the seats with a little incentive. Unlike weeknight games, which are a harder sell due to work schedules. (especially blue collar types who might enjoy hockey, but work 2nd/3rd shift) I don't know how successful dollar beer has been to weekday games though, but it does seem that those who do come for that really get good use out of it. (Saw a guy one game with an arm-length stack of empty cups...)

I don't know if the Barons are raising prices, but I know I read recently that the Thunder definitely are. They still have the limited number of "Loud City" $10 seats, but a lot of the rest is going up. Still going to be a hard sell, but that is the plight of a minor league club in a major league city. And the Barons do not have the luxury of the big club sucking, as it looks like the Thunder will be contenders for at least the next few years.

But as long as they make enough to stay in the black, I think I'm ok with a few empty seats. I rather like having my own personal section, makes me feel all fancy rich in my cheap seats...

[Phillyfan]

The only reason I set the bar so high for tomorrow night is because I was hoping that the Barons would get the word out for college night and give them a real good deal. San Antonio or Houston had a night where surrounding colleges got in free with school ID, guess the Barons aren't biting at giving away tickets though.

I came across a facebook page that said that each of the participating colleges have a section, and they lowered the price to $9, only $1 less than they could get a cheap seat.

You're probably right regarding tickets, guess I didn't read my renewal form closely enough. They need to keep the cheap seats $10, imo, or else I think that could hurt them.

We desperately need two big nights to get our avg. over 4,000. We had just over 4,000 then the school day game came and it knocked us down into the 3,950's. Everyone seems to be picking up, heck even Albany who averaged in the 2,800 range had a nice crowd of 5,500 or so last week. If we finish the season with an average below 4,000 I'll be pretty disappointed.

[AvsOkie]

Was that facebook page for the Barons, or is that part of the SA/Hou deal you mentioned?

I was hoping for big things for college night too, would love to see more Bronchos filling the seats. Not seeing it happen though. Or maybe they have a secret plan that attracts only people who have never met or known anyone involved or fans of UCO/Barons hockey. That might explain it.

Not sure if they can break that 4k average though. With 56 games played, and 50 people short, that is a 2800 person deficit. With 10 games left, that means the average attendance needs to be 4280. I think we can do that for the Friday and Saturday games. But This Weds and then another game on Tues are going to drag those numbers down.

So if we were able to get, say, 3000 for those two games, that puts the weekend games at 4600 to hit the mark. We've done that before, and exceeded it before, but over eight games? That's tricky. Maybe though, attendance has been up a bit lately, not counting snow days.

Class got out early, I think I will go pull the numbers and paste them in here so we can peruse them easier...maybe we'll see some trends...

Okay, lots of copy paste and some number prodding in excel - got numbers and a few tidbits for funzies:

Saturday, October 09, 2010 9818
Sunday, October 10, 2010 2817
Friday, October 15, 2010 3349
Saturday, October 16, 2010 3259
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 2784
Friday, October 22, 2010 3986
Friday, November 05, 2010 5490
Saturday, November 06, 2010 3364
Sunday, November 07, 2010 2781
Tuesday, November 09, 2010 2740
Friday, November 12, 2010 3601
Friday, November 19, 2010 4481
Sunday, November 21, 2010 3208
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 3045
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 2830
Friday, December 10, 2010 5102
Friday, December 17, 2010 4858
Saturday, December 18, 2010 4048
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 4470
Saturday, January 01, 2011 3229
Sunday, January 02, 2011 3210
Friday, January 07, 2011 4789
Saturday, January 08, 2011 4058
Sunday, January 09, 2011 3171
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3564
Friday, January 28, 2011 5321
Saturday, January 29, 2011 6174
Thursday, February 03, 2011 2647
Friday, February 04, 2011 4374
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 2005

Dates and attendance, wins in Bold.

Win/Loss attendance:
Barons have lost 17 times at home to an average attendance of 4138 people. Removing opening night, the largest attended loss, the average attendance for a Barons loss is 3783.

Barons have won 13 times at home, to an average of 3373 people. Removing the lowest attended loss (especially good since 2000 people definitely did not see that game...) ups the average people to see a Barons win is 3487.

Days of the week average:

Tuesday: 5 games / 3174
Wednesday: 2 games / 2785
Thursday: 1 game / 2647
Friday: 10 games / 4535
Saturday: 7 games / 4850 (4022 w/o opening night)
Sunday: 5 games / 3037

Summing it up:
If we take daily averages including the both the optimistic opening night and the low blizzard game, and sub them in for dates yet to be played, the season average lands at about 4052. Replace Wednesday average with the only non-blizzard game (3564) and use Saturday average w/o opening night, and season average drops to about 3988.

So it looks like we may be close to the line, but attendance may need to pick up a bit to break that 4k barrier.

Done nerding out now, carry on with your normal lives...

[Phillyfan]

Here is the facebook event I found out about the info, It's people from UCO that created it. Only a whopping 21 people are attending though so far. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=142598085799821

I don't think we'll have any problem hitting the 4,500-5,000 mark for youth stick night. It would be nice to have one or two big nights of over 5,000 that way we have some wiggle room, and can weather the storm for the Tuesday night game. I guess it's gonna all come down to how bad people want a skateboard deck and a cowbell, as those are the other giveaways.

I do remember we had over 11,000 in two nights before the inclement weather came, so hopefully they can start up from where they left off there.

[Brett]

Here is the facebook event I found out about the info, It's people from UCO that created it. Only a whopping 21 people are attending though so far. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=142598085799821

I don't think we'll have any problem hitting the 4,500-5,000 mark for youth stick night. It would be nice to have one or two big nights of over 5,000 that way we have some wiggle room, and can weather the storm for the Tuesday night game. I guess it's gonna all come down to how bad people want a skateboard deck and a cowbell, as those are the other giveaways.

I do remember we had over 11,000 in two back to back nights before the inclement weather came, so hopefully they can start up from where they left off there.

Wow, that's bad. Nice find.

Really wish they would have offered a walkup option. Or an online option. You're right - people don't like to call in for that... they want an online option.

Hope we see some people tomorrow night. Yikes

[AvsOkie]

Thanks for the link, maybe I can get some of these after all.

Looks like the problem is that it isn't being done by UCO, just the marketing club. Who, ironically, are not marketing this well.

[pb4life754]

See with me its not a problem of price because knowing going a hockey game im going to have to spend money to go i prefer not to sit in the $10 seats because u feel so far from the game and i dont get the energy coming from the ice. Thats why i have paid more money the last 10 times i have gone to get in sec 300 or 301 row a or b and most of the time i go the day before the game to buy them or even game day and i could the the end seats. Which is sad because those seats are the first to go. Another sad thing is the jr barons or what they are called they sit them in sec 405 and charge them $11 a ticket. at least they could sit them where they could see their kid better.

[Brett]

Check this out for the Milwaukee Admirals season tickets... just makes me mad

http://www.milwaukeeadmirals.com/home/tickets.html

[Phillyfan]

Look at the Albany Devils prices, http://www.thealbanydevils.com/tickets/season-tickets/

It only gives one price, so I guess every seat is the same? They also charge season tickets for kids at a discount, something needs to be brought to the Barons attention because our prices seem steep comparable to the rest of the league and our promos are way off... most the other places have dollar hot dog night like every friday game not just once a year.

Also, one of their perks is every ticket holder gets one (1) ticket to a NJ Devils game. Dallas has a lot of empty seats at every game, so I think they could of managed to maybe buy us 1,000-1,500 tickets for us to watch the Oilers play in Dallas! Wishful thinking.

[Brett]

The concession prices are ridiculous. I think that's more SMG than the Barons though. $7 for a beer? Really? Granted - they have the dollar beer nights but come on.... This isn't the NHL or NBA

[AvsOkie]

Huh. Yeah it looks like every seat is $18, with youth and seniors getting a bit of a break. Little more expensive than Barons cheap seats, but makes a lot more sense. Everyone is going to move to better seats anyway, why not make them all equal?

I have wondered a few times if a Southwest Airlines style seating arrangement might not work well. They have some special privileged classes that get in first, so you could use that for season ticket holders, then maybe individual game tickets who pay an upgrade fee. Then everyone else can come in - and all sets are first come, first serve. Also, it might be a good idea to bring back the upper level curtains the Blazers used to use over at the Ford Center to help with this situation. Then we could fill the lower bowl pretty full, and make a better impression to energize our players. (and stop hurting their egos with our 1/3 full arena...)

On a side note: I hope this weekend's games have blowout attendance and pull up the average, but it does make me smile a bit that the fake "college night" had about 400 less people show up than the last non-blizzard Wednesday game. Super effective marketing right there.

[AvsOkie]

4758 showed up last night, 223 more than Friday average! Not much, but still trending up. Lower bowl seemed a tad emptier than normal, but upper level was quite a bit more populated than usual. (Even heard a dad tell his son that no, they couldn't go down there because they didn't have tickets for that - so maybe the secret is to attract more. Families to games and we would get less seat jumping?)

I thin I might try and figure out a new attendance projection plugging in this weeks games after tonights game. If it follows fridays trend and goes up, we could then see where we might fall if the remaining fri/sat games followed suit.

[AvsOkie]

5367 tonight, 1300 or so above realistic Saturday average, and even 500 above optimistic average. So very good attendance night tonight. (But sadly further fuel to the loss/attendance correlation)

I wonder if there weren't number fudgings with season ticket holder redemption night stuff - numbers came out really late. But I'm staying optimistic. Will plug in the numbers when I get back to my laptop and the excel spreadsheet later.

[Phillyfan]

5367 tonight, 1300 or so above realistic Saturday average, and even 500 above optimistic average. So very good attendance night tonight. (But sadly further fuel to the loss/attendance correlation)

I wonder if there weren't number fudgings with season ticket holder redemption night stuff - numbers came out really late. But I'm staying optimistic. Will plug in the numbers when I get back to my laptop and the excel spreadsheet later.

Every game you can redeem unused season tickets, so I don't think that's really that much of a factor. I know the school kids who couldn't make the blizzard game got two tickets to a game in the future, I was wondering if maybe that was tonight? All in all, it was a great crowd, it's just too bad the team laid an egg and did not do much to entertain them. All of a sudden that 4,000 season avg. isn't looking so much like a pipedream after all, but their performance tonight doesn't help the chances.

[AvsOkie]

Yeah, performance wasn't that great. But Aeros games are that way, they have our number. I had fun though, and so did the rest of our ten person group made up of mostly hockey newbies. (Funny story: since I won the twitter contest, which happened at the same time a power play was announced, one guy thought they were giving away things every time they announced "power play." He was dissapointed we didn't win anything else...)

Very good news on the numbers front though. When I replaced this week's games in for their previously projected values, but left the remaining dates alone, projected avg is 4017.

But this weekend's games upped Friday avg to 4555 and Saturday to 4214. (Realistic - Not counting opening night) when these numbers are substituted for dates remaining on these days, projected avg reaches 4033.

Furthermore, if we are able to sustain the increased attendance we saw this weekend, our projected season average jumps even further to 4134. So unless we see a significant drop, we should definitely beat the 4k mark.

Hooray!


Oh I forgot to mention: looks like Wednesdays lowly attended loss evened the scales. Now the Barons avg 3537 every loss, and 3584 every win. (Not counting the two extreme cases) Which seems much more normal.

[AvsOkie]

Okay, mobile browser being funny, won't let me edit again. Ignore the last edit, fixed my numbers:

Edit 2: forgot to change my formula and include tonight in loss attendance stats. Current avg loss is seen by 3834 (not counting opening night) and wins are seen by an average of 3585 people. So about a 250 person difference. Odd, and something I think may be contributing to keeping overall numbers down. (Especially considering that non-normalized numbers are 4150 vs 3472)

[pb4life754]

Every game you can redeem unused season tickets, so I don't think that's really that much of a factor. I know the school kids who couldn't make the blizzard game got two tickets to a game in the future, I was wondering if maybe that was tonight? All in all, it was a great crowd, it's just too bad the team laid an egg and did not do much to entertain them. All of a sudden that 4,000 season avg. isn't looking so much like a pipedream after all, but their performance tonight doesn't help the chances.

They Gave them tickets to the April 2 game i thought quote from Barons website “The School Day Game is one we look forward to. The students who signed up to participate are being offered a ticket and an extra ticket for a parent or guardian to attend the game April 2.”

[Phillyfan]

They Gave them tickets to the April 2 game i thought quote from Barons website “The School Day Game is one we look forward to. The students who signed up to participate are being offered a ticket and an extra ticket for a parent or guardian to attend the game April 2.”

Thanks for the find, I couldn't remember when it was. If those weren't freebie tickets then last night was a dang good night, with no promos going on. Fetched 500 more people without giving away free sticks.

You're right avs regarding everytime we play houston, I thought they were gonna be our biggest rival early on, then Peoria came to town. It was obvious watching yesterday that after they scored a couple times it was an uphill battle, you could tell they weren't going to give up much, good team.

[AvsOkie]

Heard tonight from some friends who brought a youth group to try and go to winterjam, that when it sold out there were people at the ford center trying to sell $10 Barons tickets to people turned away for the concert. So we may have gotten a boost from that.

Still, both weekend games are up. Think we're passing 4K for sure.

Re: Peoria - they are all hookers. Houston is bad, but not like Peoria. So yes, I agree...

[Brett]

Yeah that was a good night - we had our mens league hockey party. Too bad they played like crap (even though I am an Aeros fan) - from Minnesota ;)

I don't know about you guys - but Plante just looked horrible. And the 4 on 1 to top it off.... yikes

Good crowd though. Nuts - only 7 home games left

[TravC]

Good crowd though. Nuts - only 7 home games left
Ya, makes me sad :(



Still, both weekend games are up. Think we're passing 4K for sure.

Ya most definitely, especially since Abbotsford has never been in town and we are only 5 away from 4k.

[UMD Fan]

Good crowd on Saturday night. I liked the music they played too, seems like they turned it up and some more high energy stuff.

Piss poor effort by the Barons though. Houston had their number the whole game.

[edgar]

Don't worry, Funk is an arrogant man who won't admit he doesn't know what he is doing and horribly misread the hockey culture of OKC. They'll ginn up #s and reach the benchmark. The oilies who wanted a team named after themselves will subsidize this flop for a couple more years, then throw in the towel because they are bidnessmen after all, at which time the flame of hockey in OKC will be throughly be extinguished. Problem with a bottom line bidness man who saw the long tradition of hockey in OKC not as something to celebrate and carry on, but as an asset to exploit.
Though it a mixture of terrrible pr and inept marketing that drove all the hockey fans away, but after attending a game(the Sat night game they ginned up #s by inviting FFA and Cub scout groups from across the state), and seeing the shameful waste of my 77 year old mother's OKC tax revenues on an empty vip lounge and a swank team store in which no one buying any gear, Funk had a different clientele in mind, and from the looks of it on a nonSnuggies night there are what about 1200 of them. Could have worked- keep the very popular Blazers brand, the very popular Brooksie, Brad Lund still running the show, and a ticketing strategy like the Admirals, could have been a big hit. The disrespect shown to the hockey fans of OKC by the elitist arrogant barons running roughshod over my old hometown is baffling. Like when Howard Schnellenburger took the OU job and promptly insulted the Sooner Nation. Good thinking, worked out well. Skill level undoubtably much higher, also no doubt Lund no longer running the show. Could have taken a nap in the place, and the barons kicking arse and we had 300 level center ice $10 tickets.
btw, was it just me, or did the skit they put on that night with the "cowboy" Texas fan(hiss) wearing brokeback mountain very tight jeans and pointy tipped boots seem rather bigoted. Guess trying to entertain all the FFA groups in the crowd. Needed a groan button on the scoreboard.

[UMD Fan]

I won't pretend I know anything about the Blazers past... only moved here 3 years ago.

It's really simple. The tickets are over-priced, the concessions are over-priced, the in-game entertainment is horrible (altought a LITTLE better Saturday), Ben Buckland needs to retire, and the marketing is horrible. Sorry, you can't run a professional sports team from your Facebook account.

I also won't pretend I have all of the answers. I bet the employees work their ass off and do what they can. It's the decision makers who need a reality check. People like gimmicks. You don't have to give the houses away but you can give away even 5-10 pairs of tickets over Facebook or Twitter each game. Do some fun stuff like that... More dollar dog nights. More electricity in the crowd. Teach Derrick to skate.

[Rhino]

I won't pretend I know anything about the Blazers past... only moved here 3 years ago.

It's really simple. The tickets are over-priced, the concessions are over-priced, the in-game entertainment is horrible (altought a LITTLE better Saturday), Ben Buckland needs to retire, and the marketing is horrible. Sorry, you can't run a professional sports team from your Facebook account.

I also won't pretend I have all of the answers. I bet the employees work their ass off and do what they can. It's the decision makers who need a reality check. People like gimmicks. You don't have to give the houses away but you can give away even 5-10 pairs of tickets over Facebook or Twitter each game. Do some fun stuff like that... More dollar dog nights. More electricity in the crowd. Teach Derrick to skate.

I think you summed it up pretty well. When I first got to Oklahoma, I was very disappointed in the arena staff's efforts to get the crowd into the game. Coming from watching WHL hockey in the North West and Canada, Friday and Saturday night games where guaranteed to be sold out. A Wednesday night crown of 2000 would blow away a Baron's or Blazer's crowd in terms of noise and participation. One only needs to go to a Thunder game to realize its not the Oklahoma fan, but the arena staff's attempts to include the fans into the game (or lack of).

I will admit, the quality is getting better. Time will tell if they can get it right before this venture fails financially.

[Jebus]

Blazers games mid-late 90's freaking epic. Everything was fine and dandy untill Funk bought the team when they tried for an AHL team the first time and everyone was pissed. I prefer the AHL but obviously most in OKC dont I dont really see why, the tickets and concessions would probably be the same price. The none 2009-10 season really screwed things up for the 2500+ average that still went to Blazers games in the last season. Oklahoma City will probably end up like the Quad Cities, UHL to 2 seasons of AHL then to the CHL

[Brett]

I won't pretend I know anything about the Blazers past... only moved here 3 years ago.

It's really simple. The tickets are over-priced, the concessions are over-priced, the in-game entertainment is horrible (altought a LITTLE better Saturday), Ben Buckland needs to retire, and the marketing is horrible. Sorry, you can't run a professional sports team from your Facebook account.

I also won't pretend I have all of the answers. I bet the employees work their ass off and do what they can. It's the decision makers who need a reality check. People like gimmicks. You don't have to give the houses away but you can give away even 5-10 pairs of tickets over Facebook or Twitter each game. Do some fun stuff like that... More dollar dog nights. More electricity in the crowd. Teach Derrick to skate.

Wonder if someone from the team read this. I see today they have a twitter contest for weekly prizes ;)

[Jebus]

Ben Buckland needs to retire,

I said that 5 years ago, but I am suprised I havent heard him call the Barons the Blazers, I even lost a bet on that

[AvsOkie]

They have started increasing their twitter usage here lately. They use their play by play account to do promotions in the arena, and it looks like they have started using their news account to do promotions between games.

Now if they'd stop double posting, I might follow both.

[edgar]

Can't pin this one on Ben. Fact his cheesy suit perfectly appropriate for that embarrasssing skit with the brokeback mountain swishy "cowboy." Only way going to get electricity back in the crowd is to somehow entice Blazer fans to return, and that cow's long out of the barn. Funk wanted to run a hockey team, problem is he and the other barons running roughshod over OKC have a disdain for who the actual hockey fan is in the town. Don't know about Canada or Minn, hockey fans around here are a blue collar, beer drinking, pounding on the glass and shouting on a Sat night lot. Is there someting wrong with that other than funk wanted to triple ticket prices to the highest in the league.

[Brett]

Has anyone heard what the prizes will be? Hopefully some cool gear or tickets.

[Emeriesmemaw]

Funk wanted to run a hockey team, problem is he and the other barons running roughshod over OKC have a disdain for who the actual hockey fan is in the town. Don't know about Canada or Minn, hockey fans around here are a blue collar, beer drinking, pounding on the glass and shouting on a Sat night lot. Is there someting wrong with that other than funk wanted to triple ticket prices to the highest in the league.

I will have to agree on this and also add that there is one front office staff member that it's worse than pulling teeth to get a straight answer out of other than "NO!"

[AvsOkie]

So despite the promo tonight, attendance was only 4135, which will be bringing down the 4555 Friday average. However, since it is still above the 4k mar, we are probably ok.

Sad thing is that the AHL Report is noting that 15 teams average at least a thousand more than us, 10 of those clubs averaging 50% more than us.

The frustration is noticable on the facebook page, more comments inquiring about Barons winning at home. Casual fans need a winning team to get them interested, and the 1-2 punch of a losing home record combined with bigger crowds for losses is giving the Barons a reputation as losers even though they are among the best teams in the league.

I don't think this is confined to the Barons though, I get the feeling home losses may be fairly widespread in the AHL. If I get a break from engine swapping later, I may try and poke around the AHL site and throw together some numbers to get a big picture comparison.

[AvsOkie]

Well, this idea has been bugging me for awhile, and since I was thinking about it I went ahead and pulled the numbers anyway. The results surprised me a bit though.

I pulled just our division, as I figured they would be the most like us. My hypothesis was that most teams in the division would have losing home records but winning away records. And for the most part, I was completely proven wrong.

I was right that the teams have winning away records. All but Rockford and SA are above .500 when away, and even SA is almost there. (16/17) OKC, however blows the crowd away at an 18/9 record - the next closest being Peoria at 19/14.

Home games, however, look quite different than I anticipated. Fully five out of the eight teams have at least a .500 record at home, leaving only lowly Rockford, statistical anomaly Chicago, and us. And we lead the division at 20 home losses, narrowly ahead of Rockford's 19.

The Rampage, specifically, display an amazing home prowess with a 19/9 home record - the best of any team in the division home or away. They are followed in home winning percentage and home attendance as follows:

SAN: 19/9 - 6038
HOU: 18/12 - 6083
MIL: 16/11 - 5673
TEX: 17/15 - 5221
PEO: 15/15 - 4910
CHI: 14/16 - 6787
OKC: 14/20 - 3999
RFD: 13/19 - 4156

What came to mind looking at this is that while there is not a direct correlation between attendance and home record, it does seem to be organized in tiers. (With exception of oddball Chicago) So you have the about 6k teams, the about 5k teams, then the about 4k teams.

Now, this does not say whether the high attendance is helping the winning, or the winning is causing the high attendance. But it does seem to highlight the important connection between the two. (I know, no duh, but it helps sometimes to see the numbers spelling it out for you.)

Now, the ranking above obviously does not match the points ranking. Rampage would be tops, but they can't win on the road. Just like the Barons seem to be the opposite. But given that we have a .67 team on the road who comes home to AHL cellar dwelling attendance and almost flips their record - it becomes clear that the problem lies somewhere in this attendance connection.

San Antonio seems to have figured it out somehow. Although 6k in a what 18-19k arena? Probably would be about as empty as the Cox. (1/3 full) But they curtain off seats to make it a smaller atmosphere. I have to wonder if that might not help our guys. Can't feel good to look out and see a sea of empty orange seats.

[Brett]

Good stuff - thanks for doing that!

[Phillyfan]

So despite the promo tonight, attendance was only 4135, which will be bringing down the 4555 Friday average. However, since it is still above the 4k mar, we are probably ok.

Sad thing is that the AHL Report is noting that 15 teams average at least a thousand more than us, 10 of those clubs averaging 50% more than us.

The frustration is noticable on the facebook page, more comments inquiring about Barons winning at home. Casual fans need a winning team to get them interested, and the 1-2 punch of a losing home record combined with bigger crowds for losses is giving the Barons a reputation as losers even though they are among the best teams in the league.

I don't think this is confined to the Barons though, I get the feeling home losses may be fairly widespread in the AHL. If I get a break from engine swapping later, I may try and poke around the AHL site and throw together some numbers to get a big picture comparison.

All teams win some and lose some, but the fact that the Barons are below .500 at home is pretty bad, I'd bet much worse than most of the other teams. If they just sucked it would be ok, but the fact that their road record is so much better is sad. Every time we have any crowd they lose, that doesn't do much to attract them back.

It's obvious I'm frustrated so I'm going to stay on my soapbox for now, the fact that we have the lowest attendance in our division is pretty sad. I don't know if it is the high ticket prices, the marketing team sucks, or if their abysmal play at home but it is disappointing.

Go Barons!

[AvsOkie]

Even though Friday sunk below the average, Saturday saw 4669 Barons fans in the stands - as far above the average as Friday was below for their respective days.

As a consequence, the normalized win/loss attendance averages have reversed themselves, showing a trend of more fans getting to see wins than losses. (Raw numbers still lean the other way though, so there is still work to be done)

This weekend's games bumped the season average above 4k again, to 4018. And even though Tuesday should bring that down, if the new Fri/Sat averages of 4520 and 4271 are put into the remaining four games, it brings us to a projected average of 4035.

So overall, all trends for the Barons are looking up after the recent games. glad to see we are on the road to breaking the home loss / attendance cycle. Hopefully they keep it up.

[Brett]

Hope we can get a decent crowd tonight. 4K sure isn't bad for a season average. Could be better that's for sure.

[AvsOkie]

Yeah, I hope so too. Being a Tuesday game I cant make it, but my wife said she was going to go anyway.

It could be a lot worse, yes. Adirondack was saying the other day that their "Break Even" point was about 3.6k, and that they were not even making that number. Looks like they have about two more years there before they pack up shop again.

I really think that some of the teams posting big averages are doing so with special nights where they give away or deeply discount seats. Some teams have wildly differing attendance numbers game to game. Ours generally stay pretty stable, since Prodigal insists on getting money for each ticket. (which has pros and cons)

[AvsOkie]

Official attendance tonight 3110, only 64 short of Tuesday average. Shouldn't affect average too much, but will help lower those fans seeing losses numbers. Silver lining, I guess. Hope the other three games go better...

[AvsOkie]

I will recalculate the averages after we get both games in, but tonight may put a bump in the way of our 4k average. Only had 3836 tonight, wich is more than 700 short of the 4555 Friday average. Seems the Thunder game and the early start really combined to put a big hurt on our numbers.

Hopefully tomorrow goes better. No giveaway promo, only special thing I know of is the San Diego Chicken. (Do people come out for that? Not sure why I should care about a former mascot from another team in a different sport...)

[blane44]

I wonder how much control the Barons will have in making their schedule for next season. They need to try real hard to minimize playing home games the same night the Thunder is playing across the street. It is killing their attendance. Starting an hour earlier than the Thunder (6:00 generally) is not good for fans, even on a Friday night. Parking favors the Thunder, game times favor the Thunder.... The Barons need to figure something out, as they will never win the battle of the entertainment dollar with the NBA, unfortunately.

As has been discussed here, the Barons have more than a few issues they need to address before the puck drops on the 2011/2012 season, but conflicting with Thunder home games should take top priority, IMO.

[Brett]

I wonder how much control the Barons will have in making their schedule for next season. They need to try real hard to minimize playing home games the same night the Thunder is playing across the street. It is killing their attendance. Starting an hour earlier than the Thunder (6:00 generally) is not good for fans, even on a Friday night. Parking favors the Thunder, game times favor the Thunder.... The Barons need to figure something out, as they will never win the battle of the entertainment dollar with the NBA, unfortunately.

As has been discussed here, the Barons have more than a few issues they need to address before the puck drops on the 2011/2012 season, but conflicting with Thunder home games should take top priority, IMO.

I don't think the team has much control, if any. The league sets the schedule and gives priority to teams that share an arena (Milwaukee, San Antonio, etc)

I'd actually rather see a late start than an early start. It's really tough to get there in time

[Brett]

Hopefully tomorrow goes better. No giveaway promo, only special thing I know of is the San Diego Chicken. (Do people come out for that? Not sure why I should care about a former mascot from another team in a different sport...)

The group that runs the Barons used to run the Redhawks. I personally had no idea what the San Diego Chicken was - I had to look it up. I really don't know what baseball mascot has to do with hockey - but whatever. Maybe it'll work to get some people there.

[JtheGoalie]

I wonder how much control the Barons will have in making their schedule for next season. They need to try real hard to minimize playing home games the same night the Thunder is playing across the street. It is killing their attendance. Starting an hour earlier than the Thunder (6:00 generally) is not good for fans, even on a Friday night. Parking favors the Thunder, game times favor the Thunder.... The Barons need to figure something out, as they will never win the battle of the entertainment dollar with the NBA, unfortunately.

As has been discussed here, the Barons have more than a few issues they need to address before the puck drops on the 2011/2012 season, but conflicting with Thunder home games should take top priority, IMO.

Not sure it will be an issue if the NBA has a lockout next season.

[JtheGoalie]

Not sure if you guys know this (I haven't read every post in here), but the target is a 5000 fan average. The Oilers can opt out of the 5 year contract with Prodigal if they don't average 5000.

[Phillyfan]

Not sure if you guys know this (I haven't read every post in here), but the target is a 5000 fan average. The Oilers can opt out of the 5 year contract with Prodigal if they don't average 5000.

They'll give it time, though. Even they stated that it will take time to bring a new team in and to give them an identity in the community. Attendance might not play as big of a factor as we think, Worcester has among the lowest attendance in the league and yet they just signed an extension with the Sharks.

I don't think 5,000 is impossible, but it will take time to get there. Given the right dates, entertaining team to watch, good promos, and reasonable ticket prices it could be, but they have a lot to work on this off season. They're going to be losing STHs because they don't value them at all. Don't even check tickets to get into the Lounge, and anybody can put in for the giveaways they have in there, so you're basically payiing the big bucks just to have a Christmas party with the players, and an end of season party.

Barons and SMG really need to get together for promos every Friday or saturday night. Most teams in the league have every friday dollar hot dogs, sodas or something. Dollar beer in shot glass size cups won't do it for you, so they'll have to commit more than that.

[JtheGoalie]

I wasn't saying that they will, just saying that they can. I don't think they will either and I'm sure there is probably a stipulation in there as to the quality of the on ice product as well. I doubt they would be able to exercise that option if the Barons don't make the playoffs for instance.

[TravC]

120 above the Saturday games average tonight (4970 attendance), brings us up to 4014 average now.

[AvsOkie]

Yeah, good attendance tonight. Around 700 more than average if you remove the opening night anomaly. Really helps make up for last night. New Friday and Saturday averages come out to 4668 and 4349 respectively - ending up at a projected 4034 season average.

Obviously no way we can make 5k this season, but I doubt the Oilers dislike the relationship enough to utilize that clause yet. Next year, we might have a chance to meet and exceed that number. As we saw this weekend, when you win more people show up. OKC has a great casual hockey fanbase, but it is not developed enough that everyone will show up to watch a team lose. (Something many NHL cities do not even have...) so if the Barons can start out the season without a disappointing blowout loss, and protect home ice at least as well as when away, more people will come, and 5k will be an easy goal.

But for now, looks like the low 4000s for this season. And with our home record, even that is an accomplishment.

[Emeriesmemaw]

The home ice advantage doesn't seem to sit with these guys...they don't feel the magic of the Myriad/Cox.

[UMD Fan]

The home ice advantage doesn't seem to sit with these guys...they don't feel the magic of the Myriad/Cox.

Probably because it's only a quarter full. There sure seems to be a lot of bandwagon fans around here (This isn't directed at you btw). People should support the team no matter what. I always hate hearing "I'm not buying season tickets next year because they were horrible at home". Next year =/ this year.

Granted - a poor home record isn't going to attract back a some casual fans. But does that mean it'll happen next year? Come on...

[AvsOkie]

Yeah I don't know what the deal is with home ice. Many other teams have similar issues, yet find ways to win.

And even though bandwagon fans are tough to deal with, its what we got since we're a nontraditional market. If you want to pull people away from winning football and basketball programs, you at least need to put a winning team on the ice. Then the truly superior greatness of hockey can shine through.

Granted, those of us here are already sold. I know I'll be back next year, but I'm not a season tickets kinda guy. Can get a better deal with cheap seats specials for the games we're able to get to.

[Phillyfan]

Great crowds this weekend. 4,800 isn't bad, and nearly 9,000 tonight. Albeit most probably came for the chance to win a car, but they were treated to a hard fought game. This team really stepped up and made a statement this weekend. I hope they keep the same mentality going into next weekend.