Barons game clothing etiquette

[Brett]

After reading thru the comments on the Barons facebook page - makes me wonder...



http://www.gamewornauctions.net/images/products/thumbs/02516c4deffb5d19.jpg


Is it time to hang up the old Blazers jerseys and support your new team?

I realize that the jerseys are expensive but another part of me wants to see the team succeed (merchandise sales play a big role in a teams' success)

I am sure not going to be the clothing police at the Barons games but I have been a little surprised at the lack of Barons attire. I too am guilty for 2 games :)

Thoughts?

[puckchk]

I really don't get the hate over the Blazers jersey's. the Blazers fans you're trashing are now attending Barons games. (I use you're figuratively). Yes, not everyone can afford a new jersey right off the bat. I guess it's not enough they are buying tickets??? I've seen some hateful comments and I just don't get it. I for one have many jerseys as enjoy wearing them. Does that mean I need to toss every jersey i own of a now defunct team?? I just figure that the haters saying these things really don't enjoy that aspect of hockey. Why is OKC so frickin hateful anymore with sports teams?? christ, grow up already.

[Brett]

Why is OKC so frickin hateful anymore with sports teams?? christ, grow up already.

LOL exactly. A few friends of mine who just got into hockey wore their *gasp* Red Wings jerseys to opening night. End of the world right? :)

I've been to hundreds of college hockey games back up in Minnesota and some Wild games.... and never once have I heard someone be snotty about what jersey they wore (except if it was the opposing team of course...)

[ScottInOKC]

I'll be honest, my game worn Blazer jerseys are hung up permanently (although Paul K donned my 'Swervin' Mervin Kopeck jersey for our Monday league), my practice jerseys are now used for stick & puck or pickup games. That's just me, I have no issues with anyone else wearing them. As the season progresses, I figure you'll see more Barons/Oilers sweaters and less Blazer swag.

[GSummy35]

Coming from a city which had a strong fan base for and IHL team (Cleveland Lumberjacks) and a much weaker economy than OKC, I can say rather confidently that the support for the Lake Erie Monsters started with merchandise sales, even before tickets went on sale. While I lived in the area I went to a dozen or so Monster games. I can count on one hand the number of Lumberjack jerseys I saw at the games.

Holding onto the past is an important part of a city's identity, but so is the present. The Barons may be a new team, and they most certainly are not the Blazers, but they deserve support in all aspects of the industry, not just moral support. Teams in most professional leagues see a minuscule percentage of the money from ticket sales (advertising and licensed apparel sales make up the bulk of team income).

It is just as important to support the new team as it is to remember teams from the past.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Im not on facebook so I havent seen the comments but this is what Im thinking.....at least these people bought tickets to be in the buildng to support the Barrons! You can wear a dadgummed (yes, dadgummed) clown outfit as long as you buy a ticket and show up, as far as Im concerned. Attendance should be whats bothering people and not attire. My 2 cents...

[Brett]

Teams in most professional leagues see a minuscule percentage of the money from ticket sales (advertising and licensed apparel sales make up the bulk of team income).


I've heard this too. Ticket sales are pretty much a wash when it comes to making money.

One thing that bothered me is the sloooowwwness it took to get the jerseys for sale. The announcement came in March or April I believe. Jerseys barely made it to the doors by opening night. I think that bit them in the ass a bit.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Hypothetical situation:

Team A sells 30,000 jerseys but can only put about 1,000 people in the stands every home game.

Team B sells a couple hundred jerseys but sells out and packs the house every home game.

Which team folds after one season?

[puckchk]

Honestly, I have seen a lot more Barons jersey's and shirts than I was expecting at games. That is a great sign in itself, that our economy for one is allowing for such things. I honestly can say I might not ever wear a Blazers jersey to a game,that's me, but I will wear my Rivermen, Wolves, or any other I feel like that day. And lest we forget, people will drop $200 for OU or the Thunder....NOT hockey. we are holding our own right now and doing good

"A few friends of mine who just got into hockey wore their *gasp* Red Wings jerseys to opening night. End of the world right?"

well honestly Brett,...the Red wings?? really???? ::::puke::::

;)

[Brett]

Hypothetical situation:

Team A sells 30,000 jerseys but can only put about 1,000 people in the stands every home game.

Team B sells a couple hundred jerseys but sells out and packs the house every home game.

Which team folds after one season?

CHL - easy answer.

AHL - I think it's set up quite different. The Edmonton organization is picking up all the player salaries, travel, etc. The local group (Prodigal) is only responsible for game day and arena operations. I have no idea how the money is split up on concessions, merchandise, etc.

Obviously everyone would like a packed house each night. But from what I've heard ticket sales really aren't that big of an impact financially.

I've heard from quite a reliable source that the biggest income generators for the team is corporate sales, advertising, and merchandise. Sad but true.

[GSummy35]

To answer the hypo, team A folds. Rationale: venues lose money when very few tickets are sold, which drives up the costs the team owners have to pay for the rental of the venue. When the team owners are using merchandise sales to subsidize their increased rental expenses, they have less to put towards other expenses of the organization; player salaries, travel expenses, etc. Also, fans in the stands is the main factor taken into consideration when setting advertising placement prices. Lose fans, drive down ad prices, drive down revenue. Relying on merchandise sales alone is fiscally irresponsible.

Very important to note, however, that teams rarely fold or relocate after a single season.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

You know, I'm not sure how to answer this.

Most games I ever gone to here, whether it was the Barons or Blazers, I would always see a large number of people wear NHL gear. Opening night this year, I saw at least 10 Red Wings jerseys alone.

I think the people fussing about people wearing Blazer jerseys should lighten up. I'd have to guess that those with Blazer jerseys will eventually get Barons jerseys.

[puckchk]

would you rather have a fan buy 1 of your jerseys and never come to a game, or attend 30 home games? I would think that would be bad business to rely on merchandise only.

[Brett]

Here's the original comment from Facebook that got me thinking...


I know I am going to hear some people complain on this but going to say it anyway..With the Barons giving out 2,000 Adult practice Jerseys this Friday night. There should be no excuse wearing these Jersey's to the games and not wearing that other team that use to be here anymore...Time to put them away for keep sakes...



I should ask Bob to join.

[Solongamory]

I saw two kids next to me at the OU game Saturday in Barons T-Shirts. Pretty cool and hopefully a good sign.

[Bill Haverchuck]

Im FAR from an operations manager but if I were in charge I think I would rather sell my building out and never sell 1 peice of merch reguardless of how much money it made or lost. But then again I am just a fan lol

[Brandon Rush]

I've long been a believer that if the front office is doing their job, they can break even before they even sell a single ticket. Corporate $$$ is what drives sports these days, butts in seats is just icing on the cake. That being said, a team wont succeed if people dont show, so its a delicate balance.

As for the Jerseys, I think if there werent SO MANY people wearing Blazers jerseys, I wouldnt mind it. You always remember your first love, but seeing more Blazers gear than Barons, thats where the issue comes in for me...

[Bill Haverchuck]

The Blazers were here for almost twenty years, the Barons have been here two months. Youre probablly going to see more Blazers jerseys than Barons for awhile but I think itll even out over time. Like 2-3 seasons from now youll probablly see almost no Blazers jerseys in the stands.

[Casca]

I'd like to reprise my original answer. As long as I don't see any NASCAR crap, I think anything else goes. Of course they drink a lot of beer, and by a lot, I mean A LOT, so that might help too... I dunno, I guess I'm back to my original answer, just show up.

Corporate sponsors might be where the money is, but if nobody goes to the games, the corporate sponsors aren't going to throw money away.

[davenett1]

I think it is great that someone is wearing any ice hockey jersey to a Barrons game. It shows the person enjoys the sport and likes to get out of the house and support the game. Doesn't matter what team you like the most, you are showing a great interest in the sport. You also have to think in today's economy there are a large number of folks that cannot buy a Barrons jersey, but gather enjoyment from just attending the game. If you can purchase and wear a Barron's jesery, that is wonderful, show your pride and enjoy the game. Same goes for the fan who wears a Blazer jersey or Red Wings or Avalanche, get out there and enjoy, spend some quality time with your family, have a good time. That is my 2 cents worth.

[Mike C]

I'll be wearing my NHL Authentic until I get the Barons Authentic when available sometime in December. Will customize it at that time. Should be in it for all games by January.

I think the team is here to stay. Attendance will climb...

[The Reasoner]

I think it is great that someone is wearing any ice hockey jersey to a Barrons game. It shows the person enjoys the sport and likes to get out of the house and support the game. Doesn't matter what team you like the most, you are showing a great interest in the sport.

I agree completely. I mean it's great if you can support the home team by buying a jersey, but at this point there is plenty of room for anyone who is a fan of hockey.