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Post by curtis on Nov 30, 2006 20:35:54 GMT -5
First of all, I don't mean this to be a harsh criticism of the Cats' staff, just some honest observations I've made, and I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed these things and what they might think.
1. Why don't they turn off the lights and make a big deal over goals anymore? I think this helped bump up the momemtum after scoring.
2. The pre-game intros have been toned down significantly. Also, there have been some lengthy pre-game ceremonies that have killed any excitement built up by the intros. The Rememberance Day ceremony would be an exception to this (I thought it was very well done), but normally, it would be nice to go: Enthusiastic intro, national anthem, drop the puck. Mr. Bourque does a great job on the anthem, by the way.
3. The music has gone from adrenaline pumping GnR, Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam, etc....to, uh, Bon Jovi. Ugh. I hardly notice the music during stops in play anymore.
4. The intermission breaks, never terribly exciting, have gone downhill since Andrew Stewart left. I say lets just watch some 10 year olds skate around for a few minutes, run the Zambonis, and skip the silly contests. I think the kids get a thrill out of a little shinny in front of the crowd.
5. I actually miss "Chuck a Puck" ;D
I guess I just feel that games are much less of an "event" than in the past. My sister comes to maybe 3-4 games per year, along with some of her friends, and they all commented that there was no electricity in the building/crowd and they might as well of just gone to a Beavers game (not necessarily being huge Wildcats fans).
I'd love to the see "The Cage" rock and become an intimidating place for the opposition to play. I also think that the fringe fan would come out to more games if the off-ice experience was better. The team's performance certainly warrants a more enthusiastic crowd.
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Post by Dirty Afanasenkov on Nov 30, 2006 20:58:15 GMT -5
Maybe they could raise a few more banners? That should build up some excitement... but first, typos NEED to be included.
As for the lights - I'm guessing that opposition teams complained to the league about it.
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Post by Penguins23 on Nov 30, 2006 21:28:19 GMT -5
I think the lights were a safety hazard or something like that.
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Post by KBT on Nov 30, 2006 23:20:30 GMT -5
Nah....the complaints were because too many fans thought it was for last call.
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Milo
Full Member
Posts: 373
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Post by Milo on Dec 1, 2006 2:35:14 GMT -5
I'd love to the see "The Cage" rock and become an intimidating place for the opposition to play. I also think that the fringe fan would come out to more games if the off-ice experience was better. The team's performance certainly warrants a more enthusiastic crowd. Good post, I like reading this kind of stuff. I've always found the bizarre presentation and lack of atmosphere at Cats games intriguing. I think you're the first person I've ever heard of who actually liked the lights-off goal celebration... I was happy to see it die. Maybe if the spotlight was used effectively instead of having its effect ruined by placing it behind netting, it wouldn't have been so bad... I'm a firm believer in "less is more" when it comes to goal celebration as well as pre-game introductions. Other buildings in junior don't have these circus-like sideshows and people still go crazy. It's all about the people and whether they care enough to have a good time or not. Moncton really could use a better goal horn though; to me it sounds really flat and dull, especially if you compare it to the ones in Bathurst/CB/Quebec/Gatineau. I'm with you on the music, it's always been really behind the times and far too mellow for a hockey game, but I'm sure their focus groups tell them otherwise. After all C103 and K94.5 are the way they are for a reason..... Overall I think Schurman and co. have actually improved things by cutting down on the overemphasis on the "event" part and instead letting the hockey sell itself. The vibe in the building has always been godawful (aside from the Memorial Cup) but it'll take a lot more than Richard Gauthier or an ill-placed spotlight to convince Joe Nascar to start making noise before a crucial late-game faceoff. The best thing they can do is to build their diehard base by continuing to ice hard-working teams no matter where they are in the rebuilding cycle. Having a top 5 fighter every year wouldn't hurt either; Moncton is BY FAR the most fight-crazy hockey crowd I've seen anywhere.
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Post by thedeer on Dec 1, 2006 9:54:38 GMT -5
A few things from an outside fan's point of view. I've been to at least one game at the Coliseum every year since and including 2000-2001, although I have yet to find my way to Moncton this season. I also attended the entire Memorial Cup.
- I for one LOVED the dimming of the lights. I agree that it would be cheap and stupid if everyone did it, but Moncton was the first and for that reason, it seemed OK to me. I also don't mind it too much when PEI does it, although I think dimming the lights before the start of each period as they do there is a bit much. I did however mind Lewiston doing it last year- third team to do it? Nope at that point it's getting cliched in my eyes.
But I actually loved it being done in Moncton, and when they stopped doing it during the Memorial Cup, I found that it actually took away from the otherwise awesome atmosphere....... I was actually disappointed that they weren't dimming the lights, as it became a part of the Coliseum experience for me (they don't do it in my home rink of C200 in Sydney). When the Cats scored at the Memorial Cup, it almost felt as though something was missing when the lights didn't dim. I'd be like, "OK, that goal was great, the crowd reaction was great, celebrating the goal was fun, but something's missing- why are the lights still on?"
- I totally disagree on your goal horn, I love it!!! Easily my favourite goal horn in the QMJHL, and possibly in all of hockey. I'm not saying it's the best, just saying it's my favourite, and a couple of others agree with me. I like it because it's totally unique to the Coliseum and the Wildcats, and totally different from other goal horns. Our goal horn in CB I actually find to be quite generic. It does the job, but there are a ton of other goal horns that sound just like it.
CB's is OK. Halifax's is terrible, sounds canned. PEI's is not too bad, a little too loud though. St. Johns's I'm not a fan of, although I guess it's some kind of traditional Newfoundland whistle or something. Bathurst's is great, definitely up there among my favourites in hockey as well. But I like Moncton's the best.
- I agree that Moncton is the most fight-crazy crowd in the Maritimes! The place was going wild at the end of the Memorial Cup semifinal when the Cats and Vancouver Giants were engaged in a mini brawl. At the end of Game 4 of the President's Cup Final in 2004, I remember the crowd going bananas for a Steve Bernier-Dominic D'Amour fight (even a big "STEVE STEVE STEVE STEVE" chant). But the best reaction I've seen the Coliseum crowd have to a fight happened in January 2002, when Scott English wooled CB's David Cloutier in the late stages of a rare Wildcat win (well they were rare that season) over a very strong Cape Breton team. When English landed a couple of bombs near the end, the roof nearly came off, easily louder than the place had been for any of their goals that day.
- The vibe, that's something I've noticed a huge difference in over the years.
From my first visit in 2001 up to and not including my trip to Game 4 of the final in 2004, I totally agreed with you Milo that the vibe at the Coliseum was pathetic; far and away the worst among the Maritime rinks I had been to. The vibe was absolutely laughable; you had to try to have a rink that quiet, and the music and constant "GO CATS GO" prompting over the PA were like nails on a chalkboard. Watching a game there during those few years was almost painful, and the building was kind of unimpressive at the time as well. I remember pulling up to the Coliseum for the first time in 2001 and wondering, "We drove six hours on a bus to see a game in this dump?"
But things have improved a ton since from my experiences. Game 4 of the 2004 final was totally different, place was rockin, music was great (switched from annoying crap to solid rock n roll, G n R etc), but I wasn't too too impressed yet, I figured that of course it was going to be good during the league final.
But then I returned for a "nothing special" regular season game in February 2005......... in fact the Cats were on a six-game winless streak at the time......... but the atmosphere was still great, similar to the 04 Cup final (obviously not as intense but similar in style) and miles better than any time I had been there in previous years. The changes in the glass (seamless) and the extra space at the bottom of each section really made the rink look nicer too, and watching a game there was suddenly a great experience. Thought it was a fluke after the 04 final, but that run of the mill 05 reg season game showed me the atmosphere in Moncton had changed for good.
Went to a game there last season against PEI, atmosphere was unreal. Went to a playoff game against Halifax, atmosphere was awesome again. And of course, the atmosphere at the Memorial Cup was everything you'd expect from a Memorial Cup host arena atmosphere. Had you told me back in 2001 or 2002 that the Cats were going to host the Memorial Cup at the Coliseum, I'd have said "Pffft gonna be the worst Memorial Cup ever." But it was great back in spring 06.
So thus ends my long-winded opinions on the atmosphere at the Coliseum; I think it's come a hell of a long way. It seems as though the 2004 playoff run was the turning point; the 2004 playoffs seem to have taught Moncton fans how to be real hockey fans. Although to be fair I haven't been at a game this year, perhaps it's taken a step back if the original poster's thoughts are any indication.
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Post by Frontoffice on Dec 1, 2006 10:50:59 GMT -5
Great Post Curtis... The front office is very open to comments/ideas/suggestions regarding atmosphere in the Coliseum. WE WANT to improve as well. Everyone is welcome to drop into the office anytime to chat about methods. It's sure quite a challenge finding something that entertains, motovates and pleases the majority of our fans. Currently we have close to 2700 season ticket holders. The season ticket base consists of about 2100 who have selected seats and 600 who have flex packs. About 75% of selected seats holders attend every game or close to 1500 leaving about 600 paid seats but sometimes empty, most throughout the lower bowl. On average through to Christmas only about 50% of flex pack holders use their flex tickets. We average about 1200-1500 walk-up and group sales per game which brings us to our avearge attendance this time of the year of just over 4000. We have a building that can accommodate close to 7000 so one of the challenges is with everyone spread out how to create atmosphere in a half-full venue. Interestingly, the average season ticket holder is close to 50 years of age and we have to take that into consideration. We have enjoyed and we will continue surveys and focus groups with our season ticket holders regarding likes and dislikes This feedback has helped develop the product that we present today. Here are some thoughts on your comments. In terms of lights after goals - we have been directed by the league that we are not to turn down the lights after goals. We continue to communicate with the league on this and perhaps they will change. We also hear from a number of customers who ask us to keep the lights up for goals (and all ceremonies) to see the celebrations, as spot light locations and number of, make it difficult to see from many locations in the coliseum. Pre-game Intros - We're not sure what to do there - When we compare our opening to many we think we are on the right track. The video is fairly well put together and the player shots have been well recieved. We will have a new intro slide show in the very near future...please let us know what you think. In terms of pre-game ceremonies we are permitted to do only three per month. We are very involved in the community and many pre-game ceremonies either recognize those partnerships or major achievements within the community. Ceremonies are limited to 8 minutes by the league. We agree that Mr. Bourque is as good as there is for opening the anthem - we wish more fans would join with him. Music- Walking around the coliseum during a game, MUSIC is the number one comment. Too loud, not loud enough, too edgy, not edgy enough, more acadien, less acadien, more country, less country...with the video board now available we have been experimenting with music videos. We have a volunteer helping us select music - We would love to have more suggestions as to what works best. Timing is the most critical ...to match the situation with the tune. Intermission Breaks - One intermission is dedicated to game day sponsors and for the most part the sponsor selects the game they choose. We are using more minor hockey players which helps promote the sport and their particular program. Andrew did a great job for us. However, we are committed to presenting our product in both languages which Richard and Marty do very well. Ideas for games and activities are most welcome. Chuck A Puck - This was a sponsored activity in the past. Sponsors are looking to mix up their promotions so this program is taking a short break. It will return again. Posters...We are very pleased with the on ice product and for the most part the changes to our game. One poster is correct that we are trying to let the on ice product be the motivator but we know that entertainment is still and always will be important. Fans in general don't stand up and cheer all the time in this building. Why? We're told that it has always been that way...but we're going to keep trying. During the cup run we had atmosphere we were told, like never before in the coliseum, so we know it is out there. We promise to keep experimenting and to do our very best for you. Go Cats Go...
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Post by gongshow on Dec 1, 2006 10:59:44 GMT -5
I think people should be concerned with the on-ice products.
I personnaly don't enjoy the sideshows and I like Milo's opinion.If the hockey on the ice is good then the atmosphere to me is fine. A few more fights would probably liven the place up.....everybody and their dog seems to go nuts for a good old tilt.
p.s The lights-out celebrations were brutal....and is probably a safety issue.
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Post by SteveUL on Dec 1, 2006 11:06:49 GMT -5
I think people should be concerned with the on-ice products. I personnaly don't enjoy the sideshows and I like Milo's opinion.If the hockey on the ice is good then the atmosphere to me is fine. A few more fights would probably liven the place up.....everybody and their dog seems to go nuts for a good old tilt. p.s The lights-out celebrations were brutal....and is probably a safety issue. I expect the "lights out" during the Mem Cup was halted because it wasn't TV friendly.
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Post by gongshow on Dec 1, 2006 11:11:21 GMT -5
That too,most likely.....I don't know why people are concerned with the sideshows...to me they were always something to entertain the kids...not the adults.
But I guess i'm one of the few fans that goes for the quality of hockey and not for the "sideshows"
Though I would like to add that Mr.Bourque is an excellent selection for the national anthem.
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Post by MacKevin on Dec 1, 2006 11:20:33 GMT -5
I'd like to comment not as a Fan but as a father of younger fans. It doesn't matter to me if they dim the lights or what music they play, I will always be a Fan, but I know that when I bring my seven and ten year olds to the Game other things are more important. First Dimming the lights was important to them, loud music is important, between period activities (especially the bungee cord bowling one) were all important, also Wild Willie and for me the old Fur Ball.
I don't want it to become a sterile Hockey only place cause honestly that fan leaves as soon as a team like Rim's got for the past two years happens. It will here too. I like Roberts idea to keep it a family atmosphere and sometimes, when I don't have my kids, I've got to remember that others do have their kids when I'm roaring out obscenities. That's OK cause it not all about me.
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Post by Cristobal Huet on Dec 1, 2006 11:27:57 GMT -5
I'd like to comment not as a Fan but as a father of younger fans. It doesn't matter to me if they dim the lights or what music they play, I will always be a Fan, but I know that when I bring my seven and ten year olds to the Game other things are more important. First Dimming the lights was important to them, loud music is important, between period activities (especially the bungee cord bowling one) were all important, also Wild Willie and for me the old Fur Ball. I don't want it to become a sterile Hockey only place cause honestly that fan leaves as soon as a team like Rim's got for the past two years happens. It will here too. I like Roberts idea to keep it a family atmosphere and sometimes, when I don't have my kids, I've got to remember that others do have their kids when I'm roaring out obscenities. That's OK cause it not all about me. Have your kids seen your avatar?
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Post by MacKevin on Dec 1, 2006 11:30:28 GMT -5
They have seen Borat before.
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Post by curtis on Dec 1, 2006 11:39:28 GMT -5
I'll concede that the selection of music will NEVER please everyone. During intermission, I for one like fairly low background music, since I'm usually chatting with people. But I do love something really up-beat during stoppages in play.
On a somewhat unrelated note, where did the red ropes that helped control the lineups at the concessions go? It seems this year like the lineups are a bit of a "free for all" with kids shoving their way into the middle of the line or with people just generally not knowing where the line is. The "zig-zag" lines the ropes created also helped with traffic flow.
The ultimate answer as to how to bring back some energy into the rink lies with with us, the fans. I guess in general we are a quiet, reserved bunch. I know the Blue Jays in Toronto face a similar situation. You know what I'd love to see? A story in the Times & Transcript where the players ASK us to get behind them, and give them a bigger home ice advantage. It worked in '93 for Dave Winfield & the Jays. :-)
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Post by Bobo_Sinclair on Dec 1, 2006 11:43:33 GMT -5
I must admit that I absolutely loved the dimming of the lights after a goal. It's not a sideshow, it's just something special and different that you don't see. I totally agree with Deer on this one. When I saw the Memorial Cup games, I found that something was missing because the lights didn't go out. I understood immediatly why, because it is true that it would be very un-tv friendly. And I can understand the safety issues, but now with fighting as down as ever, isn't it less dangerous then before?
I also like the horn. Note, I have only once seen a Q game outside of Moncton, and that was Halifax during the time of the Alpine, and I was too young to remember a thing like the horn, though I did get to go down on the ice for the intermission and shoot some pucks! ;D
I was also a fan of the little bands in the corner of the food area playing music. Doesn't matter what it was, I don't see how it can bother anybody and there was always a good 50 people sticking around and listening to them. I always found it was a good idea.
The "sideshows" as some people call them do not take anything away from the game. They add. Not to everyone, I admit, but if you take everything out, your game experience shouldn't get better because of it. All that will happen is the game experience of others will go down.
EXCEPTION!!!!! DO NOT BRING BACK JUNGLE MAN OR CAPTAIN CHAOS OR WHATEVER!!!!! And don't bring new ones either. On the subject of Jungle Man, I never understood that decision. I had gone to game 5 between Moncton and Drummondville and the crowd was awesome. Suddenly, we're facing Rouyn and in comes this Jungle Man and everything turns into crap? Anyways.
The one thing I would like to see would be in the pre-game intro, where there wouldn't be someone going down on the ice. Instead, have the kids skating down alone, real pump up music and a real nice lightshow on the ice. I know, $$$$$, but it would be worth it.
As far as Valmond Bourque goes, he's one of my friend's father, and a great singer, I love his anthems!
And as a last note, my friends and I will be back for the 15th of december game vs. the Titan to scream after the goalie and make some noise, just like the season opener!
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