I stumbled across this blog today, where an interesting idea be brewing...
"My challenge to Mr Shinn: Have one game a year in the Superdome, let it count toward the average attendance benchmark, and I'll buy two season tickets."
Could this really work? The writer, Ashley Morris, asked John DeShazier of the Times-Picayune for his thoughts...
My guess would be, "No." He'd have to receive permission from the Saints, I believe, which he isn't likely to receive, and it would be a nightmare if, say, only 12,000 people showed up for a facility configured to host 35,000. But that's just a guess on my part.
I think it's a little premature to think we could sellout the Superdome, but if the Hornets keep rolling and make some noise in the Playoffs, such a feat may be plausible next season. And Tom Benson would be a dick if he stood in the way.
Thoughts?
7 marvelous comments post your own
Ryan
01/29/08 03:44 PM
Seems gimmicky. I'd rather they focus their marketing efforts on other things. Like making an attempt at marketing.
www.hornets247.com #1
Bob Loblaw
01/29/08 04:09 PM
its a great idea but considering they cant fill the arena, how would they find 30,000? its a promising idea but dougie fresh thornstein aint hurtin for income that badly (hannah montana could fill the dome faster unfortunately) and theres no way he would forego any kind of event that would generate more potential income. so, unless its a playoff or conf. finals game, i dont see it happenin...it would be most gangsta though. ryan is absolutely correct about the nonexistent marketing...we need jerry v on the radio in the afternoon instead of bobby & kenny and a local hornets paraphenalia store. furthermore: chris paul is mothafuckin RELENTLESS
#2
Dave
01/29/08 08:10 PM
I don't think they will be able to garner that support period. If they did not go out and vote enough for Chris Paul or Tyson Chandler to start in the all-star game, taking place in New Orleans, then I simply do not see them supporting them that much even with some big wins in the playoffs. Paul is already playing at a super high level and attracting a lot of attention, and that was not enough.
None #3
Ron Hitley
01/30/08 02:37 AM
I think if the Hornets tried to do it, the attempt itself would get people talking and perhaps generate more local interest in the team. But like I said, I don't think they could pull it off this season, unless it was for Game 7 of the Finals or something.
www.hornets247.com #4
ticktock6
01/30/08 03:50 AM
They did it in Buffalo recently in the NHL, as someone mentioned over there. They are a small market team and they packed the Bills' stadium with 80K in January for an outdoor game. Their regular arena seats 18,600. But a couple factors made it work. 1) Sabres were coming off a league-leading season with a deep playoff run and they sell out. 2) They played Pittsburgh, a team within driving distance. 3) One of the best young stars in the NHL. 4) Tons of marketing. If we make a playoff run, a Superdome game might be an idea for next year?
hornetshype.com #5
Chris Trew
01/30/08 04:26 AM
The press this would get would be massive - this has positive written all over it.
www.christrew.com #6
Toney Blare
01/30/08 05:35 AM
I'd say make it a free event, with a corporate sponsor footing the bill (or some of it) and a big effort to get all the residents, volunteers, community groups in the city to attend. Skewing the data is a little gimmicky, but saying to the city, we're your team and everybody's welcome, that'd be a winner. That said, the vibe this week since the Denver game is outta control. People are talking, in offices, on the corner, everyone. We're right where we want to be. A free Dome game would be the topper.
www.neworleansnation.blogspot.com #7