Saturday, March 31, 2007
Readers sounded off in recent weeks on the new football team, the Mahoning Valley Thunder. Here's a handful of the comments. Go to vindy.com to participate in reader forums.
From ts1227
I think the true test will to see if the number of season tickets and the game attendance figures are consistent from 2007 into 2008. The general excitement has people interested and willing to spend now, but will it last in the long-term?
From Doug K
The Thunder have sold the 5th most season tickets of any AF2 team, and this is their first season!
I am sorry, but the Thunder are going to last here. Let me make a prediction: I believe that the Thunder will do so well and ticket sales will increase more and more each season, that the Chevy Centre will have to expand to about 8,000 to 10,000 seats!
Take that to the bank.
From Novelty
Once the novelty wears off, attendance will fall. Who wants to pay an average of 30 to see some stiffs play? I'd rather go watch Canfield, Poland, Mooney, Ursuline, Warren, etc. play a good high school game for 6.
From Anthony C.
I am ecstatic for the new af2 team, the Thunder, to begin play at the beautiful Chevrolet Centre. I expect the opener to sell out, with most other games being near sell outs; in the 5000s range.
Regarding wins and losses, right now I think we can all lay off the coach and players and learn the game of arena football. I don't think many in the valley can expect a championship season; all we can hope for is fun for our dollar..........Which I expect everyone will get!
In it's first year, building a fan base is important; once you do that (after year 1); then you could focus on bigger name athletes and winning it all.
From Paul M.
I think the team will struggle on the field until they learn the game, plus the nature of Af2 delegating players to the local team makes for a possible awkward scenario of new couple of players ever week or so.
I don't put any hopes of a winning season until season 2 or 3, and that could hurt attendance in season 2.
I predict Year 1 going 6-10 and they'll have to build on their mistakes.
Crowdwise...I think it depends on value for the dollar and performance on the field.
With tickets costing 18.50- 53.50 at the box office, and being one of the highest in the AF2, most likely because of only 5500 seats and 1 million franchise fee, I think they'll do well on the cold game days, but will suffer on nicer weekends when most people leave the area.
I think they'd sellout many games if they offered a family package and discounts for children and seniors.
I can't justify taking myself and 3 children for 74 for seats behind the rebound nets, but I'm sure others will do that.
I was expecting to buy season tickets, but the announced cost of tickets were well over what I was willing to pay. I will instead take the kids to amusement parks and other destinations that are all-day outings and more of a value.
From milm1025
They built the convocation center and you just cant afford to go there ... I realize inflation and all that but remember concerts a years ago in this area cheap and affordable ... ticket prices in general have gone up even for high school games. What is this world coming to ... I can only shake my head.