That is news to me, I always thought teams like Philly/NYI/NYR just bused in without a hotel.
I am sure one of the autograph nerds on this forum will know.
I'm a little late to the party on this but every team that stays at the Rock stays at a hotel including the Rangers. A lot of the teams are there the entire day since they have the morning skate (assuming they didn't play the night before) and need a place to stay.
Will be there again next year. Have had a significant number of folks renew already in that section.
The email for the Hockey 101 event went out yesterday. The Chairman's Reception with Jeff V. invite should go out today. Both invites go to the folks who selected them on their renewal forms last season.
Hoping to have final answers on open practice shortly. The logistics of the building with the Nets games packed together between all other family shows/concerts/devils games has made it virtually impossible to get dates that work. Literally this building is filled almost every night (a good thing, but a challenging thing).
Will be there again next year. Have had a significant number of folks renew already in that section.
The email for the Hockey 101 event went out yesterday. The Chairman's Reception with Jeff V. invite should go out today. Both invites go to the folks who selected them on their renewal forms last season.
Hoping to have final answers on open practice shortly. The logistics of the building with the Nets games packed together between all other family shows/concerts/devils games has made it virtually impossible to get dates that work. Literally this building is filled almost every night (a good thing, but a challenging thing).
It's fine if they all decide to renew and try to run their section on their own, but the ties with the marketing and game entertainment departments need to be cut.
No more sign behind them (the real diehards in 233 and 208 don't have them, nor did we receive customized scarves like 122 got this year - and we've been the loud diehards back to the meadowlands days), no more constant scoreboard recognition with NJ Devil, etc.
And for those who don't know - those pitchforks, signs, etc. that they have - they don't bring them on their own every night - they have a box of stuff that they pick up from guest services downstairs by the ice lounge before each game, and return it afterwards. - They also have some sort of megaphone (I saw the box for it), which is why they seem louder (even when only about half of their "supporters" show up - which is usually the best case scenario). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didnt think that a fan could get through security at the entrance with a megaphone, so why should they have one?
Attendance - it looks most games like theyre about half full at best - even for the Rangers/Flyers games there are a significant amount of them that are not in their seats "supporting" the Devils - it's embarassing to the rest of the Devils fans that actually show up night after night, game after game, that 122 is showcased as the "supporters". I've heard far more negative feedback about the section than anything positive from fellow fans - that's bad PR for the team.
The Bleacher Creatures at Yankee Stadium don't need any recognition from the team to be the loud diehards, and they're world famous (nor do 208 and 233 need recognition in our own building!)
And, finally, I think Lou would agree with this: For a team that will never showcase one all-star player above the team with marketing/promotions/etc - why is the team now doing that with one section of fans above the entire fanbase?
Just like we can't have a Brodeur bobblehead night, or "Kovy-ing" became "Devils goal celebration" - the "Diablos" should not receive any recognition above the rest of the fans and STH.
So next season, I think the marketing/game entertainment teams need to cut their ties to the section, and let the fans try to run the section and sink or swim on their own.
It's fine if they all decide to renew and try to run their section on their own, but the ties with the marketing and game entertainment departments need to be cut.
No more sign behind them (the real diehards in 233 and 208 don't have them, nor did we receive customized scarves like 122 got this year - and we've been the loud diehards back to the meadowlands days), no more constant scoreboard recognition with NJ Devil, etc.
And for those who don't know - those pitchforks, signs, etc. that they have - they don't bring them on their own every night - they have a box of stuff that they pick up from guest services downstairs by the ice lounge before each game, and return it afterwards. - They also have some sort of megaphone (I saw the box for it), which is why they seem louder (even when only about half of their "supporters" show up - which is usually the best case scenario). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didnt think that a fan could get through security at the entrance with a megaphone, so why should they have one?
Attendance - it looks most games like theyre about half full at best - even for the Rangers/Flyers games there are a significant amount of them that are not in their seats "supporting" the Devils - it's embarassing to the rest of the Devils fans that actually show up night after night, game after game, that 122 is showcased as the "supporters". I've heard far more negative feedback about the section than anything positive from fellow fans - that's bad PR for the team.
The Bleacher Creatures at Yankee Stadium don't need any recognition from the team to be the loud diehards, and they're world famous (nor do 208 and 233 need recognition in our own building!)
And, finally, I think Lou would agree with this: For a team that will never showcase one all-star player above the team with marketing/promotions/etc - why is the team now doing that with one section of fans above the entire fanbase?
Just like we can't have a Brodeur bobblehead night, or "Kovy-ing" became "Devils goal celebration" - the "Diablos" should not receive any recognition above the rest of the fans and STH.
So next season, I think the marketing/game entertainment teams need to cut their ties to the section, and let the fans try to run the section and sink or swim on their own.
I do agree with some of the underlying sentiment, but a couple of points:
1 - That section WAS organized by the fans. The group that sits there set up the entire thing, and proposed it to the marketing team, who then agreed to allow it. Their marketing team has since embraced it. Beyond that, I'm not sure why you would care about what toys are distributed to people who volunteer to be loud and lead chants. I know I don't. And for the scarf - whatever value those folks got out of a free scarf, they probably ate 10 times over in ticket resale, and of all people in the arena that can complain about freebies, the folks in the corners with massive tenure probably aren't the ones - you guys do quite well.
2 - Attendance - That could be consolidated. I really see it as a non issue - I don't think there is a gross disparity between the sales of those seats versus other seats on the balcony. There are butts in the seats for every game of high demand just like everywhere else.
It's fine if they all decide to renew and try to run their section on their own, but the ties with the marketing and game entertainment departments need to be cut.
No more sign behind them (the real diehards in 233 and 208 don't have them, nor did we receive customized scarves like 122 got this year - and we've been the loud diehards back to the meadowlands days), no more constant scoreboard recognition with NJ Devil, etc.
And for those who don't know - those pitchforks, signs, etc. that they have - they don't bring them on their own every night - they have a box of stuff that they pick up from guest services downstairs by the ice lounge before each game, and return it afterwards. - They also have some sort of megaphone (I saw the box for it), which is why they seem louder (even when only about half of their "supporters" show up - which is usually the best case scenario). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didnt think that a fan could get through security at the entrance with a megaphone, so why should they have one?
Attendance - it looks most games like theyre about half full at best - even for the Rangers/Flyers games there are a significant amount of them that are not in their seats "supporting" the Devils - it's embarassing to the rest of the Devils fans that actually show up night after night, game after game, that 122 is showcased as the "supporters". I've heard far more negative feedback about the section than anything positive from fellow fans - that's bad PR for the team.
The Bleacher Creatures at Yankee Stadium don't need any recognition from the team to be the loud diehards, and they're world famous (nor do 208 and 233 need recognition in our own building!)
And, finally, I think Lou would agree with this: For a team that will never showcase one all-star player above the team with marketing/promotions/etc - why is the team now doing that with one section of fans above the entire fanbase?
Just like we can't have a Brodeur bobblehead night, or "Kovy-ing" became "Devils goal celebration" - the "Diablos" should not receive any recognition above the rest of the fans and STH.
So next season, I think the marketing/game entertainment teams need to cut their ties to the section, and let the fans try to run the section and sink or swim on their own.
Why do people care so much that someone got together with the Devils to get a support section? Everyone had the same chance that person did. I may not like some of their chants (only 2) but they are doing a good job most nights. They will have some off nights but I think they do fairly well most games with attendance.
O about the box stuff have other sections asked?
Edit: I can't wait to see what they do in the playoffs though.
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Last edited by BrodeurRULES: 03-13-2012 at 02:55 PM.
I do agree with some of the underlying sentiment, but a couple of points:
1 - That section WAS organized by the fans. The group that sits there set up the entire thing, and proposed it to the marketing team, who then agreed to allow it. Their marketing team has since embraced it. Beyond that, I'm not sure why you would care about what toys are distributed to people who volunteer to be loud and lead chants. I know I don't. And for the scarf - whatever value those folks got out of a free scarf, they probably ate 10 times over in ticket resale, and of all people in the arena that can complain about freebies, the folks in the corners with massive tenure probably aren't the ones - you guys do quite well.
2 - Attendance - That could be consolidated. I really see it as a non issue - I don't think there is a gross disparity between the sales of those seats versus other seats on the balcony. There are butts in the seats for every game of high demand just like everywhere else.
Honestly, I don't care about the box of toys itself - its the principle that the team spent money to make these fans look more like 'diehards' from what they wanted the section to look like visually.
The scarves - I'm not complaining as much that we didnt get them, as the fact that once again, the team spent money on these 'supporters' that could have been spent better elsewhere, and it goes to prove the emphasis on them above the rest of the fans.
Attendance - the Flyers and Rangers games over the last week have not had a butt in every seat (and I'm not talking 1 or 2 empty) - in fact, Sunday night, the Devils fans sitting next to me (they're not STH themselves, but theyre at a good amount of games in 208 through a STH friend), commented on that before I had even looked over there.
Even if the fans are the ones organizing some of the aspects of their section, the team has had too much of a hand in it - and now that it's launched - they need to let the fans lead it to success or failure beyond this season on their own, without all the recognition and extras.
And, there are two supporter/diehard sections that didnt need help from the team - 208 and 233 (217 and 228 at CAA) - that are now being treated as inferior fans by the team, despite the terms loyalty and tenure being key terms in the renewal brochure the last two years.
As I've mentioned in the past, I don't have a problem with a third loud section on that end of the building. In fact, I encourage it (if done solely by the fans). The problem I have is with the "no player above the team" mentality of managment now going against that principle and putting one new section of fans above the loyal, tenured diehards.
Honestly, I don't care about the box of toys itself - its the principle that the team spent money to make these fans look more like 'diehards' from what they wanted the section to look like visually.
The scarves - I'm not complaining as much that we didnt get them, as the fact that once again, the team spent money on these 'supporters' that could have been spent better elsewhere, and it goes to prove the emphasis on them above the rest of the fans.
Attendance - the Flyers and Rangers games over the last week have not had a butt in every seat (and I'm not talking 1 or 2 empty) - in fact, Sunday night, the Devils fans sitting next to me (they're not STH themselves, but theyre at a good amount of games in 208 through a STH friend), commented on that before I had even looked over there.
Even if the fans are the ones organizing some of the aspects of their section, the team has had too much of a hand in it - and now that it's launched - they need to let the fans lead it to success or failure beyond this season on their own, without all the recognition and extras.
And, there are two supporter/diehard sections that didnt need help from the team - 208 and 233 (217 and 228 at CAA) - that are now being treated as inferior fans by the team, despite the terms loyalty and tenure being key terms in the renewal brochure the last two years.
As I've mentioned in the past, I don't have a problem with a third loud section on that end of the building. In fact, I encourage it (if done solely by the fans). The problem I have is with the "no player above the team" mentality of managment now going against that principle and putting one new section of fans above the loyal, tenured diehards.
I agree that there are too many empty seats in their section on most nights, but I disagree with most of your other points.
Anyone can move there if they want, it's a section where they know they have to stand and chant all game long. It's not for everyone, if the Devils want to help that section that is fine with me and not a slight against my section or yours.
Last edited by Devils Dominion: 03-13-2012 at 04:02 PM.
The thing is that they treat the Diablos like a soccer supporter section. That's why you see the differences in treatment. I'm not a fan of the group myself, but it's always good to see fans as energentic as them and would like to see the other sections get help from the team as well/
I'm not a fan of the group myself, but it's always good to see fans as energentic as them and would like to see the other sections get help from the team as well/
That's basically my point - Either the team needs to (a) recognize and support 208 and 233 at the same level as 122, or (b) do not recognize any of the three sections. (Just like the team does not recognize any one player above the rest of the team)
I am glad to finally see fans making noise on that end of the building - it definitely had built up a 'surround sound' effect, rather than just noise on the attack twice end.
I feel like its helping the Devils more then the people in that section. As in trying to help the Devils get that side of the going and louder.
.............."its the principle that the team spent money to make these fans look more like 'diehards' from what they wanted the section to look like visually."
How do you know they aren't already diehard fans? I find it hard to believe anyone else would sit there and want to look like one. And you do care about the toys since its spending money on them.
Last edited by BrodeurRULES: 03-13-2012 at 04:12 PM.
I agree, some Devils fans are just blind when it comes to knowing how good WE have it. Just ask Islanders or Rangers ticket holders about the experience they have with sales, it probably doesn't even come close to what the staff has done for us.
I agree, some Devils fans are just blind when it comes to knowing how good WE have it. Just ask Islanders or Rangers ticket holders about the experience they have with sales, it probably doesn't even come close to what the staff has done for us.
Isles fans get some benefits but Rangers fans get nothing. It's not even just that...I'm just gonna sit back and continue to laugh.
I could be speaking out of my ass but there has to be more to it then what is being said. I just don't get how some fans want to see that section fail when the Devils are really trying to get more life into the building. If they want to be recongize like that, which has died down a bit so be it. If you really need to be recongize like that to be special go for it but the Devils fully know you guys are loyal already. This just another section that they are probably hoping will end up like 208/233 only difference is they want to stand.
Our fans are attention whores. You give them an inch and they will try to take a mile.
I feel like its helping the Devils more then the people in that section. As in trying to help the Devils get that side of the going and louder.
.............."its the principle that the team spent money to make these fans look more like 'diehards' from what they wanted the section to look like visually."
How do you know they aren't already diehard fans? I find it hard to believe anyone else would sit there and want to look like one. And you do care about the toys since its spending money on them.
My comment is directed more at the idea that the team was trying to control how they wanted the section to appear - the fact that the fans agreed to use the stuff shows that the team has control of the section, so it is not purely the fans running it and the team 'embracing' them.
Nothing personal against any of the diablos - I know that a lot of them are diehard fans as well, including a few that I know personally. I definitely feel that they can run the section without the team's help.
And I will reiterate that I am glad that there is now noise and energy on that end of the ice, which has been needed for a long time. I am not saying to abolish their group - just to let them operate on their own and "cut the apron strings" from the team now that they have been established as another loud section at The Rock.
I really don't care about the 'toys' - The megaphone, thats another story - But bottom line is, the section really isnt run by the fans right now, its controlled by the team to a large extent...
What I'm saying is, give the fans a chance next season to run the section with ties cut from the team - let's see how it turns out... It has worked for 233 and 208 all these years, so theres no reason why the team needs to help 122 to make it a long-term success.
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I'm not saying anything about Eric and his STH 'fan experience team', who have done a phenomenal job the past two years - marketing/game entertainment created the diablos idea and continue to aid them.
I am definitely appreciative of how good "WE" have it as Devils STH compared to other teams - but if you notice - "We" (in this use, referring to 208/233/etc) have been made inferior to 122 by other departments of the team (not by Eric & his staff), despite our "loyalty" & "tenure" compared to 122's one-year existence.
I sit near 122 and haven't seen a megaphone used...my guess is they also have all that stuff for them so they don't have to bring it to and from every game.
Keep being loud at your end and don't worry about what everyone else is/isn't doing.
