There is way too much bickering and hatred between Devils fans. We need all of the fans that we can get. There are a ton of fans at games and even on this board who rub me the wrong way but complaining about the Diablos just seems petty. Anyone who puts out their own money for a season ticket is a diehard, whether they have been a Crazy or whatever group they want to associate with or whether they have had tickets for all 29 years in the lower bowl. Same thing goes for people who buy a non-STH package and for many single game buyers. If their scarves and recognition really bothers you that much, you're missing the forest for the trees. You shouldn't look at them and think, "other people here might think that they are bigger fans than I am because they were on the scoreboard" or some other nonsense like that. You should be thinking, "that's cool that they are here and root for the same team that I do."
Side note: the BS concept of "real fans" needs to be retired. Someone is not more of a fan because they paid $20 to sit upstairs than a person who paid $175 to sit in clubs. People have different financial constraints. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are less knowledgeable or passionate.
Excellent post.
Here's to us all uniting as a fanbase as we head into the playoffs.
Fans get jealous of other fans that get attention, there are no two ways about it. Jet fans rip on Fireman Ed all the time, we ripped on Baumann before we ripped on the Diablos.
As a journeyman of many sections I have to say that there are distinct differences in the atmosphere between 208 and 122. The fans in 208 were gritty, aggressive, and at time downright offensive (in a good way?) and very colorful. I now am a resident at 122 though I am not nor will I ever be a "Diablo". My "opinion" of 122 was that they seemed a little forced and maybe a little to PC for hockey here in the tristate area. I feel that when I go to a hockey game the passionate fans in a section should be heckling anyone wearing an opposing teams colors (or a Rags jersey). I don't get the feeling that any "enemy" feels intimidated by the Diablos. I think that even the most simple minded person who sees me at a game in any of my jerseys should know I support the Devils but it's my duty as a fan to make everyone know how much I HATE the other team. Unfortunately with the "I Believe" chant, the Diablos seem more like Carebears than like hardcore fans. Enough with the friendly crap and lets start tossing the other teams fans around and make them fear "The Rock". I've attended many games through the years in Philly and at the Garden. I still attend at least 1 Devs v Rags at the Garden every season. I stopped going to Philly because it just doesn't feel safe. I wish we could make Philly fans feel "not safe" in our house. Then they might stop busing as many of them up here.
Ultimately we are all Devils fans and every section has their own traditions and signature style. As long as "Jersey's Team" keeps winning I don't care where I sit as long as I'm in the house. I just think we can act a bit more Devilish... Just my .02... Thank you for your time and see you Thursday.
Here's to us all uniting as a fanbase as we head into the playoffs.
Agreed DevsIn2010. Let's all just move on, and let the issue go, as there doesn't appear to be any middle ground on the issue, and arguing back and forth isn't getting either side anywhere.
They should start marketing 215. "Alright, Devils army, someone, anyone, please go sit in section 215. ARE YOU LISTENING, DEVILS ARMY. PLEASE?????"
That first row always used to be empty when my seats were up in 216... I used to move down to the first row next to the steps in 215. If they filled it up I would have had to sit in my crappy seats all the time.
As a journeyman of many sections I have to say that there are distinct differences in the atmosphere between 208 and 122. The fans in 208 were gritty, aggressive, and at time downright offensive (in a good way?) and very colorful. I now am a resident at 122 though I am not nor
will I ever be a "Diablo". My "opinion" of 122 was that they seemed a little forced and maybe a little to PC for hockey here in the tristate area. I feel that when I go to a hockey game the passionate fans in a section should be heckling anyone wearing an opposing teams colors (or a Rags jersey). I don't get the feeling that any "enemy" feels intimidated by the Diablos. I think that even the most simple minded person who sees me at a game in any of my jerseys should know I support the Devils but it's my duty as a fan to make everyone know how much I HATE the other team. Unfortunately with the "I Believe" chant, the Diablos seem more like Carebears than like hardcore fans. Enough with the friendly crap and lets start tossing the other teams fans around and make them fear "The Rock". I've attended many games through the years in Philly and at the Garden. I still attend at least 1 Devs v Rags at the Garden every season. I stopped going to Philly because it just doesn't feel safe. I wish we could make Philly fans feel "not safe" in our house. Then they might stop busing as many of them up here.
Ultimately we are all Devils fans and every section has their own traditions and signature style. As long as "Jersey's Team" keeps winning I don't care where I sit as long as I'm in the house. I just think we can act a bit more Devilish... Just my .02... Thank you for your time and see you Thursday.
Thats really not the point of the section or why it was created. Its okay I am doing a good job in row 5 making up for it since my whole row is always opposing fans. lol
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Last edited by BrodeurRULES: 03-14-2012 at 09:28 AM.
As a journeyman of many sections I have to say that there are distinct differences in the atmosphere between 208 and 122. The fans in 208 were gritty, aggressive, and at time downright offensive (in a good way?) and very colorful. I now am a resident at 122 though I am not nor will I ever be a "Diablo". My "opinion" of 122 was that they seemed a little forced and maybe a little to PC for hockey here in the tristate area. I feel that when I go to a hockey game the passionate fans in a section should be heckling anyone wearing an opposing teams colors (or a Rags jersey). I don't get the feeling that any "enemy" feels intimidated by the Diablos. I think that even the most simple minded person who sees me at a game in any of my jerseys should know I support the Devils but it's my duty as a fan to make everyone know how much I HATE the other team. Unfortunately with the "I Believe" chant, the Diablos seem more like Carebears than like hardcore fans. Enough with the friendly crap and lets start tossing the other teams fans around and make them fear "The Rock". I've attended many games through the years in Philly and at the Garden. I still attend at least 1 Devs v Rags at the Garden every season. I stopped going to Philly because it just doesn't feel safe. I wish we could make Philly fans feel "not safe" in our house. Then they might stop busing as many of them up here.
Ultimately we are all Devils fans and every section has their own traditions and signature style. As long as "Jersey's Team" keeps winning I don't care where I sit as long as I'm in the house. I just think we can act a bit more Devilish... Just my .02... Thank you for your time and see you Thursday.
Where are the ******* or b***s*** chants, calling out opposing teams. Really a load of Crap are the diablos.
Where are the ******* or b***s*** chants, calling out opposing teams. Really a load of Crap are the diablos.
I know where they are. MSG..
This hatred party for the diablos is so unwarranted, and I agree that it reeks of jealousy and entitlement. I think this might be a time where you take a step back and explore the STH packages for other teams, and compare it to what you are offered by the Devils. There may not be another team in organzied sports that provides the benefits and experience to STH that the Devils do. One I can think of is Tampa Bay, but of the dozen or so sports teams I have looked into pretty thoroughly, they don't compare. Be appreciative, both of the team and the experience they provide you, and the fans that are willing to make major financial commitments to the team, rather than completely unconstructive banter about people in one section that get more attention than you.
The fans in 208 were gritty, aggressive, and at time downright offensive (in a good way?) and very colorful. I now am a resident at 122 though I am not nor will I ever be a "Diablo". My "opinion" of 122 was that they seemed a little forced and maybe a little to PC for hockey here in the tristate area. I feel that when I go to a hockey game the passionate fans in a section should be heckling anyone wearing an opposing teams colors. I don't get the feeling that any "enemy" feels intimidated by the Diablos. I think that even the most simple minded person who sees me at a game in any of my jerseys should know I support the Devils but it's my duty as a fan to make everyone know how much I HATE the other team. Unfortunately with the "I Believe" chant, the Diablos seem more like Carebears than like hardcore fans. Enough with the friendly crap and lets start tossing the other teams fans around and make them fear "The Rock". I've attended many games through the years in Philly and at the Garden. I still attend at least 1 Devs v Rags at the Garden every season. I stopped going to Philly because it just doesn't feel safe. I wish we could make Philly fans feel "not safe" in our house. Then they might stop busing as many of them up here.
I hope you re-read this post a few years from now so that you can see how silly and immature you were as a teenager.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xdl1
This hatred party for the diablos is so unwarranted, and I agree that it reeks of jealousy and entitlement.
The adjective I'd use is "pathetic".
The only thing I hate about the Diablos is the kid with the friggin' vuvuzela horn that knows he is pissing off thousands of people, and couldnt care less. That's also pathetic in the exact same way, in that all he cares about is personal attention.
But in general people should support the fact that the Devils are finally doing something to create more of a "cheering" game experience/environment, and it's actually fitting that it was the fans idea and had absolutely nothing to do with the Devils. I dont see how a "Super fan" section can be a bad thing, and if people in 208 or 233 are angry that they're no longer (in their own minds) the "Super fans"? GET A LIFE.
Last edited by BenedictGomez: 03-14-2012 at 10:11 AM.
You gotta admit, the place doesn't feel intimidating enough. Especially to rival fans.
Angry and bitter fanbases like Rags and Philly make their arenas terrible places to visit as hockey fans.
I'd rather that The Rock never becomes a clone of those cauldrons of venom.
Look at Montreal, not intimidating as an opposing fan, but a great hockey atmosphere. Same thing in the other Canadian cities.
I'd rather that our fans get louder and support the Devils by not only showing up but following the game more closely, rather than cursing, throwing food and threatening any opposing fan like our neighbors to the East and South do in their buildings with regularity.
Last edited by Devils Dominion: 03-14-2012 at 11:45 AM.
First off...important point...I've been very impressed by Scott, and as we're interviewing for our New Business Team hires in the coming weeks/months, I'd love to have him come meet with us. Knows a lot about the industry and is well-rounded in his knowledge. Scott, if it's not sales you're interested in, we'll help you find something. Your passion would be an asset to a team like ours (and we'll work to help you find something - hopefully here).
Short and simple on the Diablos - we have had a quiet building in the past (I think most would agree). The Diablos have volunteered to stand every game, create their own cheers and signs, look to make noise when the building is quiet. Through their own efforts, they have created a leadership panel of captains who organize meetings to discuss new cheers, organize outside events, attend player signings (non-Devils run) as a group, etc. Not everyone is going to love their cheers or the horns, etc...and it's on them to make changes as we share that feedback (or they hear that feedback). But their energy in-arena, to get the fans going, can't be denied.
I've spoken with members and leaders of the crazy's...and we're happy to work with them on similar efforts...but it has to be organized and centralized and consistent, every game.
Is the promotion with the Diablos forced? I think we could argue it is...at least in this first year...but to Scott's point, it wasn't happening on its own...at least to the point where noise from particular sections were affecting other sections.
I've noticed numerous times this year where the Diablose have started a Let's Go Devils chant during a dead time in a game, and it has woken up our crowd. That's why they are incorporated into the game presentation. Maybe some games it's 35 fans while other games it's 70...but it's powerful when all 35 or 70 (depending on the game) are consistently cheering, the same cheers, at the same time, all while standing up. Our arena needs more of that...
We love the loyalty everyone in every section has shown. I think the decision to incorporate them more into the game presentation has to do with the job they have done to be organized, unified, and active, each game.
This hatred party for the diablos is so unwarranted, and I agree that it reeks of jealousy and entitlement. I think this might be a time where you take a step back and explore the STH packages for other teams, and compare it to what you are offered by the Devils. There may not be another team in organzied sports that provides the benefits and experience to STH that the Devils do. One I can think of is Tampa Bay, but of the dozen or so sports teams I have looked into pretty thoroughly, they don't compare. Be appreciative, both of the team and the experience they provide you, and the fans that are willing to make major financial commitments to the team, rather than completely unconstructive banter about people in one section that get more attention than you.
I can't speak for what other teams right now, but I did a project at a previous position trying to compare the offerings from teams around the NHL and NBA. Due to time constraints, I really only was able to look at the NHL, and primarily teams in the Western Conference. This was 2 years ago, so a lot has changed, but its interesting to see how it varies team to team. No one offers the exact same. Some follow similar structures, but all have their own unique twist, probably as a result of the feedback from their particular season ticket holders. But you definitely are right. It is a very good package that is offered to Devils fans when you stop and consider the region the team operates. In the Northeast, it can easily be much more expensive (look across the river as a prime example), and with a lot fewer perks given the large amount of people living in the region. Especially since the team has been "stuck in their ways" at various points throughout their history, things didn't have to change - at least, not to the degree they have. There's a clear difference between having benefits thrown your way as appeasement, and giving benefits to show your value and build that mutual relationship and loyalty. What the Devils are doing is a clear example of the latter, when some times either do or may only feel obligated to do the former. There is a lot to appreciate here when you can step back and look at the whole picture.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marv4Life
You gotta admit, the place doesn't feel intimidating enough. Especially to rival fans.
Honestly, I don't want it to. This is hockey. Its not a football or soccer team. Its a tough sport, and has that kind of an air about it, but it doesn't need to have that kind of an attitude in the stands. Unless we are going to see 17,625 Devils fans buying seats every single night, why would we want to create an unfriendly environment for visiting fans? Let them buy tickets and want to come to the Rock. Its a beautiful building that should be showcased to anyone that wants to step inside. Every person who walks in has potential to buy more tickets, be it for another hockey game, a basketball game, a concert, whatever. And the more tickets that are sold for events, the better it is for the team and the building. I don't really see the appeal to having that intimidating vibe in the stands. It can easily be created in an on-ice sense, but that is accomplished by having a very loud, numerous fan base in attendance. THAT is something we can change, and it can be a healthy change. But making visiting fans fearful or worried about attending doesn't seem like it serves much of a purpose in my opinion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevsIn2010
Angry and bitter fanbases like Rags and Philly make their arenas terrible places to visit as hockey fans.
I'd rather that The Rock never becomes a clone of those cauldrons of venom.
Look at Montreal, not intimidating as an opposing fan, but a great hockey atmosphere. Same thing in the other Canadian cities.
I'd rather that our fans get louder and support the Devils by not only showing up but following the game more closely, rather than cursing, throwing food and threatening any opposing fan like our neighbors to the East and South do in their buildings with regularity.
Exactly how I feel. I love watching my team on the road when I am able to. Its rare, but geographically it's something I could do relatively easily. But I don't have that luxury because of some fan bases. Its just not an enjoyable experience going to see the Devils in either of those venues anymore because of senseless fan attitudes. I'm not afraid, and I don't feel unsafe. But there just seems to be a limited ability to have a good time, regardless of the on-ice result. Its a damn shame. And I don't see why we would want to encourage that for any fans, even if they're not Devils fans.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devs Service Answers
First off...important point...I've been very impressed by Scott, and as we're interviewing for our New Business Team hires in the coming weeks/months, I'd love to have him come meet with us. Knows a lot about the industry and is well-rounded in his knowledge. Scott, if it's not sales you're interested in, we'll help you find something. Your passion would be an asset to a team like ours (and we'll work to help you find something - hopefully here).
Short and simple on the Diablos - we have had a quiet building in the past (I think most would agree). The Diablos have volunteered to stand every game, create their own cheers and signs, look to make noise when the building is quiet. Through their own efforts, they have created a leadership panel of captains who organize meetings to discuss new cheers, organize outside events, attend player signings (non-Devils run) as a group, etc. Not everyone is going to love their cheers or the horns, etc...and it's on them to make changes as we share that feedback (or they hear that feedback). But their energy in-arena, to get the fans going, can't be denied.
I've spoken with members and leaders of the crazy's...and we're happy to work with them on similar efforts...but it has to be organized and centralized and consistent, every game.
Is the promotion with the Diablos forced? I think we could argue it is...at least in this first year...but to Scott's point, it wasn't happening on its own...at least to the point where noise from particular sections were affecting other sections.
I've noticed numerous times this year where the Diablose have started a Let's Go Devils chant during a dead time in a game, and it has woken up our crowd. That's why they are incorporated into the game presentation. Maybe some games it's 35 fans while other games it's 70...but it's powerful when all 35 or 70 (depending on the game) are consistently cheering, the same cheers, at the same time, all while standing up. Our arena needs more of that...
We love the loyalty everyone in every section has shown. I think the decision to incorporate them more into the game presentation has to do with the job they have done to be organized, unified, and active, each game.
I greatly appreciate the compliments. Thank you for the recognition. I intended to send you another email soon as a matter of fact. I know it must be crazy over there thanks to renewals, so I haven't pressed the issue much as of late.
Angry and bitter fanbases like Rags and Philly make their arenas terrible places to visit as hockey fans.
I'd rather that The Rock never becomes a clone of those cauldrons of venom.
Look at Montreal, not intimidating as an opposing fan, but a great hockey atmosphere. Same thing in the other Canadian cities.
All very well said.
It's a sporting event for the purpose of enjoyment, not a life-and-death 16th century European land battle.
I'm at a loss for words for people who wish to make the game experience "unpleasant" for visiting fans making the effort to appreciate their favorite team.
Though if I tried, I think "losers", "low-class", "pathetic", and "immature" would likely all do nicely.
It's a sporting event for the purpose of enjoyment, not a life-and-death 16th century European land battle.
I'm at a loss for words for people who wish to make the game experience "unpleasant" for visiting fans making the effort to appreciate their favorite team.
Though if I tried, I think "losers", "low-class", "pathetic", and "immature" would likely all do nicely.
Yeah, "prison gang war" isn't an atmosphere you should be shooting for. As many tickets the douchebaggery or the potential for douchebaggery at those games sells, it hurts them in other games when people go and then want nothing to do with coming back.
And one thing that has been proven over the years is that the people who participate in douchebaggery are for the most part, NOT loyal customers.
Yeah, "prison gang war" isn't an atmosphere you should be shooting for. As many tickets the douchebaggery or the potential for douchebaggery at those games sells, it hurts them in other games when people go and then want nothing to do with coming back.
And one thing that has been proven over the years is that the people who participate in douchebaggery are for the most part, NOT loyal customers.
As a parent, one of the great things is being able to take my kids to the Devils games and not fear for thier lives, or have to constantly shield them from drunken hooligans (well, at least most of the time). Devils fans are representative of New Jersey, just a giant cross section of demographics. MSG or Comcastland are representative of corporations, city dwellers and outer borough nighmare people, and that' s just how it is. Deal with it.
Devils fans are representative of New Jersey, just a giant cross section of demographics. MSG or Comcastland are representative of corporations, city dwellers and outer borough nighmare people, and that' s just how it is.
Very good summation of the differing fanbases of the teams in this area.
Did anyone else check out the State of NJ mural on the concourse? Definitely a cool addition to The Rock.
This year, we've been relying on each other for info on promos/giveaways - I wouldn't have known about the ice pack giveaway before going to Sunday's game except for reading it on here.
By the way, a picture of the hat they're giving away at the retro game is now on the Devils' website roadblock.
I would definitely recommend going on Facebook and writing down (or save in your phone) where your pictures ended up. The location that they were in when you first uploaded them are not necessarily where they ended up in the finished product. Plus, it saves time trying to find your picture, otherwise you could spend a whole intermission trying to find one picture among the 10,000 in the mural.
