If you go the Harrison/PATH parking option, be sure to leave plenty of time to get there by/before 8. Not sure which direction you're coming from, but in the past I would drive to Secaucus (going on 280 E from my house) and it would get very backed up at the exit for Harrison. If I remember correctly, it looked just as bad on the westbound side. This was often in the 7:20-7:45 AM range. Just be sure to anticipate traffic if you choose to go that way.
Sorry we haven't connected. Please send me an email w the best # to reach you on and I'd love to talk and see how I can help you. Prob gonna be next week if that's ok.
Why not leave a little earlier and just park in Manhattan near work at an early-bird rate? The $10 roundtrip NJTRANSIT fare approximates the tunnel fee anyway. Then just park in Newark along the street for free (as was said earlier).
my office is in the financial district in traffic can be miserable so I'd much rather take the path to make sure I'm there for the opening face off
Sorry we haven't connected. Please send me an email w the best # to reach you on and I'd love to talk and see how I can help you. Prob gonna be next week if that's ok.
Not a problem at all. I know things are always hectic over there, especially with the game schedule/renewals/new STHs all going on. I'll send you an email right away. Thanks for the follow up
Not one of the best run events tonight. Pure chaos, way too many people. I could probably make more money selling the tickets to this event than wasting my time in line after line.
Not one of the best run events tonight. Pure chaos, way too many people. I could probably make more money selling the tickets to this event than wasting my time in line after line.
Thanks for the feedback. These events are an impossibility to run. The irony of it is, each fan had to select specific events - meant to limit the # of folks at each, to enable more access. Imagine if every event was opened to everyone. Hard not to be the bad guys, no matter how you slice it...
The numbers are just an impossibility. In 2 and a half hours, you have 20ish guys that everyine want to meet. It's even worse in Bball where the team is smaller - 12 to 14 guys.
Happy to brainstorm other ways...but I've yet to find any team, in any market, who has found a way to give personal access to thousands of fans all at one event. We discuss this at league meetings all the time. You kinda have to appreciate the #s and decide which of the guys are the ones you specifically want to meet, and focus on those lines. Unfortunately, the most popular players take the longest to get to...
On the flip side, I've received numerous emails tonight from fans thanking us for the access provided. Many attached pics of them w a favorite player that they took on the ice.
Although these events are chaos, I appreciate that they give us 3 events a year w the players, to give to our fans. That's more than most teams I've worked with/for.
I also don't waste my time with the big players anymore. You'll waste your whole night waiting in lines.
I'm not saying I don't appreciate but it was chaotic and there were issues. Let's not paint a rosy picture because people sent praise emails and pictures.
Thanks for the feedback. These events are an impossibility to run. The irony of it is, each fan had to select specific events - meant to limit the # of folks at each, to enable more access. Imagine if every event was opened to everyone. Hard not to be the bad guys, no matter how you slice it...
The numbers are just an impossibility. In 2 and a half hours, you have 20ish guys that everyine want to meet. It's even worse in Bball where the team is smaller - 12 to 14 guys.
Happy to brainstorm other ways...but I've yet to find any team, in any market, who has found a way to give personal access to thousands of fans all at one event. We discuss this at league meetings all the time. You kinda have to appreciate the #s and decide which of the guys are the ones you specifically want to meet, and focus on those lines. Unfortunately, the most popular players take the longest to get to...
On the flip side, I've received numerous emails tonight from fans thanking us for the access provided. Many attached pics of them w a favorite player that they took on the ice.
Although these events are chaos, I appreciate that they give us 3 events a year w the players, to give to our fans. That's more than most teams I've worked with/for.
I've been going to these for quite a # of years and this is the first time I have experienced any significant "issues". A few thoughts:
1) My sense (Eric, please correct me if I am wrong) is that far more tickets were available this year than in prior years, due to the "selection" process. I believe all sths were eligible to choose this event; in prior years, it was more limited. Understandably, the Devils want to reward all sths with a great event, but (for all of the reasons you cite), it may not be possible and you may need to look at alternatives (having sths "prioritize" their access choices and not guaranteeing any certain event
2) Lafayette Street remained open to traffic in both directions. I thought that this was not the case in prior years (as it is closed on "event days"). Everyone was directed to the VIP Parking Garage and, by 5:30, the intersection at Broad and Lafayette was complete gridlock (with no police officer directing traffic). People probably should have been instructed to use multiple lots as well. I left my house about 5:15. On game nights, I can usually be in the building in about 25-30 minutes, door-to-door. Last night, it was about 1.25 hours until we got in the building
3) Again, re: parking. We finally got into the garage about 6:20. Based on where we parked, the # of people behind us, and the fact that no one was counting cars, I am sure some people got into the garage, drove around for a few minutes, and had to leave without having a place to park.
4) The fact that only 1 rink was available last night added to the logjam. I understand that, as the arena (hopefully) gets busier every year, it will be difficult to find an empty night (when the Devils have a couple of days off) when it also isn't being prepped for something else. However, this event used to be held early in the season and, if you look at dates from October, I would have to think there would be a time when both rinks are available for use
5) Even if only one rink is available (as, of course, was the case in the days of the CAA), I would suggest splitting the team into three groups and have 2/3 of the players on the concourse at all times. Given the # of people that don't skate (whether they can't skate, or because some players don't sign on the ice, or they want items signed that can't be brought onto the ice, etc.), I would think that this would alleviate a lot of the congestion on the concourse (and the much-larger concourses at the Rock could easily accommodate this) and people who want to see every player over the course of the evening could still do so by remaining on the ice
6) Maps/Schedule - perhaps it was because we arrived late, but we did not find anywhere to pick up a map showing where each player would be at each time. In the past, these were very helpful. My sense is that they were not made available (as we didn't see anyone else with one, either). This could help alleviate congestion or, at the least, save people who have a strong preference (whether for a particular player or for the "shortest line") some wandering time. Also, it would be helpful if there were a way to know which line was for which player. While the player's # is on the signing table, if it's a long line you can't see that from the back of the line.
Eric - this is all meant as constructive criticism. As you note, the Devils give their sths far more/better access to their players than virtually any other team (certainly any other team in this market). However, you also want to make sure that the sths get what (they think) you promised them. My sense is that, last night, for perhaps the first time ever at this event, some may not feel that way ... particularly those who have attended before.
This was the first time I've been at this event, but I've heard from people in the past how enjoyable it was. I didn't feel that way, it was chaotic from start to finish. I'm going to add to a few points that indfin said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by indfin
I've been going to these for quite a # of years and this is the first time I have experienced any significant "issues". A few thoughts:
1) My sense (Eric, please correct me if I am wrong) is that far more tickets were available this year than in prior years, due to the "selection" process. I believe all sths were eligible to choose this event; in prior years, it was more limited. Understandably, the Devils want to reward all sths with a great event, but (for all of the reasons you cite), it may not be possible and you may need to look at alternatives (having sths "prioritize" their access choices and not guaranteeing any certain event
This was one of the big issues. It's great that they let people choose what events they wanted based on years with the team, but when you've been a STH for less years and this is your one event, it adds all these extra people.
Is there a reason this event couldn't be split into 2 nights?
Quote:
Originally Posted by indfin
2) Lafayette Street remained open to traffic in both directions. I thought that this was not the case in prior years (as it is closed on "event days"). Everyone was directed to the VIP Parking Garage and, by 5:30, the intersection at Broad and Lafayette was complete gridlock (with no police officer directing traffic). People probably should have been instructed to use multiple lots as well. I left my house about 5:15. On game nights, I can usually be in the building in about 25-30 minutes, door-to-door. Last night, it was about 1.25 hours until we got in the building
3) Again, re: parking. We finally got into the garage about 6:20. Based on where we parked, the # of people behind us, and the fact that no one was counting cars, I am sure some people got into the garage, drove around for a few minutes, and had to leave without having a place to park.
Parking was an absolute DISASTER! I sat at the traffic light at Broad and Lafayette for 15 minutes and moved 1 car length and finally said forget it. I turned down the next street where the court is and just parked across the street for an extra $5 so I could get inside. There was not one cop outside directing traffic, nor roads blocked off near the arena.
I also didn't get inside until about 6:15-6:20 and while I had to wait for someone to show up, I looked around on the ice (which was already chaos) and then went up downstairs which was even worse.
Quote:
Originally Posted by indfin
4) The fact that only 1 rink was available last night added to the logjam. I understand that, as the arena (hopefully) gets busier every year, it will be difficult to find an empty night (when the Devils have a couple of days off) when it also isn't being prepped for something else. However, this event used to be held early in the season and, if you look at dates from October, I would have to think there would be a time when both rinks are available for use
5) Even if only one rink is available (as, of course, was the case in the days of the CAA), I would suggest splitting the team into three groups and have 2/3 of the players on the concourse at all times. Given the # of people that don't skate (whether they can't skate, or because some players don't sign on the ice, or they want items signed that can't be brought onto the ice, etc.), I would think that this would alleviate a lot of the congestion on the concourse (and the much-larger concourses at the Rock could easily accommodate this) and people who want to see every player over the course of the evening could still do so by remaining on the ice
I also heard people complaining about this and that's understandable with all the extra people. There had to be a date earlier on that could have been better or as I suggested, splitting it into 2 nights.
My other suggestion would be to strictly enforce the rules you put forth. I realize the players want to be nice to everyone but if you want things to move a little more quickly it needs to be enforced.
This brings me to another point - on the ice pictures only, on the course autographs only. It would make the lines run a lot more smoothly and allow for more people to see the players they want. I would add enforcing a 1 autograph limit for the bigger players as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by indfin
6) Maps/Schedule - perhaps it was because we arrived late, but we did not find anywhere to pick up a map showing where each player would be at each time. In the past, these were very helpful. My sense is that they were not made available (as we didn't see anyone else with one, either). This could help alleviate congestion or, at the least, save people who have a strong preference (whether for a particular player or for the "shortest line") some wandering time. Also, it would be helpful if there were a way to know which line was for which player. While the player's # is on the signing table, if it's a long line you can't see that from the back of the line.
That would have been nice so you knew where the players were instead of having to ask people.
I also was a little disappointed that they cut the lines off at 7pm, told us the next group would be there at 7:20 and it was closer to 7:35-7:40 before that next player arrived. I waited upstairs for awhile for 2 players and finally got down to the ice around 7:55. I was trying to adhere to the no autographs rule on the ice which is why I waited upstairs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by indfin
Eric - this is all meant as constructive criticism. As you note, the Devils give their sths far more/better access to their players than virtually any other team (certainly any other team in this market). However, you also want to make sure that the sths get what (they think) you promised them. My sense is that, last night, for perhaps the first time ever at this event, some may not feel that way ... particularly those who have attended before.
I would also have to agree with this. There's nothing wrong with someone saying that the event was chaotic and to feel you have to defend yourself saying we're lucky we even get these events. I know we're lucky to get these events, but there has to be a way for them to run more smoothly. As I stated above, just because you got thank you's and pictures from people doesn't mean it was run smoothly.
I know what players to stay away from, unfortunately others do not and that's when it becomes an issue. A friend of mine waited for over an hour in Marty's line and had it cut off 7 people in front of him (and he stated Marty left early - not sure if that's true or not), but these are things to be concerned about.
Again, I'm thankful you offer these events to us, but there's got to be a better way to deal with them.
I've been going to these for quite a # of years and this is the first time I have experienced any significant "issues". A few thoughts:
1) My sense (Eric, please correct me if I am wrong) is that far more tickets were available this year than in prior years, due to the "selection" process. I believe all sths were eligible to choose this event; in prior years, it was more limited. Understandably, the Devils want to reward all sths with a great event, but (for all of the reasons you cite), it may not be possible and you may need to look at alternatives (having sths "prioritize" their access choices and not guaranteeing any certain event
2) Lafayette Street remained open to traffic in both directions. I thought that this was not the case in prior years (as it is closed on "event days"). Everyone was directed to the VIP Parking Garage and, by 5:30, the intersection at Broad and Lafayette was complete gridlock (with no police officer directing traffic). People probably should have been instructed to use multiple lots as well. I left my house about 5:15. On game nights, I can usually be in the building in about 25-30 minutes, door-to-door. Last night, it was about 1.25 hours until we got in the building
3) Again, re: parking. We finally got into the garage about 6:20. Based on where we parked, the # of people behind us, and the fact that no one was counting cars, I am sure some people got into the garage, drove around for a few minutes, and had to leave without having a place to park.
4) The fact that only 1 rink was available last night added to the logjam. I understand that, as the arena (hopefully) gets busier every year, it will be difficult to find an empty night (when the Devils have a couple of days off) when it also isn't being prepped for something else. However, this event used to be held early in the season and, if you look at dates from October, I would have to think there would be a time when both rinks are available for use
5) Even if only one rink is available (as, of course, was the case in the days of the CAA), I would suggest splitting the team into three groups and have 2/3 of the players on the concourse at all times. Given the # of people that don't skate (whether they can't skate, or because some players don't sign on the ice, or they want items signed that can't be brought onto the ice, etc.), I would think that this would alleviate a lot of the congestion on the concourse (and the much-larger concourses at the Rock could easily accommodate this) and people who want to see every player over the course of the evening could still do so by remaining on the ice
6) Maps/Schedule - perhaps it was because we arrived late, but we did not find anywhere to pick up a map showing where each player would be at each time. In the past, these were very helpful. My sense is that they were not made available (as we didn't see anyone else with one, either). This could help alleviate congestion or, at the least, save people who have a strong preference (whether for a particular player or for the "shortest line") some wandering time. Also, it would be helpful if there were a way to know which line was for which player. While the player's # is on the signing table, if it's a long line you can't see that from the back of the line.
Eric - this is all meant as constructive criticism. As you note, the Devils give their sths far more/better access to their players than virtually any other team (certainly any other team in this market). However, you also want to make sure that the sths get what (they think) you promised them. My sense is that, last night, for perhaps the first time ever at this event, some may not feel that way ... particularly those who have attended before.
Please keep it coming - for all events, policies, decisions. We do not take offense to any of it...it only helps us get better. All I ask is that in giving the feedback, you consider some of the constraints we may be under...which hopefully I will explain clearly...
In Phoenix, at the height of the Amare/Nash era, we had to cap the season ticket base at 15,000. We had an 18,000 seat arena and we wanted to make sure we had 3,000 seats available for single game/groups to come out individually - these folks deserved to have a chance to come to games - and they are your pipeline to new package sales when the team is on a down cycle. Miami made this mistake when they got shaq many years ago. Sold the whole building out to Sths, had no game to game risk, and fired many on their staff. After the team won it all, shaq left, the team went into the tank, and the fans bailed on them
I give that as a background because as you grow a fan base you have a whole new set of challenges.
For us here with the devils - some things (I believe) are positive challenges - for example, the 13 game plan buyer who has been accustomed to getting the same row one aisle seat made available to him/her year after year, no longer can have that location because someone wants it as a relocation seat for renewals or for a new full season ticket. There are a lot of changes that fans go thru that takes explaining as the base grows.
The events are one of them. In Phoenix, we had ONE player event, and a much larger base of Sths. If you think last night was a challenge, imagine that . Fans were forced to choose one or two players to get autographs from instead of 5 or 6. The numbers just become an impossibility - as the base grows, unfortunately the size of the team does not. The result is less time per fan per player. Outside of growing the # of players on the team...or asking for 5 events instead of 3, i don't know how we could do it. I think our hockey ops group is generous by comparison w the 3 events we do get.
To some of your specific questions:
- please let me know exactly what you mean about Lafayette. We were told Lafayette was closed to traffic from the garage to mulberry. Candidly I did not have a chance to go outside once the event started. Please let me know.
- the parking folks do in fact count cars and do not allow more cars than spots. The direction in the email to come to the garage was just a matter of courtesy - cheaper parking, closer to the building. We assumed most folks would know that the other lots (that we do not control on non game days), would be another option for folks...but if it helps we can put it in the emails going forward.
- agreed with you on the maps. Been pushing for it for all events. Their hesitancy is - of a player last minute can't make it due to injury or other reasons, they dont want their spot in print, only to have them not be there. We at least were able to provide all employees w the player locations to help direct folks. But we will continue to ask for the maps and see if we can make a change at future events.
- did more people select this event? Roughy 100 more than last season. Show rate may have been higher due to the team being in a better standing than last year. Everyone wants to associate w a winner. Those things you never know. However, we already got "killed" for not allowing everyone to choose every event. If we limited which event they could choose, there would be uproars. Unfortunately as the base grows these events will become more crowded. i do think in terms of name recognition, this event is the most well known...so more folks choose it. The BBQ was relatively light. I think in future years, numbers for these three events will even out as folks learn the "system"
-the playing surface not being down and the date of the event is all about building availability. This stat still amazes me- but we are the third busiest building in the country behind MSG and staples. W the nba lockout, the games had to be condensed and there were/are so few dates available.
I think the fact that there was one ice surface avail actually helped - as it meant MORE time for players in the autograph lines than in previous years. There used to be 3 sessions - 2 ice and one autograph, last night, there were only 2 sessions and therefore more time on the autograph lines for the guys. However, we were asked not to have 3 sessions - two of which were autographs and one skate.
Overall, good feedback and thank you. I'm writing from my phone on way back in to work on a train so I apologize for the informality of this post or any bad grammar. Thanks.
If it was only offered to Gold Circle members (and Club Seats if I'm not mistaken) and there were only 100 more people that picked that, then apparently there was more GC/CS people than I thought.
As a STH this was the first time I got to choose this event. I now know what to do for the whole event and won't bother with autographs (although I usually don't - I was helping out 2 friends that have been trying to get autographs and couldn't).
1. Lafayette was open to traffic both directions from Broad to Mulberry. Literally hundreds of cars (and trucks) were using Lafayetter[/B]
2. Didn't see anyone counting cars ... anecdotally, I heard from people who drove to the top only to find it full
3. Always had maps in the past (I missed last year's event, so I can't say for sure about last year. While last-minute cancellations could be an issue, a sign at that table (and the absence of a line) would alleviate any issue
3. Hard to believe there were only 100 more than last season, given that it was made available to far more people, but you have the figures, so it is what it is. Correct, of course, that a larger st base will make all of these events more crowded ... you are likely going to have to either not allow everyone to choose from everything or limit the # that "get" each event (as you do with various "prizes", etc.) Unfortunately, that will mean that longer-term sths will feel that benefits have been reduced
4. I can't remember: with 3 sessions, did each player spent 2/3 of their time on the concourse (they skated on one rink or the other, but not both) or did they go from one rink to the other (meaning 2/3 of time on ice and 1/3 on concourse).
The other alternative is to scrap the skating portion entirely. I think that would be a shame, as I think those on-ice pictures are the best part of the entire event (I have great pics of my kids on the ice with the players through the years, including a picture of Marty with my (then) 3-year old (who is going off to college in the Fall) on his shoulders). However, if autographs are the primary motivation for folks, this would provide much more time (and would eliminate the 20-30 minutes of "changeover" time, allowing more time for autographs or allowing the players to get out faster.
1. Lafayette was open to traffic both directions from Broad to Mulberry. Literally hundreds of cars (and trucks) were using Lafayetter[/B]
2. Didn't see anyone counting cars ... anecdotally, I heard from people who drove to the top only to find it full
3. Always had maps in the past (I missed last year's event, so I can't say for sure about last year. While last-minute cancellations could be an issue, a sign at that table (and the absence of a line) would alleviate any issue
3. Hard to believe there were only 100 more than last season, given that it was made available to far more people, but you have the figures, so it is what it is. Correct, of course, that a larger st base will make all of these events more crowded ... you are likely going to have to either not allow everyone to choose from everything or limit the # that "get" each event (as you do with various "prizes", etc.) Unfortunately, that will mean that longer-term sths will feel that benefits have been reduced
4. I can't remember: with 3 sessions, did each player spent 2/3 of their time on the concourse (they skated on one rink or the other, but not both) or did they go from one rink to the other (meaning 2/3 of time on ice and 1/3 on concourse).
The other alternative is to scrap the skating portion entirely. I think that would be a shame, as I think those on-ice pictures are the best part of the entire event (I have great pics of my kids on the ice with the players through the years, including a picture of Marty with my (then) 3-year old (who is going off to college in the Fall) on his shoulders). However, if autographs are the primary motivation for folks, this would provide much more time (and would eliminate the 20-30 minutes of "changeover" time, allowing more time for autographs or allowing the players to get out faster.
Had I known what the autograph lines were going to be like, I would have spent much more time on the ice. I do know that for the future.
I don't feel that because you spend more money for certain seats you should be entitled to better benefits if that's what you're saying...is that what you're saying?
Had I known what the autograph lines were going to be like, I would have spent much more time on the ice. I do know that for the future.
I don't feel that because you spend more money for certain seats you should be entitled to better benefits if that's what you're saying...is that what you're saying?
If you skate, then (in my opinion) the ice is absolutely the better choice, and it's not even close. You get better pictures and can actually spend a little time talking to the players (with just a couple of exceptions, at most, where they need to keep things moving to get everyone a picture). In the past, even the most popular players were able to accommodate everyone with a picture (and usually some time to chat). Despite the "no-autographs on ice" rule, virtually every player will sign a jersey or hat ... you can't bring most other items on the ice, so those who want a stick autographed, for example, have no choice but the concourse.
I don't feel that because you spend more money for certain seats you should be entitled to better benefits if that's what you're saying...is that what you're saying?
Nope, not saying that. They may, however, need to limit the # of tickets available. That could be done on the basis of sth tenure, early renewal, random, or "alternate years" ... or any other basis.
Having said that, Eric indicated that they only had 100 people more than last year. That seems inconceivable to me, based on both what happened last night (while people often got cut off for a couple of players on the concourse in the past, it was far worse last night .. .plus all of the other issues mentioned never occurred in the past) and, as you said, the fact that they greatly expanded the universe of people eligible to get tickets to this event.
What if they get another 1,000 sths next year, all of whom are allowed to choose this event?
As much as I love to complain about boneheaded things that this organization does (getting the Niedermayer banner wrong in two ways, cutting media guides out altogether), I think that this is a case of you can't please all of the people all of the time. If you have been to this event before, you knew what to expect. It sounds like people who have not attended before (through absolutely no fault of their own) had unreasonably high expectations for autographs. I thought overall, it went pretty well. There are always kinks but that is to be expected at an event like this.
My only major gripe from last night was the parking. We were told that Lafayette would be closed from the Mulberry end, which it was not. This funneled everyone to the Broad Street side for no reason. If the street was set up as described, there could have been 3 lanes going toward the lot (getting people off of Broad quicker if not into the lot quicker) and one leading away to allow cars to leave. Instead, there were two lanes of cars leaving and only one going toward the lot because of trucks blocking the right lane completely (I assume that they were the reason that the Mulberry end was supposed to be shut off). It caused delays for a lot of people, including some of the players whom I saw pull in in front of me after 6.
I have two suggestions on how this might be improved in the future:
1) I echo the idea that the concourse should be for autographs only. If people want pictures they can do it on the ice (if they can skate) or choose one of the other events where that is the main objective.
2) Rather than having the players sit at individual tables, have them sit in 2-3 groups of long tables. When the AHL team was in Lowell, they used the assembly line method for autographs and they seemed to be able to speed people through effectively. If people want to get an autograph from everyone, they have a chance to. If people want to pick and choose, they can skip the people they don't want. There is still plenty of time to say hi to the players while you wait for the person in front of you to shuffle along.
This type of event used to be open to all STHs in the '80s and early '90s. I think it's great that everyone has access again.
I've only been to a couple of these skates before and I've never been on the concourse so I can't speak for what the deal normally is there, but I'd imagine the concourses are always going to be more crowded because there are more people that can't skate that go to these than people who know how
The ice though was definitely more crowded last night than in prior years, which I understand there was nothing that could be done due to the circus having the use of the main rink, but the lines for players on the ice really weren't too bad compared to prior years, there was just a lot more clutter on the ice......the bigger named guys (Marty, Patty, Kovy) didn't sign and thats fine/understandable/how it has always been, they are going to have the biggest lines and not signing on the ice for the bigger named guys will help move things along
I do not agree that the players should only sign on the concourse though, it has always worked out when I went to these skates when players signed in both places, this time it was a bit more hectic because of the use of only 2 locations in the arena - if some thought the concourse was bad last night, just imagine how much worse it will be when the players are only signing there, it will take that many more people on the ice who are seeking autographs there, up to the concourse and make it even more crowded
Normally there is 1/3 of the team on the practice rink, another 1/3 on the main rink, and the last 1/3 on the concourse which spreads things out a bit and there is a lot less of the lines and stuff and as CJ mentioned above, perhaps a better date could have been thought of to make use of the 3 different locations possible, and yes I do understand there are a lot of events going on at the arena that make it tough for scheduling, but normally these skates were held in November or so
Theoretically, the whole point of three events was to have something for everyone - a signing for autographs only, the BBQ for chatting with the players and the skate for a combination of the two. I guess it's impossible to please everyone when almost everyone wants all three to be auto's.
I'm still looking forward to when I finally become eligible for one of the events next year, since I signed up too late for it this year, and before that I never got most of the extras from the guy I got my seats in 208 from before this year. Judging by the feedback from the BBQ and this, it's night and day considering all the positive feedback that got and the negative feedback of this one. It might influence my choice next year though I wouldn't mind getting some things signed. I can't skate and driving isn't an issue for me though.
I do not agree that the players should only sign on the concourse though
They shouldn't only sign on the concourse (they should be free to sign on the ice if they want), but on the concourse, they should only sign. (I feel like this could devolve into an Abbott and Costello routine)
They shouldn't only sign on the concourse (they should be free to sign on the ice if they want), but on the concourse, they should only sign. (I feel like this could devolve into an Abbott and Costello routine)
Ah maybe I misinterpreted that
Like I said, I won't comment about the concourse because I've never been there during one of these skates, but I do agree that for THIS event, players should be free to sign in each location
. Fans were forced to choose one or two players to get autographs from instead of 5 or 6. The numbers just become an impossibility - as the base grows, unfortunately the size of the team does not. The result is less time per fan per player. Outside of growing the # of players on the team...or asking for 5 events instead of 3, i don't know how we could do it. I think our hockey ops group is generous by comparison w the 3 events we do get.
