Deron Treadwell wrote:
 
> >I would rather have only 4000 fans a game who are loud, and into the action,
> >than the 5000 we have now who are quiet, reserved and complain.  ...
 
Wayne Smith wrote:
 
> Let's see ... 1000 * $12/game * 17 games = $204,000 revenue lost per
> season, not counting concessions.  Last week, one (athletic) office
> didn't know how it could find the money for another telephone line.
>
> It's one thing to want a loud set of fans, but this is one point in time
> where economics are very important, IMHO.  And treating your customer
> with respect is always right.
>
 
Since we brought up economics, I believe it can be argued that if some sort of change is
not made to make the atmosphere at the Alfond more collegical, louder, or whatever it
will threaten the amount of revenue that the University will take in.  If the Alfond
remains sedated, potential recruits will observe this and decide to go elsewhere. This
would lead to a more mediocre team and less of all fans (except the people on this list)
would attend the games.
 
This may or may not help my arguement, but how well did the Womens basketball team draw
before there success of recent years ?
 
In Bill Stewart's article Greg Cronin is saying the lack of atmosphere is a problem.
I'm sure he had reasons for saying this and I would suspect part of the reason deals
with recruiting.
 
There is definitely a need to shake things up with the seating arrangement, whether it
is putting students in the balcony or not.  From reading Wayne's comments, it is
important that it is done delicately.  While that sounds like something a cheesy
politician would say, it's true.
 
>From having attended all of Maine's Hockey East away games this year, I can say that
while the Alfond's atmosphere pales in comparison to what it once was, I do not think
many of the other rinks in Hockey East have much to brag about either.  The only schools
in my opinion with a better atmosphere would be UNH and BU.  BC only has a better
atmosphere for a big game (playing BU).  However, being #3 or #4 in all around fan
support (atmosphere and attendance) in Hockey East is not good enough in my opinion.
 
 
Frank
 
Class of '92