Back to the reason for the madness... NEW ARENA? and the fans

[sactownfan]

Well first and for most i wanna congratulate the city of Sacramento and KJ on obviously presenting enough of a tangible case that things can still work out here. This effort has bought you 365 days to take these hopes and promises and put it down into a ground breaking ceremony.

While many of you may be feeling a sense of victory, its important to remember... it is, but it isn't... there is no victory until you have a new arena.

also while many fans are feeling like they made a difference they should think again... wearing purple, hanging out in arco after the last game to protest, and this "Here We Stay" selling out a measly 2 maybe 3 games.... that isn't why, and didn't affect why the Kings are still in town...

As a fan that can not attend games being in southern california. Im disgusted by the pathetic support for this team and its extremely young players... this board and Sacramento talk a good game, but your attendance was still 2nd worst, and has been the worst for some time. FYI i was one of those people that was on the "wait list" for anaheim. I would pay to see last years team and the year before, ect. because i love basketball, i love being at games, i love the Kings and i used to love having spencer hawes look right at me when i told him to "hit the weights" LOL! (vs the clippers). as frustrating as its been, the Kings our my team, and these KIDS need support.

Just imagine Arco/PBP was sold out all year. you think the Maloofs would have considered filing? (although possible it would be doubtful) is it possible that our team could have stepped up and won a few more games with the crowds help??... 6th man... you guys remember that? ? think about all those close games blown in the 4th or second half... but they played to the sound of crickets... and lost

KJ is the one that bailed sacramento out here. not the fans... the fans only contributed all season to the maloofs willingness to leave. BUT...

you as fans have a chance to step up this year... BUY SOME TICKETS!!! wow! actually make a difference with how this team plays and how successful the business is.

KJ is going to do his part, thats for dang sure. Hes a man on a mission. but you fans need to stop blaming this and that and just go to the frick'n games.

stop taking it for granted, enjoy it while you still can and maybe it could buy you another year after next, or many many more to come.

 

[Gary]

Are you always on?

Seriously.. Lowest payroll in the leage (at times below the lowest allowed and had to take on injured salaries to compensate), and rumors of moving all season (Maloofs in talks with Anaheim to move since last SEPTEMBER 2010). Do you really think that it's our fault we weren't attending games? Blame game goes both ways. You put that same team on the floor in the OC and it will most likely draw less.

 

[sactownfan]

as someone that lives 5mins from anaheim.. i can tell you right now... attendance would be much much higher. at least middle of the pack, but not at the bottom... There is a ton of money here, plus a ton of people that like basketball, and hate traffic... hence going to Laker/Clippers games... location alone would keep attendance strong with good/bad teams.... btw for everyone that mentions the Ducks attendance... its hockey people... and southern california... basketball will always be King here.

your missing the point.. your excuses for not going to games is weak. you and everyone like you can look in the mirror if the Kings leave.

good to know a team has to contend for you to go to basketball games... and as for the maloofs... way to show them you care by not going to the games... genius

 

[funkykingston]

You were on a "wait list" and that entitles you to criticize fan support in Sacramento? When you split season tickets for 10 years (as I did) then you can point your finger at me and call me a bad fan. And for all the talk of "Anaheim fans don't want to drive to see the Lakers and Clippers" I drove 45 minutes from Stockton for 5 of those years.

And for the record, high ticket prices in a deep recession to go see a poor performing team in negotiations to move cities is not an excuse. I can't imagine any scenario where a team would generate ANY fan support in that circumstance.

 

[Bricklayer]

Look Sac fans have to look in the mirror at least this much --you weren't there for the last few years. the "world's greatest fans" became the emptiest of slogans. I think may have even been dead last in attendance last year. Its inexcusable for the same city that sold out 10 straight years of Wayman tisdale and Walt Williams.

But when the chips were down, there was some revival of the old spirit. People who had forgotten they cared, came back. And now this is where looking in that mirror is key: you can NOT be the fans you were last year, or the year before, or the year before, and still keep this team. You have to recognize that sort of effort will not get it done anymore. Have to recognze the need to find more enthusiasm. Do you need to sell out every game? Oh, that would be a brillaint touch, but I doubt that is what we are talking about. But you have to really show a big bump in attendance. Promise for the future. If you don't recognize that and think the last few years have been a good enough showing by the fans, then nothing will change and you will lose the team. You are part of this equation too.

 

[Section 101]

as someone that lives 5mins from anaheim.. i can tell you right now... attendance would be much much higher. at least middle of the pack, but not at the bottom... There is a ton of money here, plus a ton of people that like basketball, and hate traffic... hence going to Laker/Clippers games... location alone would keep attendance strong with good/bad teams.... btw for everyone that mentions the Ducks attendance... its hockey people... and southern california... basketball will always be King here.

your missing the point.. your excuses for not going to games is weak. you and everyone like you can look in the mirror if the Kings leave.

good to know a team has to contend for you to go to basketball games... and as for the maloofs... way to show them you care by not going to the games... genius

Is that why the Angels have the lowest ticket prices in baseball and the 2nd lowest TV ratings?

 

[sactownfan]

why does everyone think im talking to them personally?... look good for you funkykingston... way to be a real loyal fan... if what im saying doesn't apply to you, dont take it like it does... if you haven't been going to games now or for awhile then this post applies.... geez guys...

however if your a true fan and want to make a difference then being excited and pushing to sell more tickets in general is the biggest way to make a difference...

look at all those people that all of a sudden showed up... after the fact, when it was almost too late... some of them are on this board...

 

[rainmaker]

Weren't SoCal fans recently voted the absolute worst fans in sports? Didn't Sac sell out 19 of 26 seasons, and saw a bump in attendence this year after rumors of the Kings leaving? Didn't Gavin just tell CD, which I put in another thread, that the Kings fans were a "huge" reason for coming back? Haven't the fans here received support and recognition from national journalists saying we as fans definitely don't deserve to lose the team after the years of support?

I agree more fans need to go to games. I live in the Bay Area, and went to 7 games this year in Sac, and both road games in Oakland. I make the effort. I also pay for league pass. Blaming the fans here is complete idiocy. Comparing SoCal fans to Kings fans is also complete idiocy.

 

[sactownfan]

Look Sac fans have to look in the mirror at least this much --you weren't there for the last few years. the "world's greatest fans" became the emptiest of slogans. I think may have even been dead last in attendance last year. Its inexcusable for the same city that sold out 10 straight years of Wayman tisdale and Walt Williams.

But when the chips were down, there was some revival of the old spirit. People who had forgotten they cared, came back. And now this is where looking in that mirror is key: you can NOT be the fans you were last year, or the year before, or the year before, and still keep this team. You have to recognize that sort of effort will not get it done anymore. Have to recognze the need to find more enthusiasm. Do you need to sell out every game? Oh, that would be a brillaint touch, but I doubt that is what we are talking about. But you have to really show a big bump in attendance. Promise for the future. If you don't recognize that and think the last few years have been a good enough showing by the fans, then nothing will change and you will lose the team. You are part of this equation too.

precisely... well said... if you wanna call yourselves "the worlds greatest fans" then that means putting bags on your heads if you must, but you still go to the games. as far as the numbers go your currently the "second worst fans in the NBA" this needs to change. this is how the fans can affect the move

 

[Warhawk]

as someone that lives 5mins from anaheim.. i can tell you right now... attendance would be much much higher. at least middle of the pack, but not at the bottom... There is a ton of money here, plus a ton of people that like basketball, and hate traffic... hence going to Laker/Clippers games... location alone would keep attendance strong with good/bad teams.... btw for everyone that mentions the Ducks attendance... its hockey people... and southern california... basketball will always be King here.

your missing the point.. your excuses for not going to games is weak. you and everyone like you can look in the mirror if the Kings leave.

good to know a team has to contend for you to go to basketball games... and as for the maloofs... way to show them you care by not going to the games... genius

5 minutes? Knowing SoCal traffic, I think that's what, 37 ft if you are in a the carpool lane, right?

Basketball won't be king there, the Lakers will. Any 3rd team down there won't be able to draw Laker fans away. It might draw some of those that hate the Lakers, but putting the "Queens" in SoCal is NOT going to bring sellouts to the Honda Center.

 

[Kingsguy881]

Is that why the Angels have the lowest ticket prices in baseball and the 2nd lowest TV ratings?

Game. Set. Match.

 

[sactownfan]

Game. Set. Match.

pretty sure forbes has the angels ranked as the 9th most valuable baseball team.

 

[ITSCdanimal]

as someone that lives 5mins from anaheim.. i can tell you right now... attendance would be much much higher. at least middle of the pack, but not at the bottom... There is a ton of money here, plus a ton of people that like basketball, and hate traffic... hence going to Laker/Clippers games... location alone would keep attendance strong with good/bad teams.... btw for everyone that mentions the Ducks attendance... its hockey people... and southern california... basketball will always be King here.

your missing the point.. your excuses for not going to games is weak. you and everyone like you can look in the mirror if the Kings leave.

good to know a team has to contend for you to go to basketball games... and as for the maloofs... way to show them you care by not going to the games... genius

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

First of all, let's start with your claim that the Kings have been amongst the worst in attendence for "some time". Less than four years ago, we ended a streak of well over 300 consecutive sellouts; which was only briefly separated from an even longer streak of consecutive sellouts dating back essentially to the Kings arriving in town. Four years is hardly a significant period of time in this case.

And what did it take to actually start turning fans away starting with the 2007-2008 season? First year of a recession? Check. Ticket prices amongst the highest in the NBA? Check. A losing record? Check. Trading fan favorites in obvious cost cutting maneuvers, eventually resulting in the leagues lowest payroll? Check. Constant rumors of the Maloofs moving the team? Check. An arena that by all estimations is the worst in the NBA, with essentially no money being put into maintenance or renovations? Check.

Exactly how loyal do you expect local fans to be? Please don't tell me that Anaheim would be 'middle of the pack' under these circumstances, I am from Mission Viejo and I know that the fans are fairweather and will NOT support a sub-par product out of loyalty; hell, they barely support winning products.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

as someone that lives 5mins from anaheim.. i can tell you right now... attendance would be much much higher. at least middle of the pack, but not at the bottom... There is a ton of money here, plus a ton of people that like basketball, and hate traffic... hence going to Laker/Clippers games... location alone would keep attendance strong with good/bad teams.... btw for everyone that mentions the Ducks attendance... its hockey people... and southern california... basketball will always be King here.

your missing the point.. your excuses for not going to games is weak. you and everyone like you can look in the mirror if the Kings leave.

good to know a team has to contend for you to go to basketball games... and as for the maloofs... way to show them you care by not going to the games... genius

Using traffic as an excuse to not go to games is pretty weak too.

 

[Section 101]

pretty sure forbes has the angels ranked as the 9th most valuable baseball team.

How did you like the rams draft pick?

 

[Glenn]

also while many fans are feeling like they made a difference they should think again... wearing purple, hanging out in arco after the last game to protest, and this "Here We Stay" selling out a measly 2 maybe 3 games.... that isn't why, and didn't affect why the Kings are still in town...

Is this what you think was all the fans did? Fortunately we have a mayor that sees what happened here. Without the fans, no KJ energy. Without KJ energy, no team. Putting down fan effort and monetary contributions is a cheap shot. But then I'm just one of those fans.

 

[funkykingston]

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

First of all, let's start with your claim that the Kings have been amongst the worst in attendence for "some time". Less than four years ago, we ended a streak of well over 300 consecutive sellouts; which was only briefly separated from an even longer streak of consecutive sellouts dating back essentially to the Kings arriving in town. Four years is hardly a significant period of time in this case.

And what did it take to actually start turning fans away starting with the 2007-2008 season? First year of a recession? Check. Ticket prices amongst the highest in the NBA? Check. A losing record? Check. Trading fan favorites in obvious cost cutting maneuvers, eventually resulting in the leagues lowest payroll? Check. Constant rumors of the Maloofs moving the team? Check. An arena that by all estimations is the worst in the NBA, with essentially no money being put into maintenance or renovations? Check.

Exactly how loyal do you expect local fans to be? Please don't tell me that Anaheim would be 'middle of the pack' under these circumstances, I am from Mission Viejo and I know that the fans are fairweather and will NOT support a sub-par product out of loyalty; hell, they barely support winning products.

Great post.

The reaction to the OP is based not on it's stated premise, but on the apparent underlying intimation. Yes, we KNOW fan attendance is part of the equation and we must ramp up efforts next season. In reality, everything hinges on an arena deal, but good fan support should be part of the equation as well.

But when the point is made with what appears to be the subtext of "your city has horrible attendance and doesn't deserve a team they should have moved to Anaheim where they'd get better support" there will be obvious backlash to that.

Not to digress, but I think it's interesting to note that even under the best of circumstances the Kings will finish middle of the pack attendance wise. Arco/PBP's capacity being siginificantly lower than many arenas means that even a year of sellouts wouldn't have the team cracking the top ten purely by headcount.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

precisely... well said... if you wanna call yourselves "the worlds greatest fans" then that means putting bags on your heads if you must, but you still go to the games. as far as the numbers go your currently the "second worst fans in the NBA" this needs to change. this is how the fans can affect the move

The more important number is percentage. Percentage wise the KINGS had better attendance than a few teams. Kings attendance was at 80% last year (reported at least). You have to keep in mind that with Arco's capacity, they could sell out every game and still only be 15th or so in overall attendance.

 

[NewKingsFan916]

How quickly do some forget the kings sellout past only a few short years ago.

 

[hrdboild]

A lot of fans haven't been there the past two seasons. I talked to my parents about this recently (who do still live in Sacramento) and they said they probably won't support the team anymore unless the Maloofs leave. That whole Carl's Jr commercial thing and the attitude it alluded too really rubbed some people the wrong way. Watching those videos of Sacramento fans cheering the team in warmup drills when they first came over really struck me as something extraordinary in professional sports -- something that probably won't ever happen again. But there was a feeling I think when the Kings first came over that they were a part of the community and over time that perception changed into a lot of people thinking that they were the Maloof's toy. I also still run into people in Sacramento that refuse to watch the NBA anymore because of what happened in the 2002 playoffs. They think the league is rigged to allow big market teams to win and there's no point watching anymore.

I think one thing that's happened because of this Anaheim saga is that the feeling of a community united around a common goal has been restored somewhat. When it looked like the Kings were 99% certain to leave, a lot of people refused to give up and that feeling is going to carry over into the next season, I hope. I think it will. It's like we lost something and we didn't even realize that we'd lost it until we found it again. That feeling of "this is our team" and we will support it no matter what. The Maloofs still have a ways to go if they're ever going to earn people's trust back. Admitting they've made some mistakes and are trying to rectify them would be a start. But that doesn't matter as much anymore as far as the arena is concerned. We all know they wanted out -- there's no disguising that. So from here on out the arena is about us, it's about the fans and the city of Sacramento, not about helping the Maloof financial empire.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I think Brick is right that even if the team management is largely to blame, fans can't support the team at the levels they do now and still expect to claim the "best fans in the league" title. The last few times I was in town and could get to a game attendance was brutal and trying to get a family member or someone to go with me was a chore on its own.

I think a new arena will go a long way to restoring things though, especially if the new suites and other luxury amenities can make attending cheaper for the common folks. I keep hearing that Paul Allen jacked up the cost of Blazers tickets the past few years but the last time I looked into getting seats it was still cheaper than comparable seating in Arco.

 

[mr. moustache]

Well first and for most i wanna congratulate the city of Sacramento and KJ on obviously presenting enough of a tangible case that things can still work out here. This effort has bought you 365 days to take these hopes and promises and put it down into a ground breaking ceremony.

While many of you may be feeling a sense of victory, its important to remember... it is, but it isn't... there is no victory until you have a new arena.

also while many fans are feeling like they made a difference they should think again... wearing purple, hanging out in arco after the last game to protest, and this "Here We Stay" selling out a measly 2 maybe 3 games.... that isn't why, and didn't affect why the Kings are still in town...

As a fan that can not attend games being in southern california. Im disgusted by the pathetic support for this team and its extremely young players... this board and Sacramento talk a good game, but your attendance was still 2nd worst, and has been the worst for some time. FYI i was one of those people that was on the "wait list" for anaheim. I would pay to see last years team and the year before, ect. because i love basketball, i love being at games, i love the Kings and i used to love having spencer hawes look right at me when i told him to "hit the weights" LOL! (vs the clippers). as frustrating as its been, the Kings our my team, and these KIDS need support.

Just imagine Arco/PBP was sold out all year. you think the Maloofs would have considered filing? (although possible it would be doubtful) is it possible that our team could have stepped up and won a few more games with the crowds help??... 6th man... you guys remember that? ? think about all those close games blown in the 4th or second half... but they played to the sound of crickets... and lost

KJ is the one that bailed sacramento out here. not the fans... the fans only contributed all season to the maloofs willingness to leave. BUT...

you as fans have a chance to step up this year... BUY SOME TICKETS!!! wow! actually make a difference with how this team plays and how successful the business is.

KJ is going to do his part, thats for dang sure. Hes a man on a mission. but you fans need to stop blaming this and that and just go to the frick'n games.

stop taking it for granted, enjoy it while you still can and maybe it could buy you another year after next, or many many more to come.

Sorry about your loss. Enjoy the weather.

 

[Merdiesel]

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

First of all, let's start with your claim that the Kings have been amongst the worst in attendence for "some time". Less than four years ago, we ended a streak of well over 300 consecutive sellouts; which was only briefly separated from an even longer streak of consecutive sellouts dating back essentially to the Kings arriving in town. Four years is hardly a significant period of time in this case.

And what did it take to actually start turning fans away starting with the 2007-2008 season? First year of a recession? Check. Ticket prices amongst the highest in the NBA? Check. A losing record? Check. Trading fan favorites in obvious cost cutting maneuvers, eventually resulting in the leagues lowest payroll? Check. Constant rumors of the Maloofs moving the team? Check. An arena that by all estimations is the worst in the NBA, with essentially no money being put into maintenance or renovations? Check.

Exactly how loyal do you expect local fans to be? Please don't tell me that Anaheim would be 'middle of the pack' under these circumstances, I am from Mission Viejo and I know that the fans are fairweather and will NOT support a sub-par product out of loyalty; hell, they barely support winning products.

You win.

To ask the fans to pay the same high price we paid to see Webber and Vlade for super stars like Mikki Moore and Kenny Thomas for the past 5 years is ridiculous.

 

[Vlade4GM]

How long could the process take from approval to actually moving into the arena?

 

[pdxKingsFan]

How long could the process take from approval to actually moving into the arena?

Breaking ground to opening generally 24-27 months, has been done in less but this site may actually take more. But some of that more may already be underway as part of the general cleanup going on.

So 2014 is the most likely scenario assuming they start construction by August of next year.

 

[Spike]

I have to agree with the premise of the OP, regardless of how he said it. If Sacramento wants to keep the team, then they need to show up this year in droves.

This is the year where you eat bologna sandwiches for a week to see a Kings game.
This is the year where you carpool to work to save a little on gas money, so that you can see the Kings play.
This is the year where you hold off on that new iPhone, because you really don't need it - your older one works just fine, and will work fine, for another year, so that you can go to a Kings game.
We all talk about sacrifices, and this is the time that we need to make a sacrifice for the greater good of keeping the Kings for another 20 years. I'm planning on family visits to coincide with Kings games. I'm going to buy tickets to give to my younger cousins so that they may enjoy a game and drive down from Orland/Hamilton City.

On a side note, I find it interesting that those giving perspective are from out of town - we're offering a point of view that you don't often get to see with your local glasses. Don't bash us for it - it's a perspective that you can't see. The time for excuse-making, "he said, she said", "I'll only go if.." and blaming has passed. This is your one chance - I've never seen a city get a second chance like this. Prove we (you) are the best fans in the NBA.

 

[sk4ever]

On a side note, I find it interesting that those giving perspective are from out of town - we're offering a point of view that you don't often get to see with your local glasses. Don't bash us for it - it's a perspective that you can't see. The time for excuse-making, "he said, she said", "I'll only go if.." and blaming has passed. This is your one chance - I've never seen a city get a second chance like this. Prove we (you) are the best fans in the NBA.

You are preaching to the choir here. Anybody on this site know everything you are trying to say. The hard part is educating the casual fan that just doesn't have the time to really learn about the issue. Even if you don't live here you could help by posting positive at the Bee website. Lord knows there's more negativity there than anywhere. Don't get into it with the naysayer's, just post positive comments. Hopefully we can get a message out to people that just read the comments and make some impact.

 

[MoneyMike916]

Look Sac fans have to look in the mirror at least this much --you weren't there for the last few years. the "world's greatest fans" became the emptiest of slogans. I think may have even been dead last in attendance last year. Its inexcusable for the same city that sold out 10 straight years of Wayman tisdale and Walt Williams.

But when the chips were down, there was some revival of the old spirit. People who had forgotten they cared, came back. And now this is where looking in that mirror is key: you can NOT be the fans you were last year, or the year before, or the year before, and still keep this team. You have to recognize that sort of effort will not get it done anymore. Have to recognze the need to find more enthusiasm. Do you need to sell out every game? Oh, that would be a brillaint touch, but I doubt that is what we are talking about. But you have to really show a big bump in attendance. Promise for the future. If you don't recognize that and think the last few years have been a good enough showing by the fans, then nothing will change and you will lose the team. You are part of this equation too.

 

[kennadog]

I agree the fans need to step up and attend more games. But before anybody bashes Sacramento too much, you have to realize that Sacramento was one of the top hardest hit cities in this recession. The city is still taking an economic beating and recovery here is expected to be much slower than elsewhere.

Everything was just really bad timing. Just when a good team might have helped pick up the area's spirits in the middle of economic disaster, the team was just awful. I will say, this last season there was actually a better feeling in the arena than in the 09/10 season. It was really depressing to go to a game that season and see such apathy among the fans. Sometimes I was the only one in my whole section that was seemed to be making the effort to support the team. It was much better in 10/11 and I expect it to be even better in 11/12.

Reports on the news are that the phones are ringing off the hooks at the ticket office for renewals and new season ticket holders. The sales people are working until midnight. I may go in for a half season this year, but don't have the money until the end of June. That would be a huge commitment from me, if I can swing it. If not that, I'll definitely do a quarter season. Its not easy for me to get to the arena on weeknights as its an hour and a half drive from work.