How can we land the All-Star Game next year?

[StevenHW]

So, what's it gonna take to get Sacramento --- or at least, any Western Conference team --- to host the WNBA All-Star Game next year?

Let's take a look at WNBA's previous ASG sites:

1999: New York City
2000: Phoenix, AZ
2001: Orlando, FLA (the Orlando Miracle moved to become the Connecticut Sun a few years later)
2002: Washington, DC
2003: New York City
2004: Radio City Music Hall in New York City (a select bunch of WNBA All-Stars played against the U.S. National Team prior to the Olympics)
2005: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut

As you can see, only one Western Conference team has hosted the ASG. What gives? When you consider Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle have all won WNBA Championships, you would think the West would've been more fairly represented.

I realize that the NBA's and WNBA's offices are in New York, and that the major broadcast networks as well as ESPN are headquartered in the East Coast, so in that sense, I can understand.

But if they have next year's All-Star Game in another Eastern Conference city, especially if it's New York, I think I'm gonna puke.

 

[StevenHW]

Besides, next year might be the last chance we will see Yo at an ASG wearing a Monarchs uniform! It would great to see her represent SAC if next year's All-Star Game is at Arco!

 

[HoopMatron]

It might be worth our while to collectively discuss what is needed with our Season Ticket Reps, or even meet with Danette Leighton. Fan support has to help in organizing for a big event like the All Star Game.

Before Donna Orender became pres. of the league, I was pretty certain the game would be on the West Coast. Don't get me wrong, I think Donna O. is the best thing to happen to the league in a long time. She's got that fresh attitude, and is not prone to obfuscation like Val Ackerman would do. But I asked Orender about the All Star Game coming to the West in general and Sacramento in particular, and I thought she hedged some on both ideas.

So if a city wants to host the game (and it is a huge money loser, I've heard), it is going to take a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I'm up for volunteering my humble services. I can cook, clean, organize, write, keep books and do pretty much any other manual labor activity that would be needed.

My STH Rep is Jamie. I'll contact her. We need folks to contact the other reps. And don't forget to mention that you represent the posters at KingsFans.com's Monarchs forum. That way they will realize there is a group at their disposal.

Let's see what we can do!

GO MONARCHS!!!

 

[NothinButHoops]

East vs. West

We talked with Danette at the All-Star game. Looks like Sac. has a chance in a year or 2. We all want it out west...even many of the East coast fans. They want it to be in an inagural city. That would include Houston for sure.
All the rumors are pointing to NY...Darn!

 

[HoopMatron]

I have heard that NY rumor, too. It is just so bizarre, IMO.

Today at the game I talked to Stacey Berringer, and she and the other STH rep were excited about us starting a grass-roots effort. They are going to discuss it with Danette and see if there is something we can do -- even something as simple as a letter-writing campaign.

I'll keep you all posted about what I learn from Stacey.

GO MONARCHS!!!

 

[StevenHW]

Part of HoopMatron's post:

...So, if a city wants to host the game (and it is a huge money loser, I've heard), it is going to take a lot of behind-the-scenes work...

"Huge money loser"? For whom? The host city's WNBA team? Or does the WNBA itself (as an organization) lose money?

Does this mean that if SAC got the ASG next year, would the Maloofs have to hire extra help to organize the ASG or get their own front-office staffers to work on the ASG in addition to their own duties?

As I recall, the ASG last weekend in Connecticut was a sell-out. There has to be somebody --- besides the Mohegan Casino! --- who must have profited from this!

I would so hate to see New York become the "default" city to host the ASG if no other team steps up! It makes me wonder if the New York Liberty have lost any money when they have been the host city three times!

 

[Yo33Fan]

Being from Seattle I certainly hope that the Storm get the All-Star nod nest year. New York should NOT get the AS game next year, nor should any east coast team. They should alternate each season like the NBA does(west/east). I have a few friends who were in Connecticut and said they spoke with Orender and Lobo and they mentioned that Seattle & Houston were strong candidates for next year-as well as Sacramento.

 

[hoopsfan]

"They should alternate each season like the NBA does(west/east)."

The NBA doesn't do this..but it would be a good idea for the WNBA.