Bobcats In General

[BIGCatBobcat]

As the "official" blogger for Bobcatsplanet.com, ahem, that's right, big time, I actually try to think of stuff to write on these off nights (No game for like 2 days I start to get that itch). I started a blog called "Bobcats In General" and I got a brain cramp. Also, I finally got to the "VBullitin" "there are no more unread posts" doesn't mean I read every post, just means I at least scrolled past every post, I think. On the heels of the most heated and furious (not angry the whole time) threads I've ever seen, I want to see something positive and a bit introspective.

My questions to you, the smartest fans of the Bobcats, are: What are your questions? What would you want to ask/demand/request/commend/bitch about if you were in a room at a round table with MJ, Larry, Bob (he does still own the team right?), Fred, Raymond, Gerald (captains only), Rod Higgins (the actual GM) and another fan? My first question is what specifically is the biggest weakness of this organization? Asking that of the involved major parties in charge of this franchise might draw any number of answers: attendance, financing, tv ratings/income, wins, star power, god forbid Bob says support from the business community, the list goes on and on and on but I'd want to spend some time with all the men who run this deal and hammer out one consensus answer. What is holding this team back? What is the achilles heel?

Second question, somewhat along the same lines: what do you want/expect/need from this team? Is it wins, something to talk about, something to bitch about, something to bring you together with 16,000 other strangers, entertainment? What is it that you expect to get and what are you willing to give up to get it? Money, time, what is it?

I think this sounds like a ridiculous exercise but it's what you do in life and business. Cost/benefit analysis.

In the spirit of Festivus, this may also be an airing of grievances. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQFLqMyo0fo
You gather your family around and tell your family all the ways they have disappointed you in the past year!

This team is here, it's in Charlotte, we're fans, what do you want? How do we draw more fans in?

[teej]

Well I'd definatley ask MJ whether he's actually involved or not, and maybe ask Bob why he refuses to do what I think is the only way to get people out to the games, and thats give them TRUE entertainment. The fact that a concert for a washed up band (yes, thats you Eagles) gets more peole in the stands than a Bobcats-Celtics game is pathetic...ablsoutely pathetic. It just shows that the Eagles are better entertainment (even though theyre more expensive!). Why not make the effort to get Charlotte more respect, by getting a real GM, letting michael stop ruining the team, or keep higgins an let LB have control.

Other than that, not too much ;)

[TattoodCats4life]

I can say one thing that gets on my nerves... the "Steal of the game" As someone who wanted, but didn't end up getting, season tickets the "Steal of the game" promo bugs me constantly. They always run great deals, which is the point, but as an example while we were playing the Grizzlies, the deal was any lower level $50 seat for $20 with no Ticketmaster fees, just call 704-BOBCATS or go to bobcats.com.... Well on multiple occasions I have done just that to get the deal, but low and behold 704-bobcats "We're sorry only open 8-5" or something like that, and the link on bobcats.com didn't come up until well after midnight (when the deal expires). I've had other situations when I've called bobcats ticketing and they said "We don't have that deal, but would you like to come on a vip tour of the arena and learn about all the great ticket packages we have"

I've left a voice message for Fred regarding this but its not like I actually expect a call back...

Anyway, I love these cats and hopefully things will get better... They just need to do a bit of work revamping ticket prices. Lower bowl actually is fine, but I don't think there should be $50 tickets in the upper bowl.

See ya all Saturday, hopefully they'll have a steal of the game that is available tonight for that game, otherwise I drive to the arena on Friday. See ya from the two one six.

Chris

[TheBeagle]

Really, I'd just pull Larry aside and ask him:

1. How are you and MJ getting along? Is he cooperative? Is he indifferent? Does he give the team the amount of attention that's acceptable to you?

2. How long are you going to be here?


As of this time, he's done nothing but good things, and I think as long as he's here, this team will continue to make strides. As of now, the future rests with Larry, so I hope, for the franchise's sake, and consequently ours, he stays here as long as possible.


As for expectations, I just want to have a competitive team to pull for. In the larger scheme, it does come down to Ws and Ls, but it'l take some more time with Larry and roster-tinkering before we begin to show real strides in that department.

I think all the Bobcats require of us is to continue to support the team, whether it be through buying season tickets, half season ticket plans, etc., watching the games on TV/internet feeds, having an online community like BCP. I'm not sure there's any 'quid pro quo' going on here, at least as far as my expectations are concerned; I think investing the time and/or money in the areas I just listed is just fine for the Bobcats, which, because the fact we're loyal, hardcore fans, is more than a fair trade.

Anyway, that's just my pennysworth.

[eleaf14]

I will say that generally I am pleased with the direction of the team under Larry Brown's guidance. I think that we finally made a move that will eventually take us to the next level. As a season ticket holder I usually hit 30+ games a season... I will digress from the usual nags...product on the floor, unc roster, mcmay, local community involvement, etc. When I bitch about the Bobcats its usually on the production level and amenities at the games.


I suggest that we replace the in game announcer and get someone that doesnt blow the eardrums of the 3,000 people in attendance. That dude is terrible. And dude if you read this forum...please tone it down. I dont want to have to shout to talk to my company.

Change the music rotation to Oldies (shout, rock n roll pt 2) and Jock Jams (like the Hornets). Whatever happened to the video clips? Those could be well placed...like Belushi's motivational speech. I love the Young Jeezy intro for the starting line up...but we dont need all of the top 40. That song "I tried to do handstands for you" has absolutely no place at a sporting event unless its figure skating.

Another suggestion would be to toss Levy Resteraunts out of the door. Open up the competition. Have local chains in. All I can say again is it worked for the Hornets. It will improve the quality and selection of your customers options. Sure its easy to outsource...but how about developing relationships with local businesses...isnt what you are bitching about Bob? Its easy to outsource your work to a food catering company based in Illinois...but wouldnt it be nice to help the folks out here? Levy Resteraunts does not deserve that contract. They do a terrible job as is and there are plenty of local options which might help the whole local support thing you brought up last spring.

[teej]

I suggest that we replace the in game announcer and get someone that doesnt blow the eardrums of the 3,000 people in attendance. That dude is terrible. And dude if you read this forum...please tone it down. I dont want to have to shout to talk to my company.

amen


Another suggestion would be to toss Levy Resteraunts out of the door. Open up the competition. Have local chains in. All I can say again is it worked for the Hornets. It will improve the quality and selection of your customers options. Sure its easy to outsource...but how about developing relationships with local businesses...isnt what you are bitching about Bob? Its easy to outsource your work to a food catering company based in Illinois...but wouldnt it be nice to help the folks out here? Levy Resteraunts does not deserve that contract. They do a terrible job as is and there are plenty of local options which might help the whole local support thing you brought up last spring.

Honestly I love the food, but the only times I've had it have been at frontcourt...i dont know about the rest.

Maybe some competition n the concourses, like a wendys, phat burrito (they do stuff with the panthers plus its awesome), or pizza hut, and maybe a sit down one outside or connected to the bowl with plenty of tvs or views of the game...could be a place to film a pre/postgame show?

[amour217]

In all honesty, the first thing that comes to mind would be to separate the groups: players, ownership, GM, etc., and then ask each group separately: "In your time with the Bobcats, what would you have done differently and why?" I know you probably wouldn't get a straight answer, but it would be nice to try

[Mustachio]

I understand the PA guy is annoying and you may not like the musical selection.

The problem is, this isn't a Charlotte Bobcats problem. Its an NBA problem. People like to think that its just the Bobcats that have a hip hop vibe because the owner used to own BET. That just isnt the case. I think if anyone ever went to an NBA game outside of the Bobcats they would see that its exactly the same at every NBA arena. The announcers say the exact same thing... The music is an NBA approved list. Everything is copied from one arena to the next. Its cool to diss on the Bobcats but in reality its the NBA front office that needs some changes.

I personally dont mind the PA guy or the music. I also come for one reason and one reason only... and thats to watch professional basketball players do what they do best. I will save the big long rant for another thread on another day. But as far as im concerned I would rather the Bobcats focus on things they can control, which is our roster and our players. Get that right and the rest will follow. Win a couple ball games and I bet you wont see any threads about the PA guy being too loud.

[BobcatsAllDay]

Win a couple ball games and I bet you wont see any threads about the PA guy being too loud.

Very well said, damn good.