STH Survey Regarding Name Change

[Proudiddy]

The Observer obtained a copy of the survey Harris emailed to various Bobcats season-ticket holders Wednesday. The electronic survey takes about 30 minutes to fill out, and asks all sorts of questions about the Bobcats, the Hornets and the general perception of what would sell more game tickets and team gear. One question, about halfway through Harris’ survey, is the crux of the issue: “If the Bobcats were to change their nickname to the ‘Hornets,’ would you attend more games than you currently do, attend fewer games, or attend about the same amount?” Charlotte Observer

I don't think it's gonna happen if they're only polling STH. I think at best, it will split down the middle as far as "would you buy more tickets if we changed to the Hornets," which will most likely mean no change. If they polled fans who aren't STH, that may be a different story.

[JGib23]

I don't think it's gonna happen if they're only polling STH. I think at best, it will split down the middle as far as "would you buy more tickets if we changed to the Hornets," which will most likely mean no change. If they polled fans who aren't STH, that may be a different story.

Diddy- I agree current STH will be more evenly split.

However, my season ticket rep told me that there will also be a survey sent out to non STH in Charlotte as well and I think that survey will lean more to the Hornets. I'm not sure when that survey will be released or who it will be sent to.

I'm sure more weight will be given to current STH though.

[Mustachio]

They are polling the city of charlotte as well. I think it even said so in that article you referenced above.


Bottom line is even a split down the middle would be enough to make the change. That would mean that no one is vehemently opposed to a name change and therefore the only thing they would have to do is spend 3 million to sell a whole bunch of new jersey and gear.

But I don't think many STH will vote against a name change. I think most will say it wont affect their buying preferences either way and then some like me will be totally for a change. Either way the only way they don't switch is if there is a ground swell of STH who are opposed to the idea, and that isn't gonna happen.

[cltblkhscoach]

Just finished my survey also. Very specific questions about the current team colors, a question that asked "which color do you think of when you think of the Hornets", asked about the Bobcats current color scheme and which colors you like/dislike the most. Also if the name was changed to Hornets, which color scheme you would like to see......

Asked about what the meaning of "Bobcats" means to you in an open ended format. Asked the same question about "Hornets". Several checkboxes followed for both names, asking on a scale if it matched the other teams in the area, relatable to Charlotte, and a couple of other things. Took about 30 minutes in all.

Just for the record, I supported the Hornets, support the Bobcats, but I am in favor of a name change. And the reason is because as a native Charlottean, the Hornets were the first thing this city ever had on a national scale. I think that some people who may not be from here don't understand the grip on the community that name meant to us that were here.

[Roon]

Personally, I think that Jordan is too proud to have a team that is named after a former owner. I think that will forever keep this team from being "all his". He wanted to buy into the Charlotte Hornet franchise and I think he likes the name. I think the Bobcats are an endangered species when it comes to the NBA.

[BlockParty]

For the record, I've been a STH for 7 years and I am strongly against any name change. I also lived in Charlotte (and attended many games) during the Hornets most successful years, the Hornets are a team that left Charlotte a decade ago, they are currently an opponent of ours, hence our competition. I liken any potential name change to deciding when your kid turns 10 years old that another name is more trendy and you change his/her name to appease someone else. It would be confusing as hell to the kid and would be sending a message that the first ten years of their life were somehow tainted and less meaningful.

I do think if the STH base is split, no change will be made. I'm not sure what the ratio would need to be to prompt a change, but the HUGE difference between the opinion of the STH base and any non-customer base is the STH base has shown loyalty and the ability to support the team via ticket, merchandise and attendance. Let's say the ratio is 30 against and 70 percent doesn't care. Losing 30 percent of your already paying customers in a hope to attract fickle fans (there are a few dedicated basketball fans that are in strong support of the Hornets name and that's great, but based on attendance, most are fickle) that have shown little support over the prior decade is a gamble I doubt even Jordan would take.

One last thing...I think the Jazzercise halftime show and their supportive families out sold the Hornets fans last Saturday night....and the Jazzercise fans actually come to the games once or twice a year, every year. Maybe we should contact the Utah Jazz so we can contemplate switch to the Jazz when our next kid reaches the age of 10?

[SWedd523]

Personally, I think that Jordan is too proud to have a team that is named after a former owner. I think that will forever keep this team from being "all his". He wanted to buy into the Charlotte Hornet franchise and I think he likes the name. I think the Bobcats are an endangered species when it comes to the NBA.

Then why change it back to a name so closely related to all of George('s) Shinn-anigans?

Why not rename it something brand new like Carolina Flight?

[StakJak]

Then why change it back to a name so closely related to all of George('s) Shinn-anigans?

Why not rename it something brand new like Carolina Flight?

Ravens fans wouldn't turn down the Colt's name to spite Bob Irsay; Browns fans didn't with Art Modell

[JGib23]

For the record, I've been a STH for 7 years and I am strongly against any name change. I also lived in Charlotte (and attended many games) during the Hornets most successful years, the Hornets are a team that left Charlotte a decade ago, they are currently an opponent of ours, hence our competition. I liken any potential name change to deciding when your kid turns 10 years old that another name is more trendy and you change his/her name to appease someone else. It would be confusing as hell to the kid and would be sending a message that the first ten years of their life were somehow tainted and less meaningful.

I do think if the STH base is split, no change will be made. I'm not sure what the ratio would need to be to prompt a change, but the HUGE difference between the opinion of the STH base and any non-customer base is the STH base has shown loyalty and the ability to support the team via ticket, merchandise and attendance. Let's say the ratio is 30 against and 70 percent doesn't care. Losing 30 percent of your already paying customers in a hope to attract fickle fans (there are a few dedicated basketball fans that are in strong support of the Hornets name and that's great, but based on attendance, most are fickle) that have shown little support over the prior decade is a gamble I doubt even Jordan would take.

One last thing...I think the Jazzercise halftime show and their supportive families out sold the Hornets fans last Saturday night....and the Jazzercise fans actually come to the games once or twice a year, every year. Maybe we should contact the Utah Jazz so we can contemplate switch to the Jazz when our next kid reaches the age of 10?

Would you give up your season tickets over a name change?

That's the crux of the issue.. Which brand create more revenue. That's what we will be.

[StakJak]

Ravens fans wouldn't turn down the Colt's name to spite Bob Irsay; Browns fans didn't with Art Modell

Gonna retract that remark...Ravens fans would...browns were NFL vacant at the time