Redbeard

Does this team just need to have a packed house when they play home games to become successful?

Given that they will be loosing a lot, I know I would feel better to actually come home to a packed house regardless of win or lose. It would make the effort seem more rewarding to just know that someone is in support of the team.

Maybe we can get some ideas together about ways to fill more seats and make an impact of our own this year.

A few ideas:

Maybe three free games, 300 level, to every fan. Keeping track of names and building a recognizable fan base. Season ticket holders could also get free tickets in their area to give to friends.

Donation only games - Food drive or similar where a can of food gets you in.

All remaining 300 level seats are sold for 5 bucks after the 1st quarter, maybe making 300 level General Addmission.

We are loosing money any way you look, might as well fill the seats.

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The age of dynasties is upon us.

Ed O

I would bet that it's in the interests of the franchise to keep ticket prices up and put up with some off attendance nights (and years) than to start giving away tens of thousands (hundreds of thousands, maybe) of tickets.

An expectation of free tickets will stick around even when the team is good again, and if the Blazers were to start charging again when the team would be earning sellouts, there would be a negative reaction.

Clearly I don't have the figures in front of me, but considering no NBA team that I'm aware of has ever done what you're suggesting (including teams that have had some really, really massive attendance problems) I'd bet it's because it doesn't make sense economically.

Ed O.

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"In the end, it all comes down to talent. You can talk all you want about intangibles, I just don't know what that means. Talent makes winners, not intangibles. Can nice guys win? Sure, nice guys can win -- if they're nice guys with a lot of talent. Nice guys with a little talent finish fourth, and nice guys with no talent finish last."

-- Sandy Koufax