Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman
I have to question a comment that is always made about lacrosse - we often hear that "anyone who comes to a lacrosse game will become a fan". I really don't think this is true. I think most sports fans in Calgary have been to a game by now, or watched it on TV. Most people I talk to just aren't entertained by it at all.
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Seeing it on TV is not the same as seeing it live. Most televised games are a Shaw broadcast, and not in HD. As a lacrosse fan, I am happy that games are televised, especially when it is an out of town game. But I don't think that it is an avenue to grow the game substantially in it's current form. I probably wouldn't watch the televised games if I hadn't already become a lacrosse fan by going to live games.
I find that people that don't enjoy going to games come in with an expectation comparing to another sport, generally hockey. I hear comments such as, "why do they allow that, it's offside?" Or, "I can't believe they get to change the entire line when they get possession, that is just laziness." It is a different sport. I used to compare it to hockey when describing it to people, but I don't anymore.
With the way the team was run this year, I fear that they are on the verge of folding. Hopefully, if that happens, the Flames will buy the team. I am sure that they will do a much better job, like they do with the Hitmen.
I have spoken to a number of other STHs, and they are disappointed with they way the team has been run. Everyone of the people that I have spoken with enjoy the game, but are not happy with the management. Some are unhappy that the ticket prices are going up substantially. Some are not happy about the free tickets being given away to non-STHs after the STHs have already paid. Even the most positive person that I have spoken with is disappointed in little things such as the team not organizing a bus trip to Edmonton for a game this year.
I have heard a number of comparisons to the Hitmen and Stampeders. I haven't actually done a comparison, but it appears that the cost of attending a game is higher for the Roughnecks than the other two. But the value and treatment of a STH is much higher for the other organizations.
In the end, I am very likely to get my tickets again for next year. I enjoy the game. But I really do hope for an ownership or management change.