Coral doesn't have a jumbotron of sorts though does it? I doubt the NLL would even allow them to play there because it doesn't have the looks of a nice arena. If calgary had a WHL sized arena it would be a perfect fit for the roughnecks. Stampede probably wouldn't allow Roughnecks to get any concession royalties as well which is the part that really hurts the team. Flames should be able to do well with the roughnecks just on food profits alone.
I just took a look at their ticket prices and I am not surprised that they are going under. It may be a fun night out but I can think of a lot of other fun night outs that can be had for less.
Kind of ridiculous pricing for a small time sport that very few care/know about (imo).
I just took a look at their ticket prices and I am not surprised that they are going under. It may be a fun night out but I can think of a lot of other fun night outs that can be had for less.
Kind of ridiculous pricing for a small time sport that very few care/know about (imo).
but yet people will spend 4x as much to watch a flames game, which quite honestly can be SOOOOO boring?
but yet people will spend 4x as much to watch a flames game, which quite honestly can be SOOOOO boring?
Actually caring about the sport might have something to do with it - I care nothing about this sport and whether they are here or not would not affect me in the least.
To many (myself included) this would be a novelty excursion once or twice a year and weighed against other entertainment opportunities lacrosse just does not measure up.
I went to a game once, when I got some tickets for free. I cam away wondering what the hubbub about the sport was. The music was goofy and distracting (why do you need entertainment on top of your entertainment?). The sport also suffers from too much scoring, giving it a bit of basketball-itis.
It never occurred to me to purchase a ticket again.
The entertainment factor (price aside) for a Stamps, Flames, or even Hitmen game, is much higher.
I feel for the people who would be affected by this, mainly fans. It wouldn't affect me all that much as I've never even considered attending a game.
If we're talking about teams/sports that we'd like to see come to the Calgary area, I would love a return of AAA baseball (not gonna happen), or even something like AA. I know the Dawgs are here, and I intend to attend a game this summer, but something a little higher in the pro ranks would be awesome.
I'd also be interested in having an NBA developmental league team here, but basketball has failed in this city at least once off the top of my head.
I agree 100% with the point that Bannister trying to equate the value of the Roughnecks to that of the Flames or Stamps to this community was bizarre. I don't see where he got that idea.
However, sources have told the Sun that the Flames have made at least two offers to buy the Riggers in the past, including one recently.
An offer of about $2 million four or so years ago was apparently rejected, possibly because it included a provision that Banister — who also serves as president and general manager of the club — would no longer be involved with the Roughnecks following the sale.
A more recent offer of about $1.7 million — apparently tabled in the last few weeks — was reportedly rejected by Banister, as well, because the price was too low and he also would not stay involved with the team.
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If the sources in that article are indeed true, it looks like Bannister is getting what he deserves. Maybe the Flames will be able to buy the team from the NLL at a bargain price.
Not sure why the Flames still want it, given the state of the league, but besides that, more than clear that Banister's ego is the biggest problem. Obviously like the spotlight and wants to be in the media as much as possible,
He said he wants to keep his ego in check, yet then he plays the drama game saying he doesn't want the Flames to be involved, then saying he may or may not be in discussions with them, then calling the Sun to say there was no offer, and then saying the Flames can own the team if they want (but presumably as long as he stays on). Of course if he really wanted to sell them the Flames would've been owners right now, and he evaded that question with more hot air.
Quite the variety of dramatics coming from this guy, who think he's a bigger wheel at the cracker factory than he really is...and all this back and forth in one day no less.
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If the sources in that article are indeed true, it looks like Bannister is getting what he deserves. Maybe the Flames will be able to buy the team from the NLL at a bargain price.
In addition, Bannister will not talk to anyone else they've read his letter which outlines the lack of public support, but does not mention anything about the Flames coming forward.
Further, Bannister is now pointing fingers at the city for not getting involved and he says that Nenshi has never been to a lacrosse game.
In addition, Bannister will not talk to anyone else they've read his letter which outlines the lack of public support, but does not mention anything about the Flames coming forward.
Further, Bannister is now pointing fingers at the city for not getting involved and he says that Nenshi has never been to a lacrosse game.
Ridiculous. What does Nenshi and the city owe him? Zip, like they do any other business owner. More importantly, what's Bannister's beef with the City? Because they don't own a set of season tickets and the $1500 that comes with it? Or didn't respond to his letter? Is he expecting some free handout?
Again, just a pathetic attempt to make himself feel more important then he is by dragging any public figure (except the Flames, willing buyers, who want him punted) into the argument to get some cheap press and get his cell phone ringing.
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Again, just a pathetic attempt to make himself feel more important then he is by dragging any public figure (except the Flames, willing buyers, who want him punted) into the argument to get some cheap press and get his cell phone ringing.
Frankly, I was real disappointed when I heard what he had to say at his media conference. There was a lot of finger pointing and not just at the Nenshi, but he was almost blaming the fans for this predicament. What's that saying about not biting the hand that feeds you?
I've been speaking to a lot of lacrosse fans that past few days and they are angry at how this is all being handled. As mentioned earlier in the thread, they were really put off by some of the decisions Banister (sorry for spelling his name wrong earlier) has made.
Personally, I don't think it's really fair to compare this city's support for the Flames, Stampeders and even Hitmen to that of the Roughnecks.
The "woe is me" tactic will only get you so far and from what I can tell, a large majority of people are sick of it.
If I'm the Flames, I go to the NLL and say "$1.4 million for the team when you revoke Bannister's ownership for not paying his players." Then just remain completely silent until it happens.
As for why the Flames would own the team - it is still 8-10 dates that fill the Saddledome's calendar, and they draw attendance similar or slightly higher than the typical Hitmen game at a higher price point. If they own the team, they can reduce costs by incorporating the office with the Flames/Hitmen staffers.
I doubt they would ever turn large profits (or hell, any profit), but it is a family sports entertainment event and fits what they do.
But yeah, Bannister needs to take the hint and exit stage left. His own ego has become bigger than the team, and that, more than anything else, will kill the Roughnecks.
I love the Roughnecks but Banister has always struck me as a ######. I have been a STH for the last 3 years and both the wife and I really enjoy the games. I hope they can get this guy gone and keep the team in Calgary.
I got this email from them yesterday.
Quote:
We have taken dozens of phone calls from concerned Season Ticket Holders asking what they can do to help during this time. We appreciate your support and we want to ensure that everyone knows that we are not going to give up.
Tell two friends to buy a pro-rated 4-Game Season Ticket Pack starting at just $60*. Tell them to tell two friends. Pass the word along that the best game in town is also affordable and family-friendly. Let them know that their credit card company will protect them from loss should the need arise.
Organize a group of co-workers or teammates! Our group pricing coupled with our group leader incentive program makes organizing a group easy to do.
We're not planning on giving up on our fans & are commited to making the remainder of the 2011 season happen. We know that we have the best fans in the league and we appreciate everything that you do.
Knowing that the Flames offered to buy them out twice, I'd rather avoid the 'Necks games/merch like the plauge and force Bannister's hand to F off. It seems like there will be Roughnecks Lacrosse next year in Calgary one way or another, why not force Bannister out so we don't have to hear his huffing and puffing anymore.
This seems more like a ploy to minimize his own personal losses before the league/Flames take over.
Last edited by Cowboy89; 02-24-2011 at 10:23 AM.
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Knowing that the Flames offered to buy them out twice, I'd rather avoid the 'Necks games/merch like the plauge and force Bannister's hand to F off. It seems like there will be Roughnecks Lacrosse next year in Calgary one way or another, why not force Bannister out so we don't have to hear his huffing and puffing anymore.
This seems more like a ploy to minimize his own personal losses before the league/Flames take over.
so if you were selling your car for $20,000.00 and someone offered to buy it on two different occasions for $10,000.00, then you are an idiot for not taking the offer? i am sure we are not privy to all the details here.
