Attendance slowly dwindling

[RR7]

dont get me wrong I still watch those S*** feeds and support the team. But I can def see how some people feel alienated by this organization.

But for right now, they feel alienated because of comcast. And the fact that if you have, say, direct TV, you can't watch the games. But, if the games were on all cable networks, those without cable would still find reason to complain, that hey, why not have all games on KGW? Now you expect me as a STH to pay for away games as well? I feel alienated when I already shell out enough money on tickets, why should I have to pay to watch away games? I refuse, and am canceling my tickets. And bam, another excuse to stop supporting the team when things go bad.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Tonight looked like a legit sellout.

It was pretty rowdy in our section, and much fuller than Friday. Lots of snark and cursing at the horrible sloppy play, but at the end everyone was loud and cheering. It was actually a lot of fun, more fun than any game I've been to this season besides the opener (I missed the Orlando game; my parents went instead, so I can't say it's the most fun game this season).

It was a bit of a comedy, but with a happy ending.

 

[Wheels]

I never said it was just cause of comcast. For alot of them (who I have talked to) the way the KP Situation was handled was the "Straw that broke the camels back" Some people didnt like the fluctuating single game prices but I understand why the FO did that. But I could also see how it sucks for fans who cant be a STH.

 

[Minstrel]

The majority of almost any fanbase is casual fans, not the hardcore types. If the franchise is doing things that make following the team more difficult or less fun, it'll hurt their numbers of casual fans. Of course, sucking will hurt their numbers among casual fans much more. But being "fan unfriendly" (and I'm not saying the Trail Blazers are or aren't, not living in Oregon) is certainly an effect that one would expect to adversely affect the number of fans the team draws. They can be scorned as not "real fans," but it still hurts the team to lose them. In the end, the team is selling a product and, with almost all products, customer service matters. The product matters most, but customer service is not irrelevant.

 

[oldmangrouch]

The majority of almost any fanbase is casual fans, not the hardcore types. If the franchise is doing things that make following the team more difficult or less fun, it'll hurt their numbers of casual fans. Of course, sucking will hurt their numbers among casual fans much more. But being "fan unfriendly" (and I'm not saying the Trail Blazers are or aren't, not living in Oregon) is certainly an effect that one would expect to adversely affect the number of fans the team draws. They can be scorned as not "real fans," but it still hurts the team to lose them. In the end, the team is selling a product and, with almost all products, customer service matters. The product matters most, but customer service is not irrelevant.

Pretty well sums it up.

Folks will wait for a table at a 4 star restaurant. If they go to "Jim-Bob's House of Possum Tacos", they want fast service and generous portions. Right now, there is a serious disconnect between the marketing and the quality of the product.

The hardcore fans would rather they fix the product, and let the marketing take care of itself. The casual fans are a bit less picky. (Sure it's the worst burger in town - but look how BIG that sucker is!)

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Ben Golliver was on Sports Sunday and they touched on this subject a bit. In his opinion he thinks the fans know this team aren't a playoff team and with the lack of concern from Rich Cho, who has been nowhere to be found as of late, a lot of fans just aren't interested.

With the lack of leadership from Cho I seriously think the marketing department should hire this guy:

[video=youtube;1a_FZJvDJLU]

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

hah, i have an Outrageous Audio T-shirt!

 

[RR7]

Lack of leadership and nowhere to be found? KP put himself all over TV and radio, and never made deals. Why do we need Cho coming out and giving interviews, etc.

 

[Wheels]

the REAL reason interest is dwindling

 

[Natebishop3]

the REAL reason interest is dwindling

The REAL REAL reason interest is dwindling...

 

[Wheels]

^^touche'.... that too

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Speaking of, I'm actually really thinking about jumping on the Timbers bandwagon; what are some good blogs/forums to check out? I'd love it if we got our own Timbers sub-forum here.

 

[Wheels]

Speaking of, I'm actually really thinking about jumping on the Timbers bandwagon; what are some good blogs/forums to check out? I'd love it if we got our own Timbers sub-forum here.

We have a Timbers sub forum here, but isnt really frequented much.

TalkTimbers.com is the main forum, but its a different kinda breed of people over there. If you go there, I post there, I would just recommend not taking anything personally there.

Droppingtimber.com is a good blog to keep up on stuff.

You def should jump on the bandwagon for sure. Soccer supporting is def a different animal than supporting a Basketball team, or even Football (American) I will tell you that lol.

 

[Wheels]

http://sportstwo.com/forums/494-Portland-Timbers

here is the Timbers Sub Forum.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I really quite like soccer; played it a ton as a kid (it was basically the only game in town as a grade schooler in Klamath Falls). The Trevor Derrah soccer field? I played with that kid (we were all Cub Scouts together, too -- so sad when he died). He wasn't even the best player in our grade school (Roosevelt) -- Michael Novak was -- so I have some connections to Oregon soccer heroes of yore.

 

[Wheels]

and here is a guide to attending Timbers Matches... I really wish I would have seen this before my first match. Would have helped immensely lol.

http://timbers.theoffside.com/timbe...ide-for-attending-portland-timbers-games.html

 

[Wheels]

I really quite like soccer; played it a ton as a kid (it was basically the only game in town as a grade schooler in Klamath Falls). The Trevor Derrah soccer field at KU? I played with that kid (we were all Cub Scouts together, too -- so sad when he died). He wasn't even the best player in our grade school (Roosevelt) -- Michael Novak was -- so I have some connections to Oregon soccer heroes of yore.

nice! yes I def recommend jumping on the bandwagon. I'll tell you what I basically told Westnob, just stay away from any Sexual orientation remarks, racist remarks, and stuff like that.

support by the Timbers army Mottos "If you want to be in the Timbers Army, you already are" "Spread the Love" and "No Pity" (for the opposing team)

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

Yours Truly,
The Fat Goalie Who Got Picked Last by Michael Novak Every Morning At Recess

 

[Wheels]

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

Yours Truly,
The Fat Goalie Who Got Picked Last by Michael Novak Every Morning At Recess

lol! Thats ok in the Timbers Army as well!

 

[Wheels]

oh and I found the post I made towards Westnob when giving advice. Didnt feel like re-writing it all lol

just soak it in for a bit is by best advice. Observe what is going on and what is said, sang etc. I wouldnt recommend a Vuvuzela lol. And refrain from any form of racial, ethnic, or even gender, or preference slurs. Those are prohibited and will get many people pissed off and jump down your throat.

I wish I would have had the following links before my first match, they would have helped tremendously.

Here is a basic chant sheet.
http://www.timbersarmy.org/wp-content/themes/ta_org_v1/downloads/TA_Chant_Sheet_2010_v4.pdf

Oh and learn the tetris theme, it is the most fun song EVER!

The following link is one of youtube clips for some of the chants, to help you with tunes and stuff. Youtube will help a lot too, if you just type in Timbers Army.

http://timbersarmychants.blogspot.com/

I wont be at that match unfortunately so I cant come and say hi. Just remember the Mottos of the TA and you will be just peachy.

"If you want to be in the Timbers Army, you already are" and "Spread the Love"

We are there to sing and stand and wave flags for the full 90 Minutes. So Just be ready to help pour your hearts out, and raise your pints, to the lads in green and white

105 is a good section to start out with IMO (I started in 108 first match, migrated to 106 and eventually found a home in 105) Its a little more laid back there.

Oh and lastly... Dont throw S*** on the Pitch

 

[Wheels]

here is another article. Sorry I am becoming a little bit obsessive and giddy again with player signings. And the schedule being released today etc lol.


http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/13/timbers-crowd-mixes-together-bit-of-everything/

 

[andalusian]

I wouldnt say its the only reason. I'm not saying that Mediocrity and the bad news hasnt been the main thing. But the collective "STFU and come to games" sure hasnt helped. I have spoken to people who have gone for years even in the mediocrity but have felt alienated by the Organization. And I've read it with some posters on here.

I bought tickets for 1/2 the number of games I did last year (I bought during the summer, when I thought they were going to contend) for exactly this reason. In any relationship you need both sides working to make it work. The Comcast crap has made it real hard for me to be involved night in, night out. A shame really.

 

[Wheels]

I bought tickets for 1/2 the number of games I did last year (I bought during the summer, when I thought they were going to contend) for exactly this reason. In any relationship you need both sides working to make it work. The Comcast crap has made it real hard for me to be involved night in, night out. A shame really.

I def could understand that. I personally just dont have the access to the team as much based on lack of coverage, I would go to about 20-25 games a year (even in the 20 win season, etc) But each year it has gone down since the Comcast deal. I was at 10 total in 08 including Playoffs, 5 total in 09 including 2 playoff games, and so far this year I've only been to the opener, although traditionally I hit most of my games in the spring and later, cause in the fall most my money goes to Ducks tickets, and coming from the Gorge in the winter is risky, so I usually dont go that route. But its just some bullshit excuse jk RR7

 

[Wheels]

Also I will say that Price Spike and Demand has probably kept me from going as much, its just a lot harder to get a ticket, and I just dont feel right spending $35 for a nosebleed.

 

[Further]

I'm not a fair weather fan, i will watch on TV, read articles, follow on the forum etc, but with the product lacking, I just am not going to stress out over paying for tickets. I am going to buy a house next month and that just outweighs going to the games. But, if they were putting out a top notch product, I would somehow find a way to go to a few more games than I will this year.

 

[MickZagger]

I'd rather watch billiards than soccer. I think most Blazer fans agree with me. I'm sure Timbers games aren't taking away Blazer fans.

 

[Wheels]

I'd rather watch billiards than soccer. I think most Blazer fans agree with me. I'm sure Timbers games aren't taking away Blazer fans.

see your problem is you dont chime in on your feelings about soccer on EVERY soccer thread, you should really make an effort to make it more known

Its like MM about Nate I swear. (No offense MM)

 

[Wheels]

I'd rather watch billiards than soccer. I think most Blazer fans agree with me. I'm sure Timbers games aren't taking away Blazer fans.

oh and the Timbers have gotten precisely $700 + More dollars from me in the last 2 years than the Blazers

 

[Wheels]

oh and MM is at least clever with how he fits in his Nate hate (that I agree with mostly) sometimes.

 

[MickZagger]

Soccer blows. A bunch of mambypamby's faking injuries. I tried hard to watch World Cup. Just couldn't do it. I tried really hard too.