It started odd. We were all kind of flying blind, not knowing what to expect. Very much a "frist day at a new school" kind of feel.
It stayed that way until things got underway at 6:30, with team president Ted Black, Labatt Blue Light in hand, ready to field questions. Black was very unassuming in a way I did not expect.
The first question was one that we all knew couldn't really be answered, but Black sounded like the purchase of the Rochester Americans is going to happen, AT SOME POINT. Picture the hassle of buying a house in this state...I don't think any of us can fathom the process.
Within that question was the discussion over regionalization, and Black offered up information that I hadn't heard reported before by other media outlets. The NHL has a 50-mile territorial radius that ends around St. Catherines, Ontario. Obviously then you're dealing with butting heads with the Maple Leafs and the Greater Toronto area.
"We've said it before and we'll say it again, but, when we win the Cup we want to have a parade in Rochester," said Black. He repeated the same sentiment towards the end of the night as well.
Social Media
A lot fo fans wonder about the silence from Sabre players on Twitter. While the Bills have an incredible Twitter presence (most good, one realllly bad), there is not a single Sabre on Twitter and more than one person in the organization said, emphatically, that the players got together and decided to not use Twitter. It was no an edict from Lindy or Darcy, it was a decision made wholly by the players.
Season Tickets
Black said season ticket renewals are coming back in at about 95%, and that there are over 2,700 on the season ticket waiting list while the suites are entirely sold out for the upcoming season for the first time in the history of the HSBC Arena.
Black also said ticket prices will likely go up every year to keep pace with the rise in the cost of doing business. "We have to keep the franchise value high. It doesn't do us any good to have low ticket prices and have a franchise that isn't worth anything."
Basketball at HSBC Arena
I asked about basketball because, well, I love basketball and cannot be convinced that if we had a major college basketball program in Buffalo it wouldn't thrive. Buffalo is undoubtedly one of the best host cities for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and when Syracuse came to play Canisius at HSBC Arena a few years ago the buzz was incredible.
But Black shot me down, and I was disappointed in the fashion in which he did it. Black simply doesn't know Buffalo well enough to know the history of college basketball here, especially downtown. He's not from here, and he's kind of been busy in the past few months, so I could find it in me to cut him some slack.
Thankfully Kevin Sylvester approached me later to talk to me about the ins and outs of what it takes to get big-time college basketball back at HSBC. There are logistical and financial considerations, and not all of the local "Big Four" are thrilled about playing in Buffalo. It was much appreciated, and let's cross out fingers about the Sweet 16 coming to Buffalo in 2013!.
Sabres on TV
MSG is here to stay, like it or not. Back offered up a terse "no" when asked about the chances of a new Empire Sports Network-like regional sports network.
But the organization is looking at different deals, whether it be with MSG or other local television networks, to create ancillary programs like a coach's show or a "Sabres Weekly" type of program. He also mentioned that they are exploring producing extended pre and postgame shows for Sabres.com.
The Fan Experience
Black dismissed the idea of giveaways and promotions for fans who come down to the arena on game nights. He said those kinds of things (bobbleheads, magnet schedules, etc...) are just a way to "drive up attendance and frankly that's not something we need to do."
I completely disagree, and present to you the platinum standard of professional sports franchises -- the New York Yankess. The Yankees hardly need to drive attendance up with gimmicks, yet for all 81 home games, every year, the Yankees have fan giveaways and promotions. It's a way to show fan appreciation and I entirely disagree with Mr. Black's stance as far as that's concerned.
But here's the fun part...."the slug." Black said that they're kicking around the idea of a "death to the slug" event for the fans at some point this summer. While Black spoke, I gazed out to see our old pal still sitting there on the jumbotron, but Black said the slug is dead and will be buried (speaking figuratively). He mentioned possibly tying in a "slug trade-in" program with fans, where they could trade in a jersey with that beat adorning the front of the sweater for a discount towards a new jersey.
It was a terrific experience, and I'm grateful that I was allowed to be a part of it. As I headed out, back to my parent's basement like the rest of all my blogging brethren, I'd never been more excited for an offseason in my life. Plus, I just spent a few hours meeting some great people, eating pizza and wings with a few beers while we talked to the president of the Sabres. Not a bad way to kill a Thursday night!
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