Im down for every friday or saturday game played at the ralph when the hockey teams are out if town. I think it might bring in a few extra recruits UND might not get otherwise. Im sure a coach would love to say we play a few key games here every year to recruits. Make the team feel a little more like they are apart of something big at UND. It might just get the ball rolling. I have a theory about new facilities and team performances: UND football at the alerus 2001. UMD hockey won a championship when they got a new arena. Something in the psyche.
The ice issue might be fixed with the newer cooling system installed in REA.
I think when the Ralph actually makes an attempt to advertise the games it would make a big difference.
Gotta spend money to make money. With a new coach and being division one now, UND should try and get a few "mid name" programs to come to town. Get Fox Sports to televise it and get 6,000 people to fill the lower bowl maybe include the game in hockey season tickets? Get that "showcase" rolling (and perhaps to imagine UND actually would win that game...our "super bowl"?). Start with UNI next year. The Ralph paid a couple big name tennis players to come to town. They have the money.
I think it might be one of the easiest ways to grow the fan base.