airmail

So as someone who has already paid for years of tuition at UND as a student, as well as continues giving to the University after graduation; it could be said that it is, to use your terminology, "more my University than it is yours," right?

In a recent Herald Article Alerus parking fees have again been addressed as a way to generate more revenue. I really don't care about spending another 4-5 bucks at an event, but with the already hideous traffic flow, can you imagine getting in the lot with every car having to stop and pay? IMO, this will only add to the congestion when you have people making change, searching the seat cushions for loose change, etc. What's your opinion?

3rd... For Fedorov's sake, I'll give my reasons. 1) We will be good enough to achieve it. 2) I didn't want to jinx them by voting higher. 3) Everyone else was doing it.

"Beeg goal" is right... my vote for the best of 2004-2005.

I like simple too... but I didn't want to be responsible for long lines of students holding fountain pop waiting for the crapper. BTW, Nice idea on the gloves... why didn't I think of that? Permission granted.

I knew that was coming......

How to get loaded in the student section during the game at the Ralph: 1) Getting the booze in the door: You will get searched, so it takes some craftiness. Observe the search patterns of the security folks, and commit the details to memory. Are there those that they search more lightly than others? If so... get them to carry the flask. Generally, when wearing a winter coat, you will never be asked to remove it, only to look in the inner pockets, etc. If this tends to be the search pattern, you've got the green light to carry the flask in the back of your pants, below the belt line. When they "pat you down" they usually tend to hit the front and side, generally searching for items in pockets. If you use this method, you'll have your coat protecting the goods. And unless you have a "happy hands" security guard, you'll get the booze in the door. 1A) Alternative to flask: If you just don't think the flask in the pants schtik is going to cut it, carry the booze in a gallon zip-lok container. I would not recommend using a whole gallon, but hey... it's your party. With the zip-lok, the container remains pliable, and will not produce any incriminating bulges when going through the search process. Also, when it comes time to mix the drink, you can easily discard the alcohol container and will not be forced to carry an incriminating flask with you all evening. Note: If you carry the zip-lok near your backside, be sure to remove it before sitting. Very important. 2) Getting the booze into drinking form: You've got the flask into the concourse, and now it's time to get it into acceptable drinking form. Go to one of the vendors and purchase a fountain soda. I don't prefer the 20 oz containers because of the small opening. Also, the clarity of the plastic container can be the rat that parts you and your student tickets for the rest of the season. Anyway, I would recommend getting the largest fountain pop you can. Usually, you can get some sort of collectors cup, which is opaque. This is perfect. Now, order your coke, and don't forget the lid! The lid is important to prevent spillage, and to block any alcoholic vapors from security personnel. Also be sure to purchase a small popcorn and a misc. candy for future use to be explained later. The next step requires a lookout. If you both are attempting this, you can take turns. It will be fun. Anyway, pour out the desired amount of coke at a nearby water fountain. Now, if the coast is still clear, quickly put the booze in the container and get the lid on. If there is high concourse traffic, and you have little kids waiting to use the water fountain, do not but the booze in the container just yet. All you need is one spoiled brat to narc you out to their rich mom and dad, and your season is over. Take it to a concourse side table, preferably one without glass. Set up with the popcorn and candy like you and a friend are having nice innocent conversation. When the coast is clear, pour it and cap it. In extremely high traffic times such as Wisc, UM, UMD, one may be forced to use a bathroom stall to make the mix. Getting the mixed drink to your seats: If at all possible, avoid security at the bowl entrance. I know this is sometimes very hard to do, but the ushers and security often engage in chit-chat with one another. If you can catch them during this time, proceed immediately to your seats. Remember, never look them in the eye, and always be in the middle of a conversation with someone else. Human nature is not to interrupt. Also, remember that there is safety in numbers. If you can enter the bowl in a group of 10-20, you're that much better off. Remember, keep the lid on, (without a straw too) have other snacks, (so it looks like you came right from concessions) and be in the middle of conversation. If you get too nicey-nicey with the REA staff, they'll think something's up. Play it snotty, but play it cool. Now that you've successfully got your booze into the arena, mixed yourself a drink, and arrived at your seat, enjoy your drink. Nothing says Old Time Hockey like a 50/50 mix 7&7. Or whatever your fancy. Enjoy. *Disclaimer: This post is for entertainment value only. Airmail does not condone disregard for the rules and practices of the management and staff of Ralph Engelstad Arena. Airmail further does not condone consumption of alcohol by minors, even though he consumed a lot as a minor. Airmail also says if you try it and get busted, I will not be held responsible. You obviously weren't smart enough to pull it off, and dumb people shouldn't be killing more brain cells with alcohol anyway.

Yeah... BULL-ony, BULL-ony, BULL-ony (err... maybe not)

I agree... that's why I posted a rebuttal to the comments on what "you should've had."

If you post crap like that again, (in the famous words of "Francis") "I'll kill ya."

Vaht?

There's also 168 "Skippy" mentions on here too. Although a smaller number, more of a problem. (edit: 169)

I agree 100%... that partially explains why I didn't think the "lingo" was that big of a concern in another post. It is up to the parents to bring a child into that environment, no argument here. My most recent post was more to address the "standing" issue rather than the language concerns. Although I doubt that cleaning it up a bit would hardly be a hardship for anyone.

This is the same "entitlement rhetoric" that has been gone over time and time again. Let me throw this at you: A kid is 5 years old, and already bleeds green for Sioux Hockey. He sits through to the end of every game, win or lose, and cheers every good play. He looks up to the players and considers them role models. Now tell me this, isn't it his team too... just as much as it is yours? What makes it your right to take away his ability to enjoy the game? Do you not think the team appreciates him as much as they do you? The constant argument is the students vs. the rich alums who sit on their hands. In reality, it's the students against everyone.

Early 1990's too. Of course there were only about 6 of us in the arena.......

At the beginning of the first season at REA, I was very upset about the whole standing thing. Having seats in 107, it was difficult for my kids to see the game, as well as for myself without standing up to see over the students. And of course, I wasn't going to stand up, and block the view for others near me. So I sat there, po'd, and complained like everyone else in my section. That's just the way it went. That being said: The students in 108 have been great. They've extended the courtesy of sitting for the majority of the play (albeit against their wishes) to us old farts in 107, and everything has gone fine. Certainly, at the beginning of the season there were those who thought they were above the rules, but except for those few we've had absolutely no trouble. Perhaps those in 109 are causing the problems? I don't know... nor do I care. As far as swearing, derogatory cheers, etc.... they're college kids. BFD. Yeah, sometimes it's a bit uncomfortable when my children are at the games, but it's nothing they haven't heard out of their old man's mouth at least a hundred times anyway. The standing gets my dander up one helluva lot more than them chiding an opponent. What I don't understand is why they don't move the student section behind the north net. I wouldn't think that too many season-ticket holders there would mind being moved to center ice. But what do I know.

Best quote ever!

Welcome to the site. I'm afraid that I don't have great news as far as getting season hockey tickets. For instance, friends of ours have joined the Fighting Sioux Club at the coaches club level ($1100) and are still at "90 something" on the waiting list. Until their number is called, they enjoy football and basketball, but being a Bison fan, I doubt that interests you too much! The best thing you can do for now, is get your name on there ASAP, and play the waiting game. Good luck!

Vaht?

If schools are a concern, do not live in Bemidji. Without going into detail, they have issues. TRF, OTOH, has an excellent school system. They don't have much for shopping, etc. but a very nice town overall. Nice housing opportunities, great medical services, great schools, and a friendly atmosphere. Certainly a city on the "growth" end of the spectrum. (oh yeah... the Black Cat bar and grill is also a plus)

I know for a fact that Chad would give his left *** to play for the Sioux. Besides, it couldn't hurt to have a 6'-3" guy in practice giving our forwards a different look in the net.

So now cute kids make a better avatar than gopher beatings? This place is going soft.

I'm not convinced he'll leave either. With even next years NHL season in limbo, I doubt any rookie is going to get "an offer he can't refuse." Besides... Mr. Greene is committed to his education first and foremost.