schmidtdoggydog Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 I am not sure how much money UND picked up on the REA or whether the donation covered everything, but they are out to make boat loads in that place. $325 for season tickets to a college event? That's right up there with season tickets for professional sports in some places. They even have an organ in the place that doesn't work! Come on, RW77, is $325.00 for 23 home games really worth complaining about. mksioux, thanks for setting the rest of the record straight. As for the organ, it not only works, it works well, plays many tunes and sounds fantastic. This is factual. Myself and several other posters from this board heard it a couple of weeks ago when we took a private tour of the REA. And why in the world would the Alerus "woo" the hockey team or conversely, why would the hockey team want to play in the Alerus? You say it is all about the money, for me, it is all about the hockey and I say we (UND hockey fans) have got it pretty good when it comes to the hockey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedorov Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 I find nothing wrong with the ticket prices. However, the new REA has definitely been after money. They take the poll on their site and are now offering all these things so they can make money. You would think the place was going broke with everything they are trying to do. And wanting $20 for a water park? This town doesn't have the money to support that. There were empty seats in REA last year, and I predict that it will get worse as time goes on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdahl Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 There were empty seats in REA last year, and I predict that it will get worse as time goes on. I've said this more than once in the last couple years, usually to the displeasure of whoever happened to be listening. Early 90s REA attendance: 3000-4000. That had nothing to do with arena capacity, which was just over 6000. Now the team is drawing 11000 (3-4 times as many as 10 years ago). The population of G.F. and other entertainment options haven't changed significantly. While the team is definitely bettter, and the arena itself is more of a destination, how long will those factors sustain this level of attendance? I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if G.F. can support an 11,000 attendees/game team for the long term. What will happen when the arena is no longer the "new thing", or when the team has a few disappointing years, or when both coincide? If I were REA, I would definitely be actively working to expand the Sioux fan base and figuring out ways to generate additional revenue by providing additional services for fans (e.g. webcast, magazine). There are ups and downs, and it only makes sense to capitalize on the excitement and good-will generated by these good times to try to lock in additional fans and revenue sources for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mksioux Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mksioux Posted August 5, 2003 Share Posted August 5, 2003 I find nothing wrong with the ticket prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottM Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 What will happen when the arena is no longer the "new thing", or when the team has a few disappointing years, or when both coincide? If I were REA, I would definitely be actively working to expand the Sioux fan base and figuring out ways to generate additional revenue by providing additional services for fans (e.g. webcast, magazine). There are ups and downs, and it only makes sense to capitalize on the excitement and good-will generated by these good times to try to lock in additional fans and revenue sources for the future. I agree Jim. Even when the Sioux under Gasparini were at their peak, old REA would still have empty seats. However, most of the Minnesota and Wisco series were SRO. If the team goes into a 2-3 year slump, e.g., below .500, I could see the crowds numbering in the old REA range during Gino's last years. REA management has to do whatever it can to keep cash flowing, year round if possible, to lessen the dependence on hockey and the fickle "fans" who sit in most of the seats. I could also see more pressure to bring in "brand" names to play hockey too, e.g., BC, the Michigan schools, the Ivies, Olympic teams, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent_Bobyck Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Attendance will drop at REA........... "This is the finest hockey facility I have ever seen" Numerous NHL players, USA Hockey representatives, and nearly everyone that has walked through the gates of Ralph Engelstad Arena have spoken this quote. That being said, I will make my point. The simple thought that the UND Hockey team will be sub.500 again and attendance will drop at REA will make Mr. Engelstad turn over in his grave. He said himself; he gave this money to build an arena to ensure that the tradition of Fighting Sioux Hockey will never fade away as years go by. The amenities alone are enough to bring in nearly any recruit that UND wants. (I say nearly because you are always going to lose a few that you want) Adding to the amenities that REA offers is the tradition of Fighting Sioux Hockey and the fact that UND is an established college hockey power. Good recruits = Good Hockey Teams = WCHA/NCAA Championships = Sold out arenas. So for those of you who have been saying that in just a few short years the hockey team will have a slump and attendance will fall at REA, you might want to ask Mr. Engelstad to see what he thinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedorov Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Hey, I love what Uncle Ralph has given UND and GF. However, he needed to build a casino or something to make sure the GF economy could support the arena. That is also my point with REA trying to make money in other forms. They can get it from people outside of GF, but they should not try to charge people twice for something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mksioux Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Hey, I love what Uncle Ralph has given UND and GF. However, he needed to build a casino or something to make sure the GF economy could support the arena. That is also my point with REA trying to make money in other forms. First, major college athletic programs in ANY market try to make as much money as they can...that concept is not unique to UND or Grand Forks. Second, REA can only make as much money as people are willing to spend. If the GF economy is as terrible as you say it is, then REA wouldn't have been able to make the kind of money it was able to make BEFORE they even offered the webcast. Third, REA is trying to make money "in other forms" because there is a market for it. Period. They can get it from people outside of GF, but they should not try to charge people twice for something. Once again...NOBODY is forcing you to buy the webcast games. If you think the premium package is too expensive THAN DON'T BUY IT. If you can't get over the fact that they're not offering a road game package, think of it this way: You'll likely be able to watch the @Minnesota and @Wisconsin series on tv. That leaves about 10 road games. There's your road package for $90. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottM Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 So for those of you who have been saying that in just a few short years the hockey team will have a slump and attendance will fall at REA, you might want to ask Mr. Engelstad to see what he thinks. "Let's all join hands and close our eyes, as we attempt to speak to the spirits." You overstate your case if you believe that an arena is the foundation for a good program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent_Bobyck Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 You overstate your case if you believe that an arena is the foundation for a good program. It isn't the foundation, it's a stimulant. UND was a great program long before the new REA. Seven National Championships and a Tony Hrkac to prove that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagies Posted August 6, 2003 Author Share Posted August 6, 2003 On an unrelated note, I recently acquired and watched the 1987 NCAA championship game against Michigan State. Brent, I must say that move you put on Essensa was amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sicatoka Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 Bobber's move was good, but the Mal Parks goal was clutch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottM Posted August 6, 2003 Share Posted August 6, 2003 I remember when Bobber fell off a table while dancing at a house party ... good form on the way down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent_Bobyck Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Is there a lot of people signing up for the football free demo?? Just to see how good the quality is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprig Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Is there a lot of people signing up for the football free demo?? Just to see how good the quality is. I'll be checking it, although football doesn't move quite as fast as hockey, so the quality is bound to be better for football. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REA, Inc. Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 Just wanted to let everyone know that we have posted new hockey footage for the demo. As you can tell, the clarity is much better than the clip from the St. Cloud game clip. Keep in mind the live feed will be even better than this. Thanks! Christopher Lee Ralph Engelstad Arena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioux fan in phoenix Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 I have a couple ?s re: this webcast & if anyone knows the answers, I would appreciate it: 1) Must one have broadband service? 2) On that webpage they list at the bottom of each order something like, "8.99 for 5 views". Does this mean that if you purchase a particular game you can watch it 5x? Thx... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REA, Inc. Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 To answer your questions... 1) You do not need High Speed Internet to watch your games but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you do. A high speed connection will allow for better quality and better returns for your money. Try the demo out to see how it will look. 2) The reason it gives you 5 views is because if you have any difficulties with your computer, etc. you can log back on without paying again. Hope this helps. Christopher Lee Ralph Engelstad Arena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioux fan in phoenix Posted August 13, 2003 Share Posted August 13, 2003 Mr. Lee: Thanks a bunch for your very prompt reply. Everyone else: Am I the only dinosaur here with dial-up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioux fan in phoenix Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 I'm curious as to others' experiences with the webcast previews. My audio & real-time playback appear fine but the image is very poor, like it's difficult to see fine details & it seems unfocused. How about the rest of you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprig Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 Am I the only dinosaur here with dial-up? Although I have adsl, it's slow and the webcast won't work for me. Streaming audio alone isn't all that good. Rural ISP has all kind so problems. In addition, they bought out Midco Cable and have chosen not to offer the Sioux Sports TV network Would guess you can get broadband in Phoenix for a very reasonable price. Your description fits what I see also. Except I rebuffer a lot besides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagard Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 Although I have adsl, it's slow and the webcast won't work for me. Streaming audio alone isn't all that good. Rural ISP has all kind so problems. In addition, they bought out Midco Cable and have chosen not to offer the Sioux Sports TV network Would guess you can get broadband in Phoenix for a very reasonable price. Your description fits what I see also. Except I rebuffer a lot besides. This is the biggest reason they should allow downloading. Breaking the game into periods should keep the file size manageable. Maybe they will go for it eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Commodore Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 You overstate your case if you believe that an arena is the foundation for a good program. That's right. Anyone who's paid any attention to the NY Rangers in the last decade knows that money and "bling bling" does not result in a good hockey team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmitzzz Posted August 14, 2003 Share Posted August 14, 2003 I have a cable modem and the video comes through pretty good. Certainly not like watching it on TV, but worth the price I think. For anyone that still uses dial-up, you may try contacting your cable provider to see if they offer package discounts for cable TV, telephone, and internet. I ended up doing that and now pay a little less each month than when I had each service with a different provider and dial-up access. Anyone know if we will be able to watch the games at any time, or if we will have to watch them live? I'm sure my girlfriend would appreciated it if I wasn't positioned in front of the computer every Friday and Saturday night this winter.... although she is surprisingly understanding and supportive of my addiction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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