Opening Night

[back2back]

Wow, what a night. Loud, sold out crowd of 3145. IceDogs win 4-1. New jumbo video screens looked great. PA system sounded perfect. I can't wait till Sunday for the next game.

[dogman]

I couldn't believe how much the fans were into this game. I don't think I have heard the arena that loud since the Falcons played in the 7th game of the Sutherland Cup back in the 90's.

I did find the screens difficult to see as I was sitting in the ends. It appeared to be crystal clear anywhere along the sides however.

The arena is really showing its problems when 3000+ people jam that arena. The walkway around the top is way too narrow and the lobbies were jammed during intermission. Those seats are very narrow and uncomfortable, especially when the guy next to you is bigger than average. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to get a new arena.

But I will say if you didn't go, you really need to get to a game. The atmosphere is unbelievable.

[SpaceBalls]

I agree. it's crazy in the lobby and in the walkways. You barely are able to make it to the washroom and back before the intermission ends.

[excanucksfan]

I wish they would organize the concessions better. First they need to put up menus stating what food they sell. I went to the popcorn stand in the upstairs corner hoping that he also sold pop, but there was no beverages, only popcorn. This seems very strange as I don't know anyone who buys popcorn without a beverage. I then went to the small concession stand under section O and didn't see any sign of pop beverages there and there was no menu listing the items they sell. So I skipped that stand. I noticed a line-up at the concession stand in the old Falcons nest, but since you had to enter through the glass doors, I figured it was an alcohol area only. So I walked all the way to the front of the building and stood in line at the upstairs both to get a pop. Later I found out that the small stand under section O does have a pop cooler hidden out of view and does sell pop. A menu would have let me know this. Further I found out that the concession in the Falcons nest is divided in half. One half beer, the other half regular concession items, including pop. There was a menu there but it was taped to the countertop making it difficult to see and it didn't even list all of the items they sell.

They really need to get this organized. Put a menu up on every booth listing all the items. They should also put up a sandwich board sign (the upside down v signs that stands on the floor) that says concessions open with an arrow pointed into the Falcons nest area. Or better yet, just get rid of the wall all together as this would open the entire area up. Even a large sign on the glass wall saying Everyone Welcome, Concessions Open would help. Otherwise, people will just think that the room is a beer area.

I also heard some people complain that they only had Pizza and Popcorn at the concessions. However, the concession in the Falcons nest also had hotdogs, sausages and nachos but it appears no one knew this. For a team that is claiming they need concession sales to help offset their losses, they are not really doing a good job in running them.

Now I know it was only the first game. I don't mind some first game problems as long as things will get better soon.

[hockeyobserver]

i hate to bring it up over and over... but parking... brutal and sad

however, the game was awesome. wow. great game that had it all

[fishfan51]

The way I see it is there is nothing they can do about the parking PERIOD! The concession stands will improve with time.

You have 2 choices deal with it and enjoy the hockey or don't go, whine about it and lose the hockey team.

It was an absolutley AWESOME night, the atmosphere was electric, the new video screens were cool, the sound system was just right, the music was great,t here were a couple of good fights, and the good guys won. So, while a couple of you keep pointing out the bad I'll keep pointing out the GOOD!!!

[dogfan]

Opening night was awesome. The crowd was great and those screens were a nice addition. The arena had a really different look with all the advertising, looked like a real OHL rink. There were a couple Go Dogs Go chants that were fantastic.
Before I make my next point I will say that I know everyone here is supporting the team and I know you all brought up legit points, however, most of what I have read in this thread is negitive stuff. Problems with parking, problems with concessions. We are giving people reasons to stay home. If there were twenty or thirty posts about how great the game was (and it was), and nothing else I bet Sunday would be a sell out as well. Instead we tell people about negitive things and they stay home. Bring your ideas to the team, email or call them.
Message boards like this will help this team get fan interest, if we let people know how great it is. All of this hit home for me last night after the game as I was talking with another fan. He told me "loved the game, I'll be here every game once they get a new arena". My reply was they won't get a new arena unless you here for every game now. We all know if they get the support they get the arena. It's simple - short term pain for long term gain. They sell out every game this season I bet there is a new building in three years.

[coldpooch]

dogfan said:

Opening night was awesome. The crowd was great and those screens were a nice addition. The arena had a really different look with all the advertising, looked like a real OHL rink. There were a couple Go Dogs Go chants that were fantastic.
Before I make my next point I will say that I know everyone here is supporting the team and I know you all brought up legit points, however, most of what I have read in this thread is negitive stuff. Problems with parking, problems with concessions. We are giving people reasons to stay home. If there were twenty or thirty posts about how great the game was (and it was), and nothing else I bet Sunday would be a sell out as well. Instead we tell people about negitive things and they stay home. Bring your ideas to the team, email or call them.
Message boards like this will help this team get fan interest, if we let people know how great it is. All of this hit home for me last night after the game as I was talking with another fan. He told me "loved the game, I'll be here every game once they get a new arena". My reply was they won't get a new arena unless you here for every game now. We all know if they get the support they get the arena. It's simple - short term pain for long term gain. They sell out every game this season I bet there is a new building in three years.

Agree on all points, great post.

[tapeball]

...went to the game last night and it was even better then I expected.

First of all I found parking that was only 8 minutes from the arena. Went to the upstairs concession bought myself a beer and bought cotton candy and soft drinks for the kids. Sat back and enjoyed a real entertaining first period. At the intermission the kids went back to the upstairs concession and purchased hot dogs, pizza and bottled water.

The entertaining hockey continued throughout the second period. The crowd was into it, the kids all over were having a blast. The Host girl did a great job with her fan involvement projects.

I went upstairs for another beer at the second intermission. The walkways were jammed, the concession area was crowded, just the way you expect it to be when you draw over 3100 for an event at the good old Jack. The atmosphere as great and you felt like you were part of something special.

The excitement continued in the third period and when the game ended the Dogs came away with a 4-1 victory. As we walked back to my car at the end of the game, you heard a lot of laughed and and conversation as to how pleased everyone was with the return of Jr. A hockey to our area. When we reached home and were getting out of the car, the kids wanted to know if we could go again soon.

Hats off to the Burke's and the entire Icedog's staff for putting together so much in such a short period of time...

[kj]

what a special night this was indeed. 3 years ago when i moved here for school from Barrie one of the things I was most reluctant to leave behind was OHL hockey. Last night prior to the game as they were rolling out that red carpet and that intense music was playing in the rink I looked around at a full arena full over eager Niagrans and it nearly brought a teer to my eye. Im so happy for the ppl of this area that they have OHL hockey back, and a contendor no less. I wont even live in St. Catharines after this year but I promise I will be at every game cheering or the Dogs because I can see there is such a good thing going here. As for the new rink, yes it is needed and hopefully will come but that barn last night had way more atmosphere than most new rinks in the league. I think we should all take this time to enjoy a couple years of OHL at the Jack because it is an absolutely electric atmosphere just oozing with history, u dont get that other places. I cant wait till Sunday, bring on Brampton, keep showing your support Niagara!!

[slamr]

Thoroughly enjoyed myself last night. The atmosphere in there was second to none. Brought a couple of friends with me (one from the Falls) and they were blown away by the game.

The level of play and atmosphere are so different from Jr.B. The fans were so into the game. Very electric.

I can't remember that arena feeling like that ever before, even when the AHL Saints were here. It was something special for sure.
The old rink does have a real charm to it when it's done up properly. The sight lines are great and you're right on top of the action. My buddy from the Falls couldn't believe how close he was to the play. He loved it.

The Burke's and their staff have done a magnificent job pulling this all together.

The concessions will sort themselves out in time. It's only going to get better.

Parking? No problem. We parked at the lower level lot that was about a 7 min. walk to the arena. Lots of spaces. I think I'll go there from now on.

Looking forward to Sunday's game. This is better than I thought and I had high expectations.

The team looks great and will get even better when they're all playing.

[scout]

have to agree. great game and atmosphere. great value for the money. leguin is quite the player and never stops. i feel this is better entertainment then alot of REGULAR SEASON nhl games that i have attended.

[chooch]

hockeyobserver said:

i hate to bring it up over and over... but parking... brutal and sad

I came from out of town, parked behind the bingo hall on Church Street and walked for 7 minutes to the arena. Where's the parking problem? I seen several other spots within a 10 minutes walk and I've walked a lot further then that for other events in the bigger cities so this one was a breeze.
I'm sure over time the concession problems will be adjusted so we just need a little patience with this.
Overall though it was a great evening and I'll be back as often as I can.

[jrbfan]

Great time had by all!!

We arrived just before 7:00 and found a parking spot that was about a three minute walk. Much better than I anticipated.

As a season ticket holder, I took advantage of one of the two dedicated entrances for season ticket holders. No wait whatsoever.

We purchased two beers each after a small line-up, but that was no problem... The rest of the evening was absolutely phenomenal! I've been going to the Garden City arena for about 40 years (I guess I'm an old-timer - to me the Jack is the new name, not Garden City), and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Great hockey, entertainment, concessions, everything!!

Al lot of the negative complaints seem rather petty to me; concessions will improve (they weren't that bad at all). Even if you have to walk 10 mins, what's the problem? Try going to see the Sabres, Leafs, or Jays, then time your walk to your $30 to $300 seat. You would be thrilled with a 10 min walk.

Again, all in all, congrats to the Burke's and company for bringing back OHL hockey and kudos on a wonderful opening evening.

[chickwithstick13]

it's great to hear positive feed back, and they will fix all the consession problems, i work there consession and we write down all the complaints that are brought to our attention and the ice dogs are working on bring in signs to display products it's frustrating sometimes to when we run out of product, and we do feel bad and with each game in they will fix all the problems and feed back to the ice dogs is the only way they can fix problems because it's very important that we see all the ice dog fans happy and that you all enjoy great hockey so as far as any of the cocession stands go if you are not happy or you have any sugestions on how we can be better please do let us know we want to keep our fans happy. but it's great to hear positive feed back on this discussion board and please feel free to call the office if you have any ideas or complaints, because we can't fix what we don't know! and trust me they are working very hard to try and keep everyone happy but then again we know that' not always enough either because we always find something to complain about!!

[charger]

i enjoyed opening night also no problem parking on race street just a 5 to 10 minute walk depending on the lights. i like the video screen nice touch to the arena. it was also nice to see a sell out crowd the first i believe since 1997 seven game in the sutherland cup between the falcons and elmira.

[coldpooch]

Some of these items will only be addressed when a new arena is built. As for the parking, I just wish people would stop this nonsense. Look.....JLC in London draws a house of 9200 people and the Civic center in Ottawa draws 12,000 fans. Both of these arenas are downtown and "DO NOT" have any parking around it, you must find the space like the fans in St. Kitts and this place only holds 3000. Even the new GM arena in the SHAW for the Generals has no parking, but again 5000 fans young and old make the trek to watch JT.

Last year I went to a game in London during a snow storm which had dropped 3 feet on the City, not one parking lot was plowed out. I was shocked to find that the building still was packed to the rafters. So if there is a will there will be a way.

Personally I think that if the city leveled the entire building, Both rinks and the old tire store out back, it would be an ideal location for a brand new facility. Downtown, near the highway what more could one ask for.

[sportscrazy]

Civic centre in Ottawa has a HUGE parking lot as it is on the Lansdowne Park grounds, which also includes Frank Clair Stadium and a number of exhibition halls. The new arena in Oshawa has a parking garage almost beside the arena in addition to several municipal parking lots. I have only been to London once and I don't really know the area that well so I can't comment.