|
|
Post by dogman on Sept 25, 2007 11:30:16 GMT -5
If the IceDogs intend on using the Jack as their home for the next 5 years, I think they need to do a few more improvements. I thought it might be neat to compile a wish list for improvements at the Jack and then maybe someone could e-mail the list to the IceDogs. (or even Santa ;D)
Here is my wish list in order of importance
1) New seats - the old ones are too narrow and uncomfortable. Many are also broken. New seats are at the top of my wish list. I would also like to see them do something about the top row of seats which have little legroom. Either take them out, which would also make the top aisle wider, move the seats back 6 inches or move all of the seats in rows 1-8 forward by 6 inches making more room for the top row.
2) Better parking - this is almost impossible to do so I would like to see a shuttle bus from the low level parking lot.
3) Improved Concessions - Menu boards to list the food they sell and a better selection including french fries and burgers. Some of the stands may sell fries but since they don't have menu boards I may not be aware of it. Someone mentioned before about having movie theater style butter for popcorn.
4) An additional replay screen for the ends. The current screens are difficult to see from the ends.
Anyone else agree or disagree with my wish list.
|
|
|
|
Post by excanucksfan on Sept 25, 2007 12:03:50 GMT -5
I agree that seats and parking are the top two issues. I had the unpleasant experience of sitting in the top row on opening night and it was not pleasant. There is no room to even put your legs if your 5"11 or taller. It probably would have been my first and last game if I had to sit there every game. Many people probably don't realize that only the top row is so cramped and that the other rows are fine. That needs to be fixed right away.
I would also love to see a season ticket holders lounge. One could be built above the old box office behind the end seats. That would help encourage more season ticket sales. I guess it would depend on the cost to do this one. If it was too much, and they are going to move to a new rink in 5 years, it might not be worth it.
|
|
|
|
Post by chooch on Sept 25, 2007 12:26:30 GMT -5
I would like people to be more specific with the parking issue. I consider anything within a ten minute walk to be reasonable at any sporting facility, and there are plenty in that area. I parked at the bingo lot on Church St. and walked about 7 minutes, and there was plenty of empty space on opening night when the game was a sellout. Other then that I agree with the seating issue, and they said improvements are under way for concessions. I read somewhere that when the concessions at the front of the building had huge lineups, the new ones at the rear of the building were empty, so it sounds like there needs to be a learning curve for the fans at that end of the rink.
Not sure where more screens could be added for the fans at the ends, perhaps a few just behind the netting facing down. Maybe also a better system for those guys that walk around selling beer. Not much room up there in the aisle for them to have to pour every time they make a sale.
|
|
|
|
Post by SpaceBalls on Sept 25, 2007 14:20:05 GMT -5
after new seats,
a nice jumbotron
|
|
|
|
Post by back2back on Sept 25, 2007 14:24:57 GMT -5
I don't mind walking but some senior citizens may have trouble making the trek from the low level lot in the cold. I think having some type of shuttle service either from that lot or some other lot makes sense.
I think the seats really do need to be replaced. If they get near sell-outs most games, every seat must be comfortable. You can't put someone in a seat that has no room for their legs or in a small two person bench with the person sharing the bench using half of the other persons seat. If the arena is only half-full its no big deal because people can always move seats. But if most of the seats are taken, and the person can't fit comfortably into their seat, they won't return.
One thing I don't think needs replacing is the PA system. It has sounded great the past 2 games.
|
|
|
|
Post by chooch on Sept 25, 2007 14:59:06 GMT -5
Your point is taken on the parking issue for seniors. Perhaps a shuttle system from one location wouldn't be such a bad idea.
I also agree on the PA system, very nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by coldpooch on Sept 25, 2007 17:02:18 GMT -5
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.
|
|
|
|
Post by sportscrazy on Sept 25, 2007 17:09:05 GMT -5
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.
|
|
|
|
Post by sportscrazy on Sept 25, 2007 17:10:53 GMT -5
The seats are my biggest problem with the rink. Right now I don't have a problem with the parking but that might change come January.
|
|
|
|
Post by coldpooch on Sept 25, 2007 17:16:22 GMT -5
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. Here is a nice article on the old Windsor Arena which has been in existence since 1926. Note the comment on the lack of parking. arenadigest.com/news/wright/windsor.htmOther arenas which do not have much parking compared to their size are. Guelph Sudbury I can go on about the OHL rinks but how about the NHL. ACC HSBC I can go on and on. Having said that their are a number of rinks which have multiple spots right on the grounds for parking, Hershey Center Poweraide Center Just to name a few. To have this much parking they must be on the outskirts of the City to get the real estate. The down side to this is they are very cold rinks do to the fact they do not have the atmosphere around them, I.E. bars and restaurants like LONDONS does. A good venue will be designed and built in a way to bring people downtown. This is how the city makes its money back. |
|
|
|
Post by Kevin on Sept 25, 2007 21:32:13 GMT -5
Seats are a big pet peeve of mine. The city should have replaced them years ago, with or without an OHL team. New seats would definitely be at the top of my list. I also agree that the legroom in the top row is too narrow. I never sit there because of it.
As for the lack of parking, it won't keep me away from the rink. However, I do know several people who dislike coming to the arena because of the parking issue. So whether the lack of parking is real or perceived, if it keeps people from attending IceDogs games its not a good situation. The only short term solution I see is a shuttle service which is probably quite costly.
I have been asked by a poster if I can e-mail this thread to the IceDogs. I will give the thread a few more days for people to make additional comments before e-mailing it to the IceDogs office.
I know the IceDogs have looked at a shuttle service from the lower level lot. As for new seats, I believe that is something the city would need to implement.
|
|
|
|
Post by IcaDogArmy on Sept 25, 2007 22:30:23 GMT -5
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. Here is a nice article on the old Windsor Arena which has been in existence since 1926. Note the comment on the lack of parking. arenadigest.com/news/wright/windsor.htmOther arenas which do not have much parking compared to their size are. Guelph Sudbury I can go on about the OHL rinks but how about the NHL. ACC HSBC I can go on and on. Having said that their are a number of rinks which have multiple spots right on the grounds for parking, Hershey Center Poweraide Center Just to name a few. To have this much parking they must be on the outskirts of the City to get the real estate. The down side to this is they are very cold rinks do to the fact they do not have the atmosphere around them, I.E. bars and restaurants like LONDONS does. A good venue will be designed and built in a way to bring people downtown. This is how the city makes its money back. great article, that's what OHL hockey is about. That is what being a Hockey fan is all about. |
|
|
|
Post by IcaDogArmy on Sept 25, 2007 22:32:53 GMT -5
and i do believe there will be new seats next season, it wasn't in the budget this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by ltb on Sept 26, 2007 10:00:29 GMT -5
I don't mind the idea of sending this to the IceDogs Brass, but Mr. and Mrs. Burke have already done plenty for us. I think the seat issue as Kevin had mentioned should have been taken care years ago by the city and should be directed in that direction. My obvious wish list besides the new seats is for this team to stay competitive year in and year out, that is how you fill an arena and that is how you prove that this team is here to stay. And maybe then funding for a new arena will become inevitable and not a wish list!!
|
|
|
|
Post by chooch on Sept 26, 2007 11:01:11 GMT -5
Niagara Falls Memorial is being torn down in a year or two and has good seats. They should make a deal to put them at the Jack for a good price, no reason to buy new for such an old building, especially if there's a chance that a new rink might be built in a few years.
|
|
|
|
Post by slamr on Sept 26, 2007 11:57:31 GMT -5
Kevin is right...
The city should have taken care of those seats years ago and it should be their responsibility to have them replaced.
It appears to me that with all the money being spent on renovations right now, the arena will be in use well beyond the 5 year IceDogs lease. If that's the case then replacement seats are a must as the Falcons will likely still use that building.
I'm not saying BRAND NEW seats...but something better than what's there now.
|
|
|
|
Post by slamr on Sept 26, 2007 12:02:38 GMT -5
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. If they did that, where would the team play in the interim? By the time that comes around, the Niagara Falls Arena will be a distant memory. |
|
|
|
Post by slamr on Sept 26, 2007 12:10:01 GMT -5
However, I do know several people who dislike coming to the arena because of the parking issue. So whether the lack of parking is real or perceived, if it keeps people from attending IceDogs games its not a good situation. If that doesn't show what a lazy society we've become then I don't know what does. People have become so spoiled with all the shopping malls, big box stores etc. and all the huge, free on-site parking lots that they expect it for everything. Tell someone that they might be a little inconvenienced and have to walk a bit...and they stay away. Pathetic. |
|
|
|
Post by back2back on Sept 26, 2007 15:46:15 GMT -5
Would it be wise to also e-mail this thread to city council. Should the fans also e-mail the mayor and councillors asking for new seats?
|
|
|
|
Post by tapeball on Sept 26, 2007 15:56:06 GMT -5
 ---Slamr, your 12:10pm post---well said my friend.
|
|
|
|
Post by sphinc on Sept 26, 2007 17:48:40 GMT -5
I think a lower level shuttle bus for seniors and the stroller crowd could be good and easily viable. Just make it known that is their place to park for a ride. All of the other fat arses should walk and quit moaning. (I know my fat arse needs the walk, I need to park in Grimsby)
|
|
|
|
Post by excanucksfan on Sept 27, 2007 11:06:28 GMT -5
(I know my fat arse needs the walk, I need to park in Grimsby) Very funny  |
|
|
|
Post by jdisher on Sept 27, 2007 15:31:41 GMT -5
Won't the fat ppl simply stay at home and watch the game on Cogeco anyway?
|
|
|
|
Post by groulxisright on Oct 1, 2007 18:45:33 GMT -5
However, I do know several people who dislike coming to the arena because of the parking issue. So whether the lack of parking is real or perceived, if it keeps people from attending IceDogs games its not a good situation. If that doesn't show what a lazy society we've become then I don't know what does. People have become so spoiled with all the shopping malls, big box stores etc. and all the huge, free on-site parking lots that they expect it for everything. Tell someone that they might be a little inconvenienced and have to walk a bit...and they stay away. Pathetic. For some, parking a distance away in downtown St.Catharines might be more of an issue of safety than an issue of laziness. |
|
|
|
Post by hockey123 on Oct 1, 2007 18:51:52 GMT -5
There is plenty of parking at the bottom of the hill. 5 minute walk from the arena. This is a high traffic area 1 hour before to 1/2 hour after the game so saftey should not be an issue.
I have 1 wish, 3200 fans for each and every home game. If we pack this place, a new rink with plenty of parking and comfortable seats will be built before long.
|
|
|
|
Post by groulxisright on Oct 1, 2007 19:03:25 GMT -5
There is plenty of parking at the bottom of the hill. 5 minute walk from the arena. This is a high traffic area 1 hour before to 1/2 hour after the game so saftey should not be an issue. I have 1 wish, 3200 fans for each and every home game. If we pack this place, a new rink with plenty of parking and comfortable seats will be built before long. This really is the issue here. Don't spend to much time, money and energy on the old Jack. This team will not see year 4 if a new arena somewhere in Niagara isn't well on it's way to being built. |
|
|
|
Post by puckhound on Oct 2, 2007 7:48:34 GMT -5
Tough to get 3200 indoors on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in September. People are still doing outdoor activities such as playing golf, spending time by the water or barbecuing. Not to mention the NFL is in full swing. 2300 isn't bad. Might get more after the end of January when the NFL season ends. I know Friday nights are tied up by other OHL teams and the Falcons, but that would improve attendence. Or would a switch to more Thursday evening games be better.
|
|
|
|
Post by sportsgal on Oct 2, 2007 17:22:25 GMT -5
Parking, Parking, Parking! Just two and a half blocks from the Arena is a 450 car parking garage which is FREE! It is located on Carlisle St. across from the M.T.O. building. Just a short walk East along St. Paul St to the Arena. I am a senior, and I park there for both the Falcons and Icedog games. Did I mention, IT'S FREE!!
|
|
|
|
Post by ltb on Oct 4, 2007 22:59:29 GMT -5
During the telecast tonight as the paramedics were attending to the injured Majors player they went to the Windsor/Saginaw game, and it occurred to me that they are building a new arena in Windsor and they won't be needing there seats anymore... I think I know an arena in need of some seats! www.ohlarenaguide.com/spitfires.htm |
|
|
|
Post by hockeyobserver on Oct 5, 2007 22:08:26 GMT -5
thanks re: carlisle lot
not bad walk
|
|
