Mariucci

[hshockeyfan8]

Anyone know the time of the section games on Wednesday at Mariucci and whether or not I should plan on getting there early for a good seat? Thank you.

[C-dad]

6AA at 6 PM and 2AA at 8 PM. As long as you get there a little early you should be OK.

[runninman]

will these games be streamed??

[hshockeyfan8]

will these games be streamed??

6AA put a ban on streaming video, perhaps to try and increase ticket sales? 2AA I'm sure will be streamed somewhere.

[MNHockeyFan]

6AA put a ban on streaming video, perhaps to try and increase ticket sales?

Makes sense. The crowds - and the atmosphere - are not what they used to be, and the ban should help get more people in the building.

[Bayside Tigers]

The crowds - and the atmosphere - are not what they used to be...

Noticed this lately myself. Well more and more as time goes on. Kind of sad to see. The game itself isn't down by any means, why is today's generation not interested? Twitter and video games...?

Was reflecting earlier with Mariucci games on deck, how it used to be chaos getting into that building. Part of which was a poor ticket sales plan, maybe with the entry way jam packed wall to wall while game 1 was going on created an illusion of a full house. That was fixed last year to avoid the massive log jam, so maybe attendace was the same, but it at least felt like attendance was way down last year. Good handful of empty seats.

Also, when the Schwan Cup started out (Capital City Classic) when the Xcel Energy Center was built, the building would be packed it seemed like. Now at Ridder Arena, much smaller venue, there are still tons of empty seats. Suppose that had everything to do with the Xcel being brand new & everyone wanted to see it, which wore off over time.

Just a couple ideas, but still, it seems like a every day it becomes more rare to find a roaring loud student section (not to mention witty or amusing), and even if you find one that's half decent for a game, they won't be there the next game. What gives? Maybe the same teams have been the top teams for too long, so the excitement has worn off, and the rest of the teams have nothing, or less, to cheer for...?

Yet when state tournament time comes, popularity seems to grow every year & tickets seem like they're harder & harder to get, scalper prices go up every year.

[MNHockeyFan]

Was reflecting earlier with Mariucci games on deck, how it used to be chaos getting into that building. Part of which was a poor ticket sales plan, maybe with the entry way jam packed wall to wall while game 1 was going on created an illusion of a full house.

Ah I remember that utter chaos all too well. One year the line went almost a block long outside and I wasn't dressed for the long wait to just buy a ticket. And once inside it was a full house too - you needed someone to hold your seat between periods if you needed a restroom break or wanted to visit the concession stand. But the atmosphere was great and I hope we start to see a return to those "good old days". Maybe without the streaming this year the recent downward trend in attendance and excitement will start to be reversed. Sure hope so because the hockey action itself is always tremendous.

[gitter]

Was reflecting earlier with Mariucci games on deck, how it used to be chaos getting into that building. Part of which was a poor ticket sales plan, maybe with the entry way jam packed wall to wall while game 1 was going on created an illusion of a full house.

Ah I remember that utter chaos all too well. One year the line went almost a block long outside and I wasn't dressed for the long wait to just buy a ticket. And once inside it was a full house too - you needed someone to hold your seat between periods if you needed a restroom break or wanted to visit the concession stand. But the atmosphere was great and I hope we start to see a return to those "good old days". Maybe without the streaming this year the recent downward trend in attendance and excitement will start to be reversed. Sure hope so because the hockey action itself is always tremendous.

That was the most fun Mariucci has been in a long time (aside from that clusterf*ck of getting in the door). I don't know if that had a part in turning off people from going back as well, but it hasn't been the same since then. Regardless of how many people show up, the games there are usually outstanding. Looking forward to it again this year....nothing better than a double header of Section Championship games.

[bsmguy]

Mariucci on section night used to be a mess. It was a total hassle but worth it. Then they took it to Target Center one year and it has not been the same since. But it is not far off.

I think one big reason for the chaneg is that that 2AA has been dominated by Edina. Burnsville has always had a great student seciton, but the neutral hockey fan may decide to avoid the hassle jsut to watch Edina win again.

Also, there is the trailing off of HS hockey generally. With so many top players leaving, the wow factor is not what it used to be (Imagine Hurly and Walker still playing for Edina). Take 40 top players of high school hockey and you lose some very intriguing match ups.

Third is what I call the EP Factor. Big school, winning tradition, small fan support. Very few students are "fans only". Everyone has their own activity. And there is no urgency to go to the section finals game becasue it is not special anymore. Kids think "The girls hockey team (or dance or hoops or football) went to state, I have stuff to do, I am not blowing a whole evening just for a section game" . So the crowd is down a bit.

But it is "down" from a very high peak. Mariucci will still be full, just not overflowing. The atmosphere should be awesome and the games promise to be entertaining.

I can't wait. Go Red Knights!

[wingnuts]

MSBN Network will be streaming alot of sections final games - check out the broadcast schedule on their website www.msbnsports.net

[DrGaf]

What's the box office situation like?

Would a guy have a problem going and picking up 3 tix at game time?

[C-dad]

MSBN Network will be streaming alot of sections final games - check out the broadcast schedule on their website www.msbnsports.net

Looks like all, or nearly all, will be audio only.

[BP]

What's the box office situation like?

Would a guy have a problem going and picking up 3 tix at game time?

You shouldn't have a problem. About 5-6 years ago, it would take 30-40 minutes waiting in line to get tickets, lines were like a 100 deep at 5:00. Last two years, I've gotten down there at 5:00 and there was no one in line.

You can also pick up tickets at the high school before noon (BSM, EP, Edina, or Jefferson).

[ChrisK]

I've been going to the section finals at Mariucci (or Target Center) since 2002 (minus the one year that they had to play on Saturday due to a storm) and it seems like attendance fluctuates depending on the quality of the teams playing and the schools involved.

There was one year, 2009, that was a madhouse when Jefferson, Edina, Eden Prairie and Minnetonka all were in the section finals but generally it's been half to three quarters full.

I do think Edina's dominance has hurt attendance at recent finals but it's been 2010 since Jefferson last made the final so they should bring a good crowd this year. To their credit, Burnsville has brought great crowds to the finals over the last three years, it's too bad we didn't get to see them at the tourney.

As a private school Benilde is a lighter draw so I would expect the early game to have a smaller crowd than the late game even though EP usually has good support.

[hshockeyfan8]

I've been going to the section finals at Mariucci (or Target Center) since 2002 (minus the one year that they had to play on Saturday due to a storm) and it seems like attendance fluctuates depending on the quality of the teams playing and the schools involved.

There was one year, 2009, that was a madhouse when Jefferson, Edina, Eden Prairie and Minnetonka all were in the section finals but generally it's been half to three quarters full.

I do think Edina's dominance has hurt attendance at recent finals but it's been 2010 since Jefferson last made the final so they should bring a good crowd this year. To their credit, Burnsville has brought great crowds to the finals over the last three years, it's too bad we didn't get to see them at the tourney.

As a private school Benilde is a lighter draw so I would expect the early game to have a smaller crowd than the late game even though EP usually has good support.

3rd period of the 1st game is the best the atmosphere gets all night, as the fans for the second game generally get there early to watch the ending.

[DrGaf]

What's the box office situation like?

Would a guy have a problem going and picking up 3 tix at game time?

You shouldn't have a problem. About 5-6 years ago, it would take 30-40 minutes waiting in line to get tickets, lines were like a 100 deep at 5:00. Last two years, I've gotten down there at 5:00 and there was no one in line.

You can also pick up tickets at the high school before noon (BSM, EP, Edina, or Jefferson).

thanks

[C-dad]

A little more info - I called Mariucci and the tickets for Wednesday are $10 adults and $8 students.

[adchester]

Jefferson will have a big student section at least. We haven't been this far for hockey since any of the current students have been at the school and everyone's excited. Add in our generally dismal sports program overall (I'm a Sr and I think the only major team sport that has made state during my time is Boys Soccer one year) and it should be a good crowd.

[MNHockeyFan]

Jefferson will have a big student section at least. We haven't been this far for hockey since any of the current students have been at the school and everyone's excited. Add in our generally dismal sports program overall (I'm a Sr and I think the only major team sport that has made state during my time is Boys Soccer one year) and it should be a good crowd.

Best of luck! Lots of regular folk (non-Cake-eaters) will be pulling for your team!

[C-dad]

Best of luck! Lots of regular folk (non-Cake-eaters) will be pulling for your team!

I'm sure everyone will rally behind all the blue collar, lunch pail types from West Bloomington.

I't almost as funny as when the Tonka fans start a "daddy's money" chant.

[DrGaf]

Best of luck! Lots of regular folk (non-Cake-eaters) will be pulling for your team!

I'm sure everyone will rally behind all the blue collar, lunch pail types from West Bloomington.

I't almost as funny as when the Tonka fans start a "daddy's money" chant.

Please stop using logic in this equation.

And it's not blue collar ... it's called powder blue collar west bloomington sensibility.

Go Jags!

[Bayside Tigers]

Plenty of arm room in there tonight. All around the entire bowl. Seems like attendance is less & less the last few years. Ever since how ever many years ago when it was packed full & impossible to get in, I've had it embedded in my brain that I need to get there real early to be guaranteed a comfortable entry & a good seat. I think it's time I can finally dismiss that train of thought & just show up at 10 to 6.

Still a fun time, the earlier game was more entertaining, of course, being a 2OT game vs game 2 where the only goal Jefferson scores is a player throwing it on the goalie's arm/back from behind the net & it trickles in. Not much of an effort from Bloomington. Still kept it close for a while though. Great nachos, delicious fountain soda. Wes was there.

Neither team that won did the old throw the sticks & helmets & gloves into the air when the game was over. Maybe that's only for the state championship game with these two teams.

I hope the X is serving cake this year! At least 1/4 of the participating teams & their followings are known to like it. And that includes me, I want the piece with the most frosting.

[hshockeyfan8]

Plenty of arm room in there tonight. All around the entire bowl. Seems like attendance is less & less the last few years. Ever since how ever many years ago when it was packed full & impossible to get in, I've had it embedded in my brain that I need to get there real early to be guaranteed a comfortable entry & a good seat. I think it's time I can finally dismiss that train of thought & just show up at 10 to 6.

Still a fun time, the earlier game was more entertaining, of course, being a 2OT game vs game 2 where the only goal Jefferson scores is a player throwing it on the goalie's arm/back from behind the net & it trickles in. Not much of an effort from Bloomington. Still kept it close for a while though. Great nachos, delicious fountain soda. Wes was there.

Neither team that won did the old throw the sticks & helmets & gloves into the air when the game was over. Maybe that's only for the state championship game with these two teams.

I hope the X is serving cake this year! At least 1/4 of the participating teams & their followings are known to like it. And that includes me, I want the piece with the most frosting.

I've never been a fan of the whole yard sale gloves and helmets after a section championship. Shows that the teams goal is to win state, not the section.

[Wblhcky2424]

Plenty of arm room in there tonight. All around the entire bowl. Seems like attendance is less & less the last few years. Ever since how ever many years ago when it was packed full & impossible to get in, I've had it embedded in my brain that I need to get there real early to be guaranteed a comfortable entry & a good seat. I think it's time I can finally dismiss that train of thought & just show up at 10 to 6.

Still a fun time, the earlier game was more entertaining, of course, being a 2OT game vs game 2 where the only goal Jefferson scores is a player throwing it on the goalie's arm/back from behind the net & it trickles in. Not much of an effort from Bloomington. Still kept it close for a while though. Great nachos, delicious fountain soda. Wes was there.

Neither team that won did the old throw the sticks & helmets & gloves into the air when the game was over. Maybe that's only for the state championship game with these two teams.

I hope the X is serving cake this year! At least 1/4 of the participating teams & their followings are known to like it. And that includes me, I want the piece with the most frosting.

Gotta love Wes!! When he was at the WBL and CDH game at Vadnais, I asked Superfan George from WBL what his opinion of Wes was and he said "he looks like Jesus and smells like the devil" couldn't agree more

[MNHockeyFan]

Gotta love Wes!! When he was at the WBL and CDH game at Vadnais, I asked Superfan George from WBL what his opinion of Wes was and he said "he looks like Jesus and smells like the devil" couldn't agree more

Classic!

Has the official attendance from last night been announced? If I had to guess, I would say around 4,500 total tickets sold, both games.