HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

Get there early or pay someone to get there early? What color is the sky in your world? Maybe we should have to crawl through broken glass or walk over hot coals, too.

It doesn't have to be so complicated, unless it's run by a bunch of public school administrators. In the early 80's the section 3 semifinals were on separate nights at Aldrich and sold out well before game time. It took High School League officials several years before they figured out that the Coliseum had more seats, and they could sell more tickets. Last year people saw the lines at the concession stands at Mariucci and turned around. Both Mariucci and and the High School League left money on the table. They would have sold more tickets and more (over priced) food if the games were held on separate nights. I know the League understands making more money; they continue to force season ticket holders to buy worthless consolation round tickets. If they stopped that, consolation games could be held at Aldrich, where it would feel like a decent crowd. But never hold your breath waiting for the League to adopt a good idea.

From what I know, they had the national sychronized skating competition at Mariucci that weekend. I also heard that twhen Minnesota State High School leauge figured out the mess they tried to get the ice time back, the figure skating people said yes, but theyll have to sue them. And so the games were played at the Target Center. No worries though, I'm almost positive we will be back to Mariucci next year!

anybody think the reason the atmosphere was awful was because ep didnt bring any fans and the second game didnt start until 9 on a wednesday?

muenzie wrote:anybody think the reason the atmosphere was awful was because ep didnt bring any fans and the second game didnt start until 9 on a wednesday?

Somewhat of a disappointing crowd, which didn't help the atmosphere for sure. But as has already been pointed out, the other two big factors were the Target Center itself plus the games were not exactly nailbiters.

Assuming next year these games revert to Mariucci, which is probably the perfect venue for these games, the atmosphere will be a lot better.

Mariucci is a much better venue. But as was discussed on this forum last year, having both finals together there is a disaster. No way I'd try going next year if both games are on the same night. Last year when I went it was the worst hockey-going experience of my life. Difficult to get in. Couldn't find a seat, and when I managed to find a spot to stand, I couldn't go to the restroom or anywhere else because if I did, someone would grab my space. As far as buying advance tickets at the participating schools, I live 15 miles from the nearest one, and there is no way I could get there during school hours.

the ice is slow and soft, and the lockerrooms are horribly small....very bad venue for hockey.