Posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Okay Everyone, just so people can stop wondering, here is my response to most of the questions asked so far about the Knockout Cup and Challange Cup games scheduled in Dundonald Ice Bowl and a few that haven’t been.
Was the Odyssey available?
No, I asked for open dates to hold these games in January and was originally told that Jan 26 and 27 (mon and tue) were available but was then told they were doing work on the track those days so they became unavailable. Even if they were available, I don’t think a fifth game at the Odyssey in eleven days would have been ideal for us. Although sometimes dates seem to be open when people look on the Odyssey website, there are dates that are not open because concerts or events have booked in prior to or after their event to set up or take down.
Why Dundonald instead of Dundalk?
Honestly, we have tried Dundalk and we wanted to try Dundonald because midweek, for our fans to travel an hour, it may mean less can come to the game. I know Dundonald isn’t as new as Dundalk, but it’s easy to get to, it is an option worth exploring and we wanted to see how it goes for our fans and for hosting a game there.
Is the ice okay? Will the plexi be durable enough?
Actually the ice at the ice bowl is better than alot of rinks in our league. People that skate on it during public sessions may think its rough, but we train on it every day and the ice at Dundonald is fine. The plexi was my biggest concern, but the Ice Bowl are working this week to secure the glass around the rink and improve the durability using a couple of proven methods used in rinks around the world that I don’t need to get into.
What are the sightlines like, will we be able to see? What is the capacity?
We are certain we can get just over 1,000 people into the Ice Bowl, roughly the same as Dundalk (despite reports we can get 2000+ in the Ice Dome). There are roughly 560 seats up top, 400 which are in the middle section which I am holding for season ticket holders. Any complaints about that may come from non-season ticket holders but I want the season ticket holders to have the option of where to sit, so they will have some time before any one else can come in to have their pick. A big sorry to non-season ticket holders, but it’s a small benefit and I think it’s fair enough to do for them. Standing room around the plexi downstairs and on the bleachers on the bottom level will bring the capacity to over 1,000 and yes we have a great deal more than 400 season ticket holders, which is why those 400 seats are first come first served for season ticket holders, so bring your black fanzone card to show with your ticket. Some sightlines are not ideal, although in any arena, there will be sightlines that aren’t great. Once again, plenty of options to stand or sit on the bleachers if the sightlines up top are not satisfactory.
Why do you keep doing this to us? Why can’t we play all the games out of the Odyssey?
Remember, we used to not enter Cup competitions because we couldn’t get more dates at the Odyssey. That is why this year, we played a double header in Sheffield for the knock out cup preliminary games. Steve and I wanted to enter every competition and try to win them all. We don’t want availability to stop us from entering these competitions in the future either. These are additional games. Last season we played 24 games at the Odyssey and five, including the playoff game in Dundalk. This year we have played 18 games at the Odyssey already with another 11 scheduled. I have also already confirmed a playoff date (a Saturday if we finish in the top four and get home ice advantage) which makes it 30 home games in the Odyssey this season. If we make the final of either of these Cups, we have already tentatively booked a date at the Odyssey in anticipation of advancing to the final. So although these games are not at the Odyssey, the home of the Giants, they are additional games and more hockey for all of you to enjoy.
Are the Blaze not going to be angry about these games at a smaller venue?
I sure hope so.. Just kidding, I spoke to Paul Thompson and explained the whole idea and he was fine with it. He actually offered to play two games in Coventry and split the gates, which financially could have been better for us but I wanted our home fans to see both of these games, even if its not in the Odyssey and believe me, I want to win.
I’m still not happy, why should I pay my hard earned money to come to the game at the Ice Bowl?
I reduced the price to £10 for adults and although kids/concessions is still £8, I expect most kids come with an adult or two so you are still saving money. There will always be someone that finds something else to complain about, the state of the building, the cold, the plexiglass, the seats, but I can’t make everyone happy. I tried to make it at a more convenient location, I lowered the price of tickets, I am giving some added benefit for our season ticket holders. Take it for what it is, a night out at a hockey match that is still close to home and should be a pretty fun atmosphere. It’s not part of a season ticket package, its not a permanent move, it’s something different and for everyone that made an effort to go to Dundalk, I expect them to be understanding enough to go to Dundonald. Remember, we are a game for all, game for everyone and I expect Giant fans to always rise above any issues they may have with where a rink is located. A great deal of you did it for Dundalk and I would expect the same to be done for these games. If you still have a problem, if you still think its a terrible move and a bad place to watch a game and not worth the money, then we will see you at the Odyssey on Thursday and again on the 21st. If I receive as many “I will never be back at the Odyssey” phone calls and emails, I know at least this time, I will save myself the time I took to answer them all. This is hockey, lets leave the drama and excitement on the ice and try to enjoy the game next week.
Once again, I hope you all understand, and although some of you won’t, I feel I have exhausted my explanation for why we did it. Believe it or not, we did this so our fans could see these games and as many as possible could make it to them. Even if the seats aren’t as good, even if they rink is colder, I hope as many of you as possible come out and make this a great night of ice hockey.
Todd Kelman
General Manager
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