To market, to market, to buy a fat pig, Home again, home again, jiggety-jig

Yesterday, future Sonics owner Chris Hansen announced on his website that a “Priority Ticket Waitlist Goes Live This Thursday”.

We are excited to announce that we’re launching a Priority Ticket Waitlist for future Sonics tickets.

In addition to helping us understand and prioritize the demand for tickets, registering your interest will be a critical step in demonstrating to the NBA and basketball fans around the country the unbelievable passion that exists in the Emerald City to BRING BACK OUR SONICS!

The Priority Ticket Waitlist will go live here at SonicsArena.com on March 14 at 10 am SST (Sonics-Saving Time!). You will also be able to go to the list directly here. Requests will be taken in sequential order for each ticket type.
. . .
It’s also important that we reiterate that no inference should be drawn between our establishment of the Priority Ticket Waitlist and our efforts to close our acquisition of the Sacramento Kings. We are in the midst of working through the approval and relocation process with the NBA, and we would expect a determination to be made at the Board of Governors meeting in mid-April.

If our efforts prove successful, we anticipate a Sonics sales team member will contact you in May to discuss available seating options. However, a confirmation of your status on the Priority Ticket Waitlist should in no way be seen as a guarantee of tickets.
Read the rest here: Priority Ticket Waitlist Goes Live This Thursday

To a great degree, it’s just getting to be that time of year. If Chris Hansen is going to have a team play in Key Arena next season then he has to start acting like it.

There are a substantial number of people that would want their old seats, in fact, at one point some fans sued for seats after the Sonics left Seattle back in the dark ages. Building that marketing list from scratch with old season ticket holders accounted for will take some effort. There really is no way and no point in making this effort, or any other, without being up front about it, go big.

There is an obvious secondary benefit to this effort, a little PR, to fill what has mostly been a one sided affair. Unfortunately, attendance and ticket sale numbers are just not as important as corporate support, no matter how much you beat that topic to death, only fools place major emphasis on raw ticket numbers.

Come to think of it, last Friday David Stern didn’t mention selling more tickets when he was letting Mastrov and Burkle know their effort was not worthy of consideration by the league. It was money.

Still, this ticket marketing effort will still get play in the media.

As Ryan Lillis reported in the Sacramento Bee on similar efforts by the Kings:

Sacramento launched its own season ticket pledge drive in January in an attempt to show the NBA a robust level of support for basketball exists here. As of 5:30 p.m. today, 5,561 fans had pledged to buy season tickets for a new arena in downtown Sacramento - including 14 in the first half-hour after Hansen made his announcement.

Read more here: Seattle takes page from Sacramento playbook on PR campaign for Kings

It is going to be interesting PR with Mastrov and Burkle lowball offer, and now this from Chris Hansen.

Other than money and fans, what else should the NBA Board of Governors consider?
Corporate support, and that’s not likely going to be part of the public discussion.

At this point, everything is in Hansen’s favor. If you have the money, sign up for tickets and . . . Go Sonics!

This entry was posted in Arena, Supersonics by Mike Baker. Bookmark the permalink.

About Mike Baker

My commentary column appears on Tuesdays. About me: I have avoided watching the NBA for a few years, so, I am Mike Baker, "Rip Van Sonicsfan". I have advocated for and written about efforts to find an arena solution for my community for several years, and blogged many years on Sonics Central, among others. I am a native Seattleite, and lifelong Sonics fan. University of Washington grad. I majored in Communication.

156 thoughts on “To market, to market, to buy a fat pig, Home again, home again, jiggety-jig

  1. “To a great degree, it’s just getting to be that time of year. If Chris Hansen is going to have a team play in Key Arena next season then he has to start acting like it.”
    Completely agree. I think Numbersguy posted his skeptism of announcing this so quickly in the last thread, and I think this is better than letting people know far in advance. Can you imagine if back in February Chris announced you can get your name on a priority ticket list, but you have to wait until March 14th? What good would that do? An advanced notice like that won’t cause more people to sign up, it may cause more people to forget to do it IMO.

    Announcing it yesterday and only having to wait until tomorrow is hard enough as it is, I want my damn name on that list. Plus, the info is fresh in my mind. It’s not like we only get one day to sign up and the site closes.

    I think like Baker said, if the Kings are coming here, he’s got to start making the preparations for it now. It isn’t like all the other teams in the league aren’t promoting season ticket renewals now..I’d be willing to bet they want to have an idea of how many tickets can be sold for next year.

    Most importantly, having a huge list to bring to the BoG meeting could be used as ammo when KJ starts touting “we have the best fans in the world”..everyone get your name on that list!!

  2. I’m on it!!! I can’t wait to sign up and spread the word!!!! Y’all need to do the same. Those of us that have been here (Sonics Central) for years need to lead the way!!

    I think Microsoft and Nordstrom are a pretty good start as far as corporate support goes IMO….

  3. DOes anyone have any links that speaks to the NBA owners disliking Ron Burkle? I have heard about this, about he burned some bridges with the NBA in the past..but I couldn’t find any links.

  4. no links, but there are rumors that he’s a tire-kicker. i can’t vouch for or against — could be accurate or nonsense, no idea.

  5. Otto:
    DOes anyone have any links that speaks to the NBA owners disliking Ron Burkle?I have heard about this, about he burned some bridges with the NBA in the past..but I couldn’t find any links.

    No, most of the stuff I’ve read has said the opposite about him. That he’s NBA approved, yadda yadda. But he does have a history of being more of a tire kicker looking for a good deal than a shark. Probably why Sac isn’t using him as the point man on their team bid opting for Mastrov instead.

  6. miltonbradley320: No, most of the stuff I’ve read has said the opposite about him. That he’s NBA approved, yadda yadda. But he does have a history of being more of a tire kicker looking for a good deal than a shark. Probably why Sac isn’t using him as the point man on their team bid opting for Mastrov instead.

    As far as I know it is the Maloofs that don’t like him because of 2011, but maybe even that is overblown.

  7. Just trying to get an idea on how much season tickets would cost for lower bowl seats. Anyone?

  8. payton2kemp:
    Just trying to get an idea on how much season tickets would cost for lower bowl seats. Anyone?

    My guess would be $2500-3000 per ticket.

  9. So, when we were battling it out with the Seattle Times and PoS over on SonicsCentral last summer, we got the Sonics trending #1. This time around, we should do it easily for the ticket wait list I would hope. Fire up those carrier pigeons and start tweetin’ folks!

    #20

  10. Sonics4ever:
    I vote we save the twitter war for Peter Steinbrueck’s mayor camaign.

    Not asking for a war, just getting the info out about the wait list.

  11. good idea! i’m also hoping the sonicsarena page starts a facebook event. they have 57,000 likes on facebook. that would be helpful. and then we all invide our friends.

    Riboflavin:
    So, when we were battling it out with the Seattle Times and PoS over on SonicsCentral last summer, we got the Sonics trending #1. This time around, we should do it easily for the ticket wait list I would hope. Fire up those carrier pigeons and start tweetin’ folks!

    #20

  12. 206er:
    good idea! i’m also hoping the sonicsarena page starts a facebook event. they have 57,000 likes on facebook. that would be helpful. and then we all invide our friends.

    Yeah, I’ve been pushing the FB end too. Of course, depending on how this wait list works, the greedy side of me, I don’t want too many folks in front of me on that list:-) So everyone, if you can wait to sign up at 10:01 on Thursday, that’d be great…thanks!

  13. Riboflavin: Yeah, I’ve been pushing the FB end too. Of course, depending on how this wait list works, the greedy side of me, I don’t want too many folks in front of me on that list:-) So everyone, if you can wait to sign up at 10:01 on Thursday, that’d be great…thanks!

    I will sign up a few days late unless they have small packages. I could do a 3 game pack over the Christmas Holiday, so hopefully that is an option.

  14. off topic, I’ve run the ESPN mock lottery about 10 times now and every time the Kings come up with either Marcus Smart or Shabazz Muhammad.

  15. BarelyAble: I will sign up a few days late unless they have small packages.I could do a 3 game pack over the Christmas Holiday, so hopefully that is an option.

    Sonics Arena ‏@sonicsarena
    Chris Hansen on how you can help show the NBA big support for #Sonics and get a jump on tickets when available. http://www.sonicsarena.com/

    17 hrs Tom Gialanella ‏@mrtommygman
    @sonicsarena Is this JUST for people who want/would buy full season tickets or can anyone who would see a few games per year sign up?

    17 hrs Sonics Arena ‏@sonicsarena
    @mrtommygman Even a few games a year. Feel free to sign up!

  16. BarelyAble: I will sign up a few days late unless they have small packages.I could do a 3 game pack over the Christmas Holiday, so hopefully that is an option.

    More importantly, I just want to be at game #1 at the very least. I will go for packages too more than likely.

  17. charliesonic:
    no links, but there are rumors that he’s a tire-kicker. i can’t vouch for or against — could be accurate or nonsense, no idea.

    Yeah that is what I heard, even on the radio..but nothing on paper..not even rumors

  18. Taylor Made: Sonics Arena ‏@sonicsarena
    Chris Hansen on how you can help show the NBA big support for #Sonics and get a jump on tickets when available. http://www.sonicsarena.com/

    17 hrs Tom Gialanella ‏@mrtommygman
    @sonicsarena Is this JUST for people who want/would buy full season tickets or can anyone who would see a few games per year sign up?

    17 hrs Sonics Arena ‏@sonicsarena
    @mrtommygman Even a few games a year. Feel free to sign up!

    Thanks, nice to know that we can sign up even for smaller packages. Hopefully they will split those out if they give the info to the BOG (mainly because I prefer to honestly represent things).

  19. Threw this info out on my FB anTwitter as well. I’ve got Sonics fan friends who’ve been slumming @ Blazers games.

  20. Chris Daniels ‏@ChrisDaniels5

    RT @NWCN: Doors to Sistine Chapel now closed, Conclave has officially begun
    ———————————————————————————————————-

    Oh pick me pick me says KJ.

  21. MarkS:
    Chris Daniels ‏@ChrisDaniels5

    RT @NWCN: Doors to Sistine Chapel now closed, Conclave has officially begun
    ———————————————————————————————————-

    Oh pick me pick me says KJ.

    He’ll put his name into consideration after they’re already picked.

  22. For the person asking about lower bowl season tickets. I think lower bowl tickets will be between $75-$100 on the low end. Assume 45 games (inc. preseason) you’re looking at $3375 and $4500. Not sure if that price will include the various taxes and fees

  23. Im really interested to see turn out. Still don’t put much stock into people donating imaginary money towards tickets…but I also can’t believe that only 5500 people in Sacramento (and only 14 since yesterday) have done it…maybe the people who sign up really do have intentions to buy tickets

  24. From the ESPN comments on the priority list story
    _______________________________________________

    Super Fantastisch Schrempf

    David Stern: Welcome to the Price is Right! The first item up for bid is the Sacramento Kings. Display this NBA team in your own arena, as long as it’s approved by the league first. Chris what is your bid?
    Chris Hansen: 525 million dollars.
    David Stern: Kevin, your bid please?
    Kevin Johnson: One dollar!
    David Stern: The actual retail price of the item up for bid is…whatever the higher number is! Chris wins!
    Kevin Johnson: …

  25. payton2kemp:
    Just trying to get an idea on how much season tickets would cost for lower bowl seats. Anyone?

    Figure about $60/ticket x 40 games = $2400.

  26. hey guys quick question. obviously this priority waitlist is just a priority waitlist. any ideas when the actual tickets will start going on sale? I really want to go to that first game back and if signing up on that waitlist helps i’m in… but if i can only buy packages i’m gonna be screwed. poor college kid haha

  27. Myk:
    For the person asking about lower bowl season tickets. I think lower bowl tickets will be between $75-$100 on the low end. Assume 45 games (inc. preseason) you’re looking at $3375 and $4500. Not sure if that price will include the various taxes and fees

    Kyle: Figure about $60/ticket x 40 games = $2400.

    41 games. Plus preseason (like NFL)?

    I think $2500-3k per seat is a good estimate for the cheapest seats in the lower bowl.

  28. 206er:
    i agree

    I want a team back so bad! I am getting excited about the tickets even but I don’t know if I can handle this one not going in our favor. I really wonder if it would be the end of the NBA in Seattle for a long time or if someone like Chris will simply pounce on the next wounded franchise at the back of the pack.

  29. I missed the games this weekend as my gf and I went to Ocean Shores. Kevin et al. Anything interesting happen amongst the lotto bound kids? Anything interesting happen NBA wise? I saw Miami beat Indy and Spurs beat blunder!

  30. Menace:
    41 games.Plus preseason (like NFL)?

    I think $2500-3k per seat is a good estimate for the cheapest seats in the lower bowl.

    I’d be surprised if they played any preseason games in the Key next season. They’ll do their old school roadshow through Everett, Bellingham, Spokane, Tri Cities, etc. so all the buildup is ready for opening night.

  31. “Even a few games a year. Feel free to sign up!”

    Thanks for posting that; being three hours away I will not be attending very many games, but I’ll attend a few.

  32. I’m assuming this Ticket Waitlist is for season ticket pledges? I’m from Calgary Canada and won’t be purchasing season tickets, but I’m sure going to be making a few road trips to Seattle. My guess is this wait list isn’t for people to select individual games, but rather for season tickets. Is that right?

  33. Nevermind, found the answer…

    17 hrs Tom Gialanella ‏@mrtommygman
    @sonicsarena Is this JUST for people who want/would buy full season tickets or can anyone who would see a few games per year sign up?

    17 hrs Sonics Arena ‏@sonicsarena
    @mrtommygman Even a few games a year. Feel free to sign up!

  34. dernbiebs:
    I’m assuming this Ticket Waitlist is for season ticket pledges? I’m from Calgary Canada and won’t be purchasing season tickets, but I’m sure going to be making a few road trips to Seattle. My guess is this wait list isn’t for people to select individual games, but rather for season tickets. Is that right?

    It’s for all tickets — even single game tickets. Basically the priority list so when all the tickets go on sale (season, packages, individual games), you’ve got dibs on buying those first. No money needed at this point — that will probably come in May when they release the prices.

  35. Eric E the most interesting thing from this weekend’s NBA action was what DeAndre Jordan did to the ball, hoop, and Brandon Knight

  36. The waitlist (at least what I infer from the email sent to me) is that you would have priority for tickets (not season tickets just tickets) of any kind. Season, game packs, individual, etc. Then later tickets will be made to the general public.

  37. I live in SF but I’m definitely still signing up. I’m gonna be making some trips home for games and I can’t wait.

  38. trolltossin:
    Eric E the most interesting thing from this weekend’s NBA action was what DeAndre Jordan did to the ball, hoop, and Brandon Knight

    I saw a clip of that. One of the most spectacular in game dunks of all time.

  39. Eric E:
    I missed the games this weekend as my gf and I went to Ocean Shores.Kevin et al.Anything interesting happen amongst the lotto bound kids?Anything interesting happen NBA wise?I saw Miami beat Indy and Spurs beat blunder!

    Not sure yet, but Kings are up to #5…shown selecting Shabazz Muhammed

    http://nbadraft.net/

  40. I still don’t want the Kings, if they relocate and become the Sonics, to draft Shabaaz…

  41. Otto: Not sure yet, but Kings are up to #5…shown selecting Shabazz Muhammed

    http://nbadraft.net/

    Draft position means nothing, considering the lottery isn’t until next month. And most of those mock drafts don’t factor in team needs (I think Chad Ford’s is the only one that does). FWIW, Chad Ford’s kept showing the Kings drafting either Marcus Smart or Muhammed.

  42. Sucks I live in Minnesota and won’t be back home for a while. Looks like I know what I’ll be getting my family and friends for gifts!

    Ill definitely see them when they come to Minneapolis.

  43. Menace: 41 games. Plus preseason (like NFL)? I think $2500-3k per seat is a good estimate for the cheapest seats in the lower bowl.

    Better go with $4000 for lower bowl. I mean, thats what the here we buy pledge website has them listed at. As long as we are copying them on this, we might as well do it right. That way we can compare our ticket pledge dollar amounts evenly.

    Then again, sacramento fans could actually purchase tickets or at least put down a deposit now, so somebody please explain to me why they have a nonbinding pledge sheet??? It’s like they are saying,”here is are fake support, we would rather show our fake support cause its higher than our actual support.”

  44. Taylor Made: Draft position means nothing, considering the lottery isn’t until next month.And most of those mock drafts don’t factor in team needs (I think Chad Ford’s is the only one that does).FWIW, Chad Ford’s kept showing the Kings drafting either Marcus Smart or Muhammed.

    Well yeah, everything at this point is just discussion until we fall into our slots.

  45. Eric E:
    I still don’t want the Kings, if they relocate and become the Sonics, to draft Shabaaz…

    At that point it might be BPA

  46. Think of it as a marketing list. Thats all it is. Are you interested in tickets? Put your name down and you will be contacted. Dont overthink it at this point. We dont have a team yet.

  47. Menace:
    Think of it as a marketing list.Thats all it is.Are you interested in tickets?Put your name down and you will be contacted.Dont overthink it at this point.We dont have a team yet.

    But I want to be contacted first!

  48. Eric E:
    I missed the games this weekend as my gf and I went to Ocean Shores.Kevin et al.Anything interesting happen amongst the lotto bound kids?Anything interesting happen NBA wise?I saw Miami beat Indy and Spurs beat blunder!

    Why’d you go to Ocean Shores before July 1 is the real question. Had to be like five places open.

  49. Kevin Nesgoda: Why’d you go to Ocean Shores before July 1 is the real question.Had to be like five places open.

    Actually a lot of places were open. It was cool to drive out on the beach and let the dogs run around the sand dunes without there being throngs of people. Hey and we saw 40 deer just hanging around the town. Was a good trip.

  50. Menace: 41 games. Plus preseason (like NFL)? I think $2500-3k per seat is a good estimate for the cheapest seats in the lower bowl.

    Yes the estimate included the preseason games they try and include in your package. Based on the questionaire they sent out last summer I think $60 for a lower bowl ticket would be the absolute bare bottom they’d go….and find it very unlikely.

    Even at that rate you’d probably get a better seat at a higher level but at mid court

  51. People should remember that a decent portion of that ticket price is going to be the tax to pay for the Arena…tickets will seem higher than they were at the Key

  52. Watching Muhammed play against UW this weekend and I could see some James Harden in his game. Guy is really tough and drives hard to the hoop and draws fouls. Not super athletic.

  53. Off topic- Sounds like Leon Washington is gone. 3 million for KR and 3rd string RB is too much especially when you just got a great returner

  54. trolltossin:
    Off topic- Sounds like Leon Washington is gone. 3 million for KR and 3rd string RB is too much especially when you just got a great returner

    Not too comfortable with paying PH bigs bucks to return kicks though. Maybe occasionally, but it would be nice to keep Washington if possible.

  55. My guess would be, we release Washington and re-sign him under a restructured contract….I hope!

  56. Releasing Washington would save them only $500k this year…not worth it. They either trade him, restructure his contract or do nothing

  57. Myk:
    Releasing Washington would save them only $500k this year…not worth it. They either trade him, restructure his contract or do nothing

    2.5 M- 750K= more than 500 K saved at least that is how Sando is saying it

  58. Myk: Yes the estimate included the preseason games they try and include in your package. Based on the questionaire they sent out last summer I think $60 for a lower bowl ticket would be the absolute bare bottom they’d go….and find it very unlikely.

    Even at that rate you’d probably get a better seat at a higher level but at mid court

    I thought season tickets behind the baskets in the lower bowl started around $55 in 2008, so I moved it to $60. I’m sure they could be more.

  59. My seats were on the rail in Section 215 (behind the visiting bench) and were around $40/seat. I think it was around $1800 after factoring in preseason and such.

    I wouldn’t be surprised though if the Sonics played zero preseason games in the Key next season and did a barnstorming tour throughout Washington. Makes opening night that much crazier.

  60. Kyle:
    My seats were on the rail in Section 215 (behind the visiting bench) and were around $40/seat.I think it was around $1800 after factoring in preseason and such.

    I wouldn’t be surprised though if the Sonics played zero preseason games in the Key next season and did a barnstorming tour throughout Washington. Makes opening night that much crazier.

    Not a bad idea. Hit Bellingham, Everett, Tacoma, Spokane, Tri Cities, etc.

  61. I know we have a dry shitties day for the seahawks. Wonder If we have one as well for the sonics? Not sure how many buses it is, but your allowed to drink there n back, lol. It’s a long bus ride.

  62. Terrific idea, but don’t forget Yakima there skippy! We’ve successfully hosted pregames before.

    trolltossin: Not a bad idea. Hit Bellingham, Everett, Tacoma, Spokane, Tri Cities, etc.

  63. Shouldn’t KJR be drumming up talk about the ticket priority for those more in tune to radio than they are to this site, and social media? I haven’t had a chance to tune in, so maybe they have. But it could only help with the numbers on Thursday.

  64. trolltossin:
    Off topic- Sounds like Leon Washington is gone. 3 million for KR and 3rd string RB is too much especially when you just got a great returner

    That’s too bad. I really like Leon. He can give you some huge momentum plays.

    I love football but am far from knowledgeable about the ins and outs compared to basketball. What does this mean for the Seahawks? I know we just got Harvin, is there a glaring hole to fill??

  65. Kyle:
    My seats were on the rail in Section 215 (behind the visiting bench) and were around $40/seat.I think it was around $1800 after factoring in preseason and such.

    I wouldn’t be surprised though if the Sonics played zero preseason games in the Key next season and did a barnstorming tour throughout Washington. Makes opening night that much crazier.

    That would be awesome.

  66. James:
    Shouldn’t KJR be drumming up talk about the ticket priority for those more in tune to radio than they are to this site, and social media? I haven’t had a chance to tune in, so maybe they have. But it could only help with the numbers on Thursday.

    NFL free agency begins at 1:00PM today, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t remind people about the ticket priority thing until tomorrow.

  67. Menace:
    Think of it as a marketing list.Thats all it is.Are you interested in tickets?Put your name down and you will be contacted.Dont overthink it at this point.We dont have a team yet.

    To market, to market. . .

  68. Eric E: That’s too bad.I really like Leon.He can give you some huge momentum plays.

    I love football but am far from knowledgeable about the ins and outs compared to basketball.What does this mean for the Seahawks?I know we just got Harvin, is there a glaring hole to fill??

    Harvin is a versatile player who can return kicks, making Leon expendable.

  69. Eric E: That’s too bad.I really like Leon.He can give you some huge momentum plays.

    I love football but am far from knowledgeable about the ins and outs compared to basketball.What does this mean for the Seahawks?I know we just got Harvin, is there a glaring hole to fill??

    Im guessing that they will want to get a quick back in the draft to play 3rd string/4th string since Harvin could probably be the RB if Lynch got hurt.

    I doubt they would do much in FA to cover that void. Harvin can return kicks and I wouldnt be surpised if they didnt use Tate as a punt returner instead of Harvin most the time.

    I would love for the Hawks to get Chris Polk if they end up cutting him and use him as the 3rd string RB but thats just the Husky fan speaking

  70. Jared S.:
    I know we have a dry shitties day for the seahawks.

    Um….What?

    lol, it’s what some call it, since It’s a desert here. I can talk smack since I’m born n raised.

  71. http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    Not try to be dismissive or anything, but at first I thought this was an Onion article…

  72. i don’t get what that sac bee article is trying to say, other than people go see basketball games more in other cities than they do in sacramento… (realize that was not always the case)

    any word on their arena negotiations? it’s been quiet since the city council authorized kj to negotiate. i think i heard something about discussions on the 21st or 26th or something…

  73. Eric E: That’s too bad.I really like Leon.He can give you some huge momentum plays.

    I love football but am far from knowledgeable about the ins and outs compared to basketball.What does this mean for the Seahawks?I know we just got Harvin, is there a glaring hole to fill??

    I don’t know if I’d say “glaring” but our pass rush could use some beefing up.

  74. Kevin Nesgoda: Why’d you go to Ocean Shores before July 1 is the real question.Had to be like five places open.

    We go as well, It gets quite Stormy on the coast and its really cool to look at.

  75. I just read someone who suggested the 49ers could pick up Leon… Wouldn’t that suck?

  76. Myk:
    Watching Muhammed play against UW this weekend and I could see some James Harden in his game. Guy is really tough and drives hard to the hoop and draws fouls. Not super athletic.

    James Harden in college or James Harden in the NBA?

  77. Otto: We go as well,It gets quite Stormy on the coast and its really cool to look at.

    It was relatively decent, although cloudy, Sunday. Yesterday was a bit drizzly and cooler.

    I would love to go to the coast for a full on storm one of these falls/winters.

  78. Taylor Made: I don’t know if I’d say “glaring” but our pass rush could use some beefing up.

    Pass rush and more depth at line, particularly on the right side.

  79. Eric E:
    I just read someone who suggested the 49ers could pick up Leon… Wouldn’t that suck?

    They got Ted Ginn and very little cap space. Leon wouldn’t make sense for the 49ers.

  80. Taylor Made: I don’t know if I’d say “glaring” but our pass rush could use some beefing up.

    I see. Any potential solutions?

    Also, you live in BK right? Where exactly? I spent a year off the Montrose stop of the L line.

  81. Eric E: I see. Any potential solutions?

    Also, you live in BK right?Where exactly?I spent a year off the Montrose stop of the L line.

    Throw some money at a veteran, john abraham, dwight freeny

  82. Abraham or Dumervil. If we could afford Dumervil he could fill Clemons role to a T. Also could serve as a good guy to mix with Irvin

  83. Eric E: I see. Any potential solutions?

    Also, you live in BK right?Where exactly?I spent a year off the Montrose stop of the L line.

    I just moved from over there, in the McKibben Lofts. Now I live off the Gates Ave J/M/Z stop.

  84. I did NOT just read this in a paper of record.

    BarelyAble:
    http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    Not try to be dismissive or anything, but at first I thought this was an Onion article…

  85. Yeah that Sac Bee article is ridiculous. One thing is maybe fans want to be able to see their home team STOMP THE CRAP out of an opponent or maybe just maybe they have fans who want to go to games

  86. BarelyAble:
    http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    Not try to be dismissive or anything, but at first I thought this was an Onion article…

    The funny part is, some of those home teams drop below their attendance averages when the Kings come to their town. Not sure who the Sac Bee is trying to convince? I can see the Heat organization scheduling big promotional giveaways when the Kings go to Miami just to get people to come watch.

  87. Taylor Made: I just moved from over there, in the McKibben Lofts.Now I live off the Gates Ave J/M/Z stop.

    The McKibben lofts are pretty cool. The area was still pretty underdeveloped as of a few years ago though. How’s Gates Ave? Is the Bed Sty?

  88. BarelyAble:
    http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    Not try to be dismissive or anything, but at first I thought this was an Onion article…

    I’ve been thinking the same thing with the past few Sac Bee articles I’ve read although this one seems to have kicked it up a notch.

  89. Riboflavin: The funny part is, some of those home teams drop below their attendance averages when the Kings come to their town. Not sure who the Sac Bee is trying to convince? I can see the Heat organization scheduling big promotional giveaways when the Kings go to Miami just to get people to come watch.

    I was wondering about promotions and ticket prices too. I’m not really sure what the point of the article was.

  90. Eric E: The McKibben lofts are pretty cool.The area was still pretty underdeveloped as of a few years ago though.How’s Gates Ave?Is the Bed Sty?

    It’s still Bushwick. It’s not the best, it’s not the worst. But it’s affordable. Well, you know, by NYC standards.

  91. Does Carmichael Dave really think he came up with the idea for a priority ticket list?

    On amazon.com right now, I can sign up to receive information about buying a Playstation 4 when they’re available for order. Did Carmichael Dave come up with that, too?

    Also, his tweet joke about the Pope Combine was a bit on the Adam Carolla show yesterday, if we really want to get into what is actually plagiarism.

  92. BarelyAble:
    http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    “Not try to be dismissive or anything, but at first I thought this was an Onion”

    I don’t understand the logic of the Bee writer. So a team draws BETTER on the road than at home by a huge margin, therefore the team should stay??? The opposite should be true. People are more interested in the Kings ELSEWHERE than in Sactown if you use that logic properly.
    The whole premise is wrong and either misguided or intentionally misleading.

    Number one, the road game attendance is middle of the pack. The road attendance reflects a number of factors. Does your team have a Kobe, Durant or LeBron or is your team called the Lakers. If not, you are automatically second tier or lower road draw.
    If your team stinks or has no big stars, the attendance reflects the home teams fans coming to see THEIR team, NOT THE KINGS!!! Hilarious read either way. I am not one to gloat either.

  93. BarelyAble:
    http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5253925/kings-still-drawing-plenty-to.html

    I really don’t understand why so few people appreciate the Indiana Pacers. That is an incredible team, and they’re barely holding on in Indianapolis and nobody goes to their road games.

  94. Wow…that Sacramento article is just great…the comment about East/West is spot on…just an amazingly crazy article. That guy has a future as an editor at the Seattle Times

  95. hotchiemotchie: I really don’t understand why so few people appreciate the Indiana Pacers.That is an incredible team, and they’re barely holding on in Indianapolis and nobody goes to their road games.

    i’ve wondered this myself. think it could be because of college hoops? kinda like with the bobcats in north carolina. the pacers have to compete with indiana, purdue, and now butler.

  96. hotchiemotchie: I really don’t understand why so few people appreciate the Indiana Pacers.That is an incredible team, and they’re barely holding on in Indianapolis and nobody goes to their road games.

    Preconception. People have this mindset that they aren’t a good team based on the past few years. But not only are they good, they’re entertaining. I mean, Paul George and Gerald Green on the same team, AREYOUKIDDINGME?

  97. Menace: James Harden in college or James Harden in the NBA?

    Not sure how much of a difference there is between the college and NBA version of Harden…but check out the stats:

    Harden Freshman Year: 17.8 .527/.407/.754 with 5.3r, 3.2a and 2.1s
    Shabazz Freshman Year: 18.3 .450/.417/.715 with 5.1r, 0.9a and 0.8s

    Both are 6’5 and 220 and left handed. Harden a bit more a distributor, but Shabazz is putting up higher points and rebounds based on per minute stats.

    I’d say that the profile Shabazz is most likely to achieve is a guy who drives relentlessly to the key and hits open threes.

  98. Saw this little nugget and just had to share:

    I’m not going to share names, but I know one of the guys who is investing with KJ (has gotten me luxury boxes and courtside, but I digress), and he said this deal was a feeler to see where and if they needed to improve the deal. KJ has a lot of rich businessman from the Sacramento-area as good friends. Take my word that money isn’t the issue.

    riiigggghtttt

  99. KJR talking it up right now.

    James:
    Shouldn’t KJR be drumming up talk about the ticket priority for those more in tune to radio than they are to this site, and social media? I haven’t had a chance to tune in, so maybe they have. But it could only help with the numbers on Thursday.

  100. hotchiemotchie: I really don’t understand why so few people appreciate the Indiana Pacers.That is an incredible team, and they’re barely holding on in Indianapolis and nobody goes to their road games.

    They are a great basketball team. They have no big names stars and they aren’t from a big name city.

  101. Ian pretty much said that this is to end the KJ fan support thing and to destroy the 5,000 commits from Sacramento. To that point….people can actually BUY season tickets anytime down there since THEY have a team (as we speak).

    Ian thinks we could get to 6 figures but admits maybe he is overblowing the number. I think that 20,000 people would be a low end number for commits.

  102. SonicsUberAlles:
    KJR talking it up right now.

    A 10 second blurb. Teased and plugged it all day and it was a 10 second plug and some rant about KJ talking about sellouts.

  103. 206er: i’ve wondered this myself. think it could be because of college hoops? kinda like with the bobcats in north carolina. the pacers have to compete with indiana, purdue, and now butler.

    Taylor Made: It’s still Bushwick. It’s not the best, it’s not the worst. But it’s affordable. Well, you know, by NYC standards.

    That’s what my neighborhood in Bushwick and Montrose was too. “Affordable” by NYC standards, but still f###ing expensive lol.

    The Pacers always drew well in the Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin days.

  104. oops. I meant to post 2 separate posts and ended up with cluster fluff you see above.

  105. hotchiemotchie: I really don’t understand why so few people appreciate the Indiana Pacers.That is an incredible team, and they’re barely holding on in Indianapolis and nobody goes to their road games.

    I think a lot of it is still the fallout from the Malice and even though they’ve stocked up with character guys since then it’s been a hard thing to come back from. Pre-Artest the Pacers were hugely popular in Indianapolis.

  106. The other issue with Indiana is that there is the notion that their record is pretty good they have no chance of advancing deep into the playoffs…kind of like the ATL Hawks the last four or five years

  107. Eric E: Actually a lot of places were open.It was cool to drive out on the beach and let the dogs run around the sand dunes without there being throngs of people.Hey and we saw 40 deer just hanging around the town.Was a good trip.

    I suppose that is an acceptable answer. haha

  108. Otto: We go as well,It gets quite Stormy on the coast and its really cool to look at.

    I grew up in Aberdeen. Been out to the coast during a storm with 60+ mph sustained winds. The waves get intense and a bit scary.

  109. Eric E: That’s what my neighborhood in Bushwick and Montrose was too.“Affordable” by NYC standards, but still f###ing expensive lol.

    The Pacers always drew well in the Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin days.

    Pacers really should have gotten JJ Reddick at the deadline. They’re one of the worst drafting teams in recent memory, so giving up their 2013 picks would have been worth it.

  110. Myk:
    The other issue with Indiana is that there is the notion that their record is pretty good they have no chance of advancing deep into the playoffs…kind of like the ATL Hawks the last four or five years

    I could see Boston beating them in the first round, but if they get the #2 seed, they’d beat Atlanta. Then it’d be a semi-finals against either Boston or the Knicks. Again, would have trouble with Boston, but I think they could beat the Knicks. Not unreasonable to think they’d make the Eastern Conference Finals.

    No one is beating Miami though.

  111. So, they need to have the pricing for the tickets, so that people know what they are pledging for. They also need to state whether or not there would be “personal seat licenses” required, and the cost of those. This list would have more credibilty if a deposit for the tickets had to be made.

  112. traven:
    So, they need to have the pricing for the tickets, so that people know what they are pledging for. They also need to state whether or not there would be “personal seat licenses” required, and the cost of those. This list would have more credibilty if a deposit for the tickets had to be made.

    Well if they are trying to squash the Sac talking point with herewebuy…..it needs no credibility……actually Sac fans could just actually pay season ticket deposits. We cant.

    So just having a list is just as credible as what KJ is using

  113. traven: So, they need to have the pricing for the tickets, so that people know what they are pledging for. They also need to state whether or not there would be “personal seat licenses” required, and the cost of those. This list would have more credibilty if a deposit for the tickets had to be made.

    Credibility for Travern is very important to all of us…

  114. traven:
    So, they need to have the pricing for the tickets, so that people know what they are pledging for. They also need to state whether or not there would be “personal seat licenses” required, and the cost of those. This list would have more credibilty if a deposit for the tickets had to be made.

    I could be wrong, but I believe they cannot except any sort of deposit due to them not legally owning the team yet.

  115. Myk: Not sure how much of a difference there is between the college and NBA version of Harden…but check out the stats:

    Harden Freshman Year: 17.8 .527/.407/.754 with 5.3r, 3.2a and 2.1s
    Shabazz Freshman Year: 18.3 .450/.417/.715 with 5.1r, 0.9a and 0.8s

    Both are 6’5 and 220 and left handed. Harden a bit more a distributor, but Shabazz is putting up higher points and rebounds based on per minute stats.

    I’d say that the profile Shabazz is most likely to achieve is a guy who drives relentlessly to the key and hits open threes.

    I think James Harden is a much better pro. I knew he was good in college……but he wasnt even close to as good as he is now. While he was good in college…….I think a more one on one isolation style is taylor made for the way the NBA game is played.

    I think the same can be said about Shabazz. He might end up being a better pro than a college player simply because of his style of play.

  116. traven:
    So, they need to have the pricing for the tickets, so that people know what they are pledging for. They also need to state whether or not there would be “personal seat licenses” required, and the cost of those. This list would have more credibilty if a deposit for the tickets had to be made.

  117. off topic

    I just checked out the newest version of the arena plan. While I do like the concept of the new arena, I kind of wish they would have stuck with the other two’s arched metal trusses.

  118. KennewickKrunk: off topicI just checked out the newest version of the arena plan. While I do like the concept of the new arena, I kind of wish they would have stuck with the other two’s arched metal trusses.

    They could be playing in the EMP for all I care, I just want them playing!

    I get what you are saying though, it would go along with the skyline of safeco and century link.

  119. LOL @ KennewickKrunk for his new Chris “Cookie” Hansen avatar (and for his non-subtle comments on StR).

  120. Life long sonics fan, forum lurker and first time poster on any kind of forum. You guys are doing a great job keeping people like me up to speed. Time to get off the sidelines and voice my support from the east side of the state (Spokane)! I can’t wait to sign up for game tickets! I finely see some light at the end of a five year tunnel.

  121. bkup: They could be playing in the EMP for all I care, I just want them playing!

    I get what you are saying though, it would go along with the skyline of safeco and century link.

    ya, was kinda going for the skyline thing. I still like it though. Maybe not the orange, but i think it will change colors at night.

  122. KennewickKrunk: ya, was kinda going for the skyline thing. I still like it though. Maybe not the orange, but i think it will change colors at night.

    orange was just for contrast. It will probably be copperish but loaded with LEDs so it can change color and glow a bit.

  123. KennewickKrunk:
    Harvin going with #11. Cool that he didn’t fight for #12.

    Yeah, every player should know - - #12 is off the table. It has & will always belong to us - the Fans !!

  124. Menace: I think James Harden is a much better pro. I knew he was good in college……but he wasnt even close to as good as he is now. While he was good in college…….I think a more one on one isolation style is taylor made for the way the NBA game is played. I think the same can be said about Shabazz. He might end up being a better pro than a college player simply because of his style of play.

    Agreed…both harden and Love completely shocked me in the NBA

  125. Sea Tix Waitlist - - I and everyone I know will be signing up.

    However, don’t you think the voting BOG knows this a PR move on both sides ?
    I don’t think the waitlist ##’s are gonna mean diddly squat to them and their vote.

    Just like on the show Shark Tank - - who’s gonna make them the most $$ is gonna be what keeps them all warm & fuzzy @ night.

  126. kinsesu:
    Sea TixWaitlist – - I and everyone I know will be signing up.

    However, don’t you think the voting BOG knows this a PR move on both sides ?
    I don’t think the waitlist ##’s are gonna mean diddly squat to them and their vote.

    Just like on the show Shark Tank – - who’s gonna make them the most $$ is gonna be what keeps them all warm & fuzzy @ night.

    PR move or not, they still need to have some data on who wants season tix. and it’s cool that we can get on a list BEFORE it officially goes on sale to the public.

  127. Add me to the list of those shocked by how well Kevin Love and James Harden have performed at the NBA level. Perhaps Shabazz Mohammed will follow in their footsteps. The Kings/Sonics? absolutely need to score in this draft. They only have the one lottery pick, which it appears they’ll retain. The last two lottery drafts have produced only Jimmer Fredette and Thomas Robinson (traded away already) for the Kings, which explains why they are who they are. Hopefully, Hansen’s team will have a competent draft team in place ASAP. They need to nail this pick, whoever it is. That team needs leadership desperately. Someone like Damien Lillard (Ugh! The Kings passed on him to take Robinson!) The right point guard, a free agent or two and a different philosophy/work ethic and who knows?

  128. What was the point of someone buying the site “herewestay.org”, and not having anything on it, but a sonics logo? lol, kinda dickish.

  129. kinsesu, You are right. The “Here We” whatever effort in Sacramento is not very credible. I doubt that the BOG is fooled by either of these efforts. Now, I would not be suprised if Sacramento and Seattle get into some arms race as to who can get more clicks on a website. So now, instead of just skewed arguments about attendance, we will get a bunch of “our website is trending, or got more clicks than your website”. It would be interesting to see pricing for seats at Key Arena. I also think the question of personal seat licenses should be settled.

  130. Myk: Agreed…both harden and Love completely shocked me in the NBA

    Even though Im not a big fan of his game……I think the same could be said about Westbrook. In college he didnt really have a position. He wasnt a 1 or a 2 or a 3 and he had no jumper at all.

    I thought Love was going to be Nick Collison. Nothing in college would have led me to believe he would be this good. I thought he was a below the rim overweight PF in college…….which he was.

  131. This ticket release is an attempt to head in to April with all our guns firing. KJ’s speech in Sactown “state of the union” made a point to reference the fan tickets ploy. This is our counter and it has more impact because we don’t even have a team. The NBA owners will ask Sac, why not buy tickets for the team you have? Why all this phantom ticket sales?

    I actually liked the HEREWEBUY idea. I thought to myself that was clever, I then thought to myself the fans are the smallest factor in all this. Fan(s) with 1 billion dollars seem to get the NBA’s attention so perhaps they do matter in some way.

    I think our ticket purchase will have about as much impact as putting a plastic binder over a book report. It is just a nice touch..

    What people fail to realize is that we have been fighting, plotting, rhyming and scheming since 2008. We don’t have much else to say other than where can I buy my tickets. that and beat OKC

  132. traven:
    kinsesu, You are right. The “Here We” whatever effort in Sacramento is not very credible. I doubt that the BOG is fooled by either of these efforts. Now, I would not be suprised if Sacramento and Seattle get into some arms race as to who can get more clicks on a website. So now, instead of just skewed arguments about attendance, we will get a bunch of “our website is trending, or got more clicks than your website”.It would be interesting to see pricing for seats at Key Arena. I also think the question of personal seat licenses should be settled.

    Seriously - - seat pricing & seat license pricing ? It’s simply an indication of interest @ this time. Nothing more.

    My point is - I don’t think any of these waitlist numbers by either City is going to mean squat to the voting BOG. Nothing but fluff.

Leave a Reply