Buffs out to win over fans

[Buffnik]

In order to become relevant in a sports market dominated by professional franchises, the CU men`s basketball program -- coming off three consecutive seasons in which it lost at least 20 games and finished last in the Big 12 -- must start winning.

Especially the games played in Boulder.

Deep down Bzdelik, who was able to bring some magic back to the Pepsi Center with Carmelo Anthony as head coach of the Denver Nuggets and transform Clune Arena from a visitor-friendly venue into one of the most difficult places to play in the country during his time at Air Force, already knew this.

"We have reached out and done a plethora of things that will hopefully attract people," Bzdelik said. "Now, that`s only half of it. We have to win. And in order to do that we must play well."

CU opens the 2009-10 season tonight against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and adults can get into the Coors Events Center for as little as $1.

Full Buffzone Article

[sackman]

I will say this: The CEC is a very difficult place to play when it's sold out. The fans are close to the action and the place is extremely loud. The problem, IMO, is that there aren't a lot of basketball fans in the area. Look at the Nuggets, it took them getting to the western conference finals for people to jump on that bandwagon. If they falter, they'll be right back where they were before. Same deal in Boulder. They need to win - a lot - in order to get people into the stands for any extended period of time.

[tante]

I got my season tickets last night, but won't be able to make the game tonight, but I will be there on Monday.

[GoldenBuff]

Perhaps against my better judgment, I'm going to be back in the Basketball Band again this year. I really hope Coors is at least somewhat full tonight. I think this might be the year we start to turn the corner. For real this time...

[Goose]

Sadly I'm meeting friends for the Nugs-Lakers game tonight so I won't be there. Hoping to make it Monday though.

[BinaryBuff]

I bit on the 2 pairs of tickets promotion, and got my tickets in the mail yesterday. Looking forward to hopefully seeing the guys turn it around this year

CEC is a fun place to go when the crowd is into it. Used to be fun no matter what when they were still selling beer...

[sackman]

I bit on the 2 pairs of tickets promotion, and got my tickets in the mail yesterday. Looking forward to hopefully seeing the guys turn it around this year

CEC is a fun place to go when the crowd is into it. Used to be fun no matter what when they were still selling beer...

Really terrible idea to stop selling beer at the CEC. I mean REALLY terrible. Stupidity knows no bounds, I suppose. :rolleyes:

[buffaholic]

A pet peeve of mine. All this talk about the AD needing money and we don't sell beer at either Folsom or the CEC? Charge a fortune like the pro teams do and I don't think it will be a huge problem.

[Buffnik]

A pet peeve of mine. All this talk about the AD needing money and we don't sell beer at either Folsom or the CEC? Charge a fortune like the pro teams do and I don't think it will be a huge problem.

Found this blog post on the opening game for Memphis. Consider that we draw double the fans they do and can charge more in Boulder... and beer could easily be worth over a million dollars a year in Folsom.

Beer sales at Memphis games ruled WIN

The city of Memphis and Memphis Tigers fans have finally found something with that they agree upon - beer sales at football games are a good thing.

For background, the city is looking for ways to fund stadium improvements. Among the revenue ideas: sell beer at the games. Looks like they might be on to something:

Beer sales totaled $114,576 after Sunday’s opener, meeting 40% of the revenue goal the city had hoped to take in for the season to pay for recent stadium improvements. “We’re tickled pink,� said Memphis Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery.

Forty percent of their estimated revenues achieved in one game? WIN.

For its part, the NCAA bans alcohol sales at its championship games, but lacks any jurisdiction over sales at regular season or bowl games. The decision to sell or not to sell its solely in the hands of those who run the stadiums.

And don't think these revenue numbers will be overlooked by teams seeking to boost revenues in a down economy. And - just in case they miss 'em - I'm sure the friendly neighborhood Bud man will have a copy handy.