Facilities and Arena discussion

[hoopsjunkie75]

How about a place to buy decent merch?

With Adidas, Gildan, and CMTM in the mix, you'll never get merchandise worth buying, so no need for a "team store" in the building.

When's the last time we had 8k in that arena for a basketball game?

Maybe Sherrod Wright's Valentines Day Massacre game against VCPoo?

 

[Jack Strop]

When's the last time we had 8k in that arena for a basketball game?

Why does it matter? The arena was the same ol' place that it is now the last time we had 8k+ in attendance.

Or, are you asking for real? Pablo can tell you...
ask him.

 

[Dawgs99]

Why does it matter? The arena was the same ol' place that it is now the last time we had 8k+ in attendance.

Or, are you asking for real? Pablo can tell you...
ask him.

My point is that we almost never get anywhere near 8k for a home game.....so why act like its something that used to be common place. Even when we have decent crowds, there are still vast swaths of unfilled seats in the lower bowl and it looks like shit.

 

[2011WinOverVillanova]

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/new-york-liberty-new-practice-facility/ - I know they have more money than us but I HOPE that our new practice facility can be really nice/stand out and tell Mason's story.

That might give an idea of what modern practice facilities can or do look like.

Is ours still percolating?

 

[Falco]

I went to a Nationals game this past weekend and the family had an awesome time. The Nats do a great job creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Mason could implement a few low-cost touches that would completely change the vibe and help turn casual families into lifelong fans.

Some of the highlights included:


• Kids Run the Bases
— Mason version: Let kids participate in a pregame “layup line” on the court

• Kids Eat Free
— Mason version: A free popcorn or snack voucher

• Playground area
— Mason version: A couple of moon bounces in the concourse

• Photo ops with the Racing Presidents
— Mason version: Meet-and-greets or photo ops with the Patriot or cheerleaders

 

[Dawgs99]

They used to let the kids come down after games to shoot foul shots.....I enjoyed doing that as a youngster.

 

[Verdad]

• Kids Run the Bases
— Mason version: Let kids participate in a pregame “layup line” on the court

They used to, my kids loved it (and my youngest would especially love it now), and they stopped doing it.

• Playground area
— Mason version: A couple of moon bounces in the concourse

They have that big inflatable Mason couch, which my kids (and many others) loved bouncing on, then at one of the last games they had someone standing there to tell kids not to bounce on it.

They also used to have an inflatable basketball shoot that is now gone.

Having things for the kids to do on the concourse before the game and at halftime, especially my 8 yo who is not interested in the games, is a huge help to keep kids happy when they are being kept out until after 9pm on a school night, typically.

• Photo ops with the Racing Presidents
— Mason version: Meet-and-greets or photo ops with the Patriot or cheerleaders

Used to do post-game autographs with a couple players - don't do it anymore. It probably makes sense to not do this every game, particularly weeknight games - but they did do one game this year with the whole team to get the schedule poster signed.

I would agree with the Patriot walking the concourse before game/during halftime - never see him there. Any maybe some select meet and greets with our star players during weekend games.

Perhaps have a corporate sponsor for the meet and greet to contribute to players NIL.

 

[Falco]

They used to, my kids loved it (and my youngest would especially love it now), and they stopped doing it.

They have that big inflatable Mason couch, which my kids (and many others) loved bouncing on, then at one of the last games they had someone standing there to tell kids not to bounce on it.

They also used to have an inflatable basketball shoot that is now gone.

Having things for the kids to do on the concourse before the game and at halftime, especially my 8 yo who is not interested in the games, is a huge help to keep kids happy when they are being kept out until after 9pm on a school night, typically.

Used to do post-game autographs with a couple players - don't do it anymore. It probably makes sense to not do this every game, particularly weeknight games - but they did do one game this year with the whole team to get the schedule poster signed.

I would agree with the Patriot walking the concourse before game/during halftime - never see him there. Any maybe some select meet and greets with our star players during weekend games.

Perhaps have a corporate sponsor for the meet and greet to contribute to players NIL.

Yeah we jumped on that couch until told it’s not for jumping lol.

 

[mkaufman1]

I went to a Nationals game this past weekend and the family had an awesome time. The Nats do a great job creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Mason could implement a few low-cost touches that would completely change the vibe and help turn casual families into lifelong fans.

Some of the highlights included:


• Kids Run the Bases
— Mason version: Let kids participate in a pregame “layup line” on the court

• Kids Eat Free
— Mason version: A free popcorn or snack voucher

• Playground area
— Mason version: A couple of moon bounces in the concourse

• Photo ops with the Racing Presidents
— Mason version: Meet-and-greets or photo ops with the Patriot or cheerleaders

You're ideas are great- however

1) they let kids on the court for post game free throws and they have been doing this for years
2) Autographs on the concourse usually happen after the game as well (with some meet and greets)

Kids eat free sounds good though- or at least some discounts. Unfortunately with how the food contract is setup I don't know how possible it is.

 

[Verdad]

You're ideas are great- however

1) they let kids on the court for post game free throws and they have been doing this for years
2) Autographs on the concourse usually happen after the game as well (with some meet and greets)

Kids eat free sounds good though- or at least some discounts. Unfortunately with how the food contract is setup I don't know how possible it is.

They don't do either of those anymore.

 

[Verdad]

Coincidentally, just saw this:

Chanticleers 1st in FBS to offer free concessions

Coastal Carolina announced it would offer free concessions to fans at football games for the 2025 season, making the Chanticleers the first FBS program in the country to do so.

www.espn.com

 

[jessej]

Coincidentally, just saw this:

Chanticleers 1st in FBS to offer free concessions

Coastal Carolina announced it would offer free concessions to fans at football games for the 2025 season, making the Chanticleers the first FBS program in the country to do so.

www.espn.com

Great Idea
1) lower the rent price by the cost of the goods;
2) add in the concessions cost to the ticket price

 

[mkaufman1]

They don't do either of those anymore.

Whaaaaaaat? I could have swore that was still a thing

 

[99 Patriot]

There were at least 3 games this year where they did postgame autographs with the whole team (each game that was labeled a family game). Credit to Zack Bolno for being the one to round up our players and get them to the concourse as quickly as possible. The free throws I think did go away a few seasons ago. Would be nice to bring them back on the weekend games.

 

[hoopsjunkie75]

I mentioned at the beginning of the season that the Patriot doesn't do crowd interaction like it used to. The Patriot just hangs around the sidelines either near the band or the cheer squad. Need it to be in the stands, walking the concourse, doing photo ops and high-fives, etc.

The mascot should be a cheerleader/brand engagement ambassador, not just standing around [flapping its wings] like some other mascots do.

Plus, Patriot needs a new uniform. It's quite threadbare if you do get the opportunity to see it up close.

 

[ProfessorCFK]

The mascot should be a cheerleader/brand engagement ambassador, not just standing around [flapping its wings] like some other mascots do.

Plus, Patriot needs a new uniform. It's quite threadbare if you do get the opportunity to see it up close.

The mascot should be Gunston.

 

[GMU79]

The mascot should be Gunston.

100 times yes!!!
Or have both of them.

 

[GSII]

f**k the mascots....it's time for Mason and Mason Nation, to invest in becoming the Gonzaga of the East. If Tony wants a lake to go fishing in, damn it, starting digging!

 

[Falco]

100 times yes!!!
Or have both of them.

Preach

 

[Old Man]

The mascot should be Gunston.

MKaufman, someone needs to be kicked because of vulgarity!