Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

agreed Chuck. For Eaves it's all benefits, I mean there are going to be tons of 12, 13, 14 year-old hockey players watching this on tv, it makes an impression that won't be forgotten really. and that comes back later in the recruiting game.

for me personally, I'm going to go to the Solider Field game cause they're playing the rats and I'd love nothing more than to see UW curb stomp those filthy rodents in front of 50-60,000 people. any other situation though and I probably wouldn't go as I've already seen two outdoor games so the novelty has worn off.

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

agreed Chuck. For Eaves it's all benefits, I mean there are going to be tons of 12, 13, 14 year-old hockey players watching this on tv, it makes an impression that won't be forgotten really. and that comes back later in the recruiting game.

for me personally, I'm going to go to the Solider Field game cause they're playing the rats and I'd love nothing more than to see UW curb stomp those filthy rodents in front of 50-60,000 people. any other situation though and I probably wouldn't go as I've already seen two outdoor games so the novelty has worn off.

I think you hit the nail on the head, there will be a large UW crowd because they are playing the gophers. Getting a doubleheader with good teams helps too. I had a friend who was a grad student at Notre Dame, and Notre Dame gave up a home game against Michigan to play a game at the Palace at Auburn Hills outisde of Detriot. We went up there, and the opening game was Niagara vs Wayne State. In Wayne State's last year of NCAA hockey. Not quite the same as Notre Dame vs Miami (OH). Fans will definitely get their moneys worth at Soldiers Field as all four teams could be in the NCAA tourney a month later.

Hopefully global warming doesn't ruin the ice in February...

[mnstate0fhockey]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Gophers vs Badgers. 60,000+ people. National spotlight. What's not to like?

Chuck nailed it. I'll be there, and got the first round

[5mn_Major]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Ya know...for UW and ND its starting to make some sense. Its about the recruiting. Putting aside the state of WI for a mn, the Chicago area is the second biggest well (after MN) for UW...and probably the biggest for ND. If those schools make any inroads into the market, it will be worthwhile.

Gophers vs Badgers. 60,000+ people. National spotlight. What's not to like?

Chuck nailed it. I'll be there, and got the first round

Do folks really think it will draw more than a typical UW Kohl game?

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

FWIW, if you're going to blame (I guess that's the word) anyone for Wisconsin playing outdoor games, it's Eaves. Pretty simple to read between the lines on his quotes over the years to see that he's the one who is pushing for UW to pursue and accept these types of opportunities. Although on this one someone already pointed out that there is an outside company who is putting this together. Eaves has said that UW would like to play at least one every four seasons, and he uses it recruiting (& it works--Think: Rumpel, Kerdiles).

All in all, I love it. I understand some of the season ticket holders that might be upset, that's more than understandable. Overall though there are more than enough benefits for UW to play in a game like this. I'm looking forward to it, and will have fun with it. If you're not, that's your prerogative but don't feel the need to ruin it for the rest of us.

I don't have a problem with UW playing in any outdoor the game, I take issue with giving up a home conference game to do it. That's what bother's me.

[mnstate0fhockey]

Ya know...for UW and ND its starting to make some sense. Its about the recruiting. Putting aside the state of WI for a mn, the Chicago area is the second biggest well (after MN) for UW...and probably the biggest for ND. If those schools make any inroads into the market, it will be worthwhile.



Do folks really think it will draw more than a typical UW Kohl game?

I think it will draw very well. I know a ton of people from the cities that will be going. Probably because this is our first ever outdoor game and the novelty is still there. I wish this game was at TCF, but Soldier Field should be really cool.

I think this will be great exposure for the Gophers too. I see your point that we don't look out of state as much, but we are starting to more and more and being on the radar of top recruits in other regions is never a bad thing

Props to coach Eaves. Hopefully Lucia and the Gophers are taking notes.

[4four4]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

The Big Ten Network in their back yard have to love the game in Chicago.

[Tiggsy]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

I don't have a problem with UW playing in any outdoor the game, I take issue with giving up a home conference game to do it. That's what bother's me.

That's the only think making me okay with this. Still not a big fan of outdoor games. Anyone know if one ticket gets you into both games? That would certainly boost up the attendence numbers to announce.

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

All in all, I love it. I understand some of the season ticket holders that might be upset, that's more than understandable. Overall though there are more than enough benefits for UW to play in a game like this. I'm looking forward to it, and will have fun with it. If you're not, that's your prerogative but don't feel the need to ruin it for the rest of us.
>

I think UW season ticket holders should get a good sized discount on the tickets. That would have 2 positive effects, increase the attendance overall and be an olive branch to them. UW attendance was down last year, I don't think UW wants losing a home game in the package to be the straw that breaks some season ticket holder's backs. The Chitown game is a short term + bump to the program and p/oing season ticket holders will have a long term - bump.

So what's the cost to park a car down there going to be?

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

So what's the cost to park a car down there going to be?

Last time I was at Soldier Field was 95 for a Dead show and it was $20. Gotta think it's quite a bit more by now.

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Last time I was at Soldier Field was 95 for a Dead show and it was $20. Gotta think it's quite a bit more by now.

Parking will probably cost more than the ticket!

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

I think UW season ticket holders should get a good sized discount on the tickets. That would have 2 positive effects, increase the attendance overall and be an olive branch to them. UW attendance was down last year, I don't think UW wants losing a home game in the package to be the straw that breaks some season ticket holder's backs. The Chitown game is a short term + bump to the program and p/oing season ticket holders will have a long term - bump.

So what's the cost to park a car down there going to be?

park in a neighborhood that does not require a sticker. wickerpark comes to mind. then take the blue line to clark and lake, transfer to green line get off at roosevelt and you're 1/2 mile away from soldier field. free parking $4-5 cta ticket, bam!

[badgerhawk]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Gophers vs Badgers. 60,000+ people. National spotlight. What's not to like?

Chuck nailed it. I'll be there, and got the first round

They may not let you in with the paint thinner, too flamable.

[5mn_Major]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

The Big Ten Network in their back yard have to love the game in Chicago.

Good call. Interesting timing. I heard this is the last regular game between these two before the Big Ten. Kind of closure and a kick off all in one...in the largest and arguably most centralized Big Ten city.

[4four4]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Last time I was at Soldier Field was 95 for a Dead show and it was $20. Gotta think it's quite a bit more by now.

Yo! Man, I saw Jerry over the mountain! Over there!