"Supporting" the Thunder question:

[OKC4me]

So, what does it mean to "support" your team. When I hear that Seattle didn't support their team what does that mean?

Did they not buy their "gear"?

Did they not go to the games?

or both?

Just wondering?

I'm wondering the best way to support the Thunder is? Game attendence, buying everything that has "thunder" on it or what?

[Midtowner]

All of the above.

It's all about $.

[so1rfan]

Also the support for a new facility. We obviously did that.

[betts]

I actually think the Sonics fans did support their team. They were reasonable attenders until the end, despite the questions about where the team would end up, and I think most of the people who actually went to Sonics' games were in favor of a new arena. They were drowned out by the non-fans who didn't want to spend tax money on a third sports palace when the Mariners and Seahawks stadiums were still being paid for.

[southernskye]

Betts is right. I lived in the Seattle area during that time. They even approached another City in the area about building an arena there, but it didn't get very far.

[OKC4me]

So, what is the best way for us "normal" people to support the team? We hear we need to support them no matter what, but what exactly supports them the most?

[kevinpate]

doing things that makes them profitable and provides incentive to remain in place, so there is no reason for them to seek greener pastures down the road.

[betts]

I think going to games is the very best way for us to support the team. Ticket revenue is an important part of the budget and profits, and good attendance is viewed favorably by the NBA and sports journalists. Watch NBA games on television, especially Thunder games when they're playing out of town, because that improves market share which leads to higher ad revenues or the network showing games being willing to pay more for the contract. Buying merchandise helps too, but profits are shared around the NBA, so it's less necessary for the team financially. However, the NBA likes its' merchadise being worn, so even if purchases don't help the team that much, it more favorably disposes the NBA towards your team and city.

[OKC4me]

So, the best way for me and other people to help our team, is to go to games and watch them on tv when they are playing?

[betts]

So, the best way for me and other people to help our team, is to go to games and watch them on tv when they are playing?

That's what I think. Other people may have different opinions.

[metro]

Betts is right. I lived in the Seattle area during that time. They even approached another City in the area about building an arena there, but it didn't get very far.

True, but the City of Seattle could have EASILY renegotiated the lease, which was documented as the worst lease in the NBA. Renegotiating it to make the team profitable would have gone a long way in keeping the team in King County. Basically the City profited most of the revenues from the game venue unlike most cities where the team gets it or a good portion of it. I think it basically came down to a mindset where people just didn't want to use taxpayer monies on such a venue. I can relate to both sides of this stance. In theory it is ridiculous to pay for a luxury venue for multimillionaires to play. In reality it is a quality of life boost to local economies and how the game is played like it or not. Seattle choose not.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

So, the best way for me and other people to help our team, is to go to games and watch them on tv when they are playing?

Pretty much. I guess you can add listen to them on the radio as well.

[dmoor82]

I wonder what the attendance will be tonight with the ice storm hitting today,hopefuly it wont be too small!

[so1rfan]

I wonder what the attendance will be tonight with the ice storm hitting today,hopefuly it wont be too small!

Add Bedlam to the mix as well.

[bretthexum]

Gonna be empty. I am eating 2 expensive tickets I bought.

[OKC4me]

I wonder if the ushers will let the people in the upper deck move down to the lower level if the attendence is really bad?

[OKC4me]

So, if attendance is bad, we aren't supporting the Thunder? Even if we are buying the clothes?

[OKC4me]

I wonder how well our merchandise is selling compared to the rest of the league?

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

So, if attendance is bad, we aren't supporting the Thunder? Even if we are buying the clothes?

Not necessarily. They go by tickets bought (including season tix), not by who shows up.

[dmoor82]

What was the attendance last night?

[betts]

I believe tickets sold were 18,200+, but they estimated about 5,000 people were there. We went and had no trouble getting to the arena or from it at the end of the game. I think once rush hour traffic was over, the streets were essentially wet, and there were so few drivers around that we made it in about 5-10 minutes more time than usual. They let people in Loud City move down to the lower bowl, so it didn't really seem that empty. And, for 43 minutes, we had an amazing game going. When they put the bench in at the end, it was if all the air was let out of the balloon, and we had to spend 5 minutes worrying about whether we would blow a 30 point lead. But, a win's a win.

[betts]

I wonder how well our merchandise is selling compared to the rest of the league?

I suspect we're not selling internationally, and won't until the rest of the world discovers Kevin Durant. So, probably our total merchandise sales aren't that great. But in the state, sales are reportedly way higher than anticipated. Regardless, we split merchandise revenues with the other teams, so the Chinese buying Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming jerseys helps all of us.

[OKC4me]

Hmm, interesting!

[OKC4me]

My boss went to the monday night game, and said he was sitting in the 300's and a cheerleader came up there and told him he could move to section 113 or something like that! He also said he got free beer on the 3rd level because he bought one, and was told to go back and he'd get a free one!