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Post by deadfish on Sept 16, 2010 15:42:20 GMT 10
Nice find doubleddownunder.
Short of an official announcement this is probably as clear an indication we could get that the Showgrounds is up.
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Post by perfeckt on Sept 18, 2010 19:31:14 GMT 10
Anybody know if the Aces had a presence at the Melbourne Show today, or were they a no show?
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Post by theslammer on Sept 19, 2010 15:16:08 GMT 10
Anybody know if the Aces had a presence at the Melbourne Show today, or were they a no show? Dont know if the aces were there, buy we are having our own royal show and the HEAT will be there www.wa.baseball.com.au/?Page=68882
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Post by perfeckt on Sept 19, 2010 22:06:18 GMT 10
So there is an Aces booth at the Melbourne Show! Not that you'd know about it. I checked the Melb' Show website, no mention. I checked Baseball Victoria's website, nothing. I checked the Aces website and their facebook page, nada. There is also no mention or reference to the Aces at "The Show" on either the ABL or the ABF websites. "What we have here, is a FAILURE to communicate!". That lack of effort scores an F in marketing and promotions 101.
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Post by doubleddownunder on Sept 20, 2010 16:53:17 GMT 10
Was at the Show today and they did have a booth and a radar gun cage. They were giving away pocket skeds, packs of 2009 Upper Deck cards, and some MLB pencils. You could enter a drawing for free memberships and they were selling memberships with some "Show special." The staff had Aces t-shirts, but none for sale.
The best news was when I asked the staff where they are going to play. "Right here at the Showgrounds" he answered.
Totally agree that the marketing seems pretty hopeless, but maybe it'll get better. So desperate for pro ball to come to Australia.
Drew
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2010 19:32:40 GMT 10
While it is frustrating for baseball interests in both Victoria and Queensland to not have official announcements made by this stage, it's become clear that Brisbane RNA and Melbourne Showgrounds are the preferred venues for the Bandits and Aces.
Unless, that is, there have been late complications of which we are not aware (such as budgetary constraints and/or the timing of any submissions for government funding).
Governments in both states would need to be chipping in funds for baseball-specific requirements (at least $ 300,000 in Brisbane, probably more in Victoria). That being the case, reasonable protocol would require that governments made the official announcements at their discretion if indeed they are stumping up the cash.
But it remains an unfortunate reality that baseball lacks the bargaining power of other sports. We may yet be disappointed.
It's a fair point on the lack of communication, perfeckt. BV and the ABF can only report on what is released to them by the Aces or the ABL. There has been bugger-all in the way of news happening on the Aces website in particular.
The apparent state of ABL communications inertia is something that needs to change - and surely will change - in the very near future.
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Post by perfeckt on Sept 20, 2010 19:35:22 GMT 10
Gidday Tex! I agree with you regarding media exposure and about us baseball tragics and that the great unwashed (non tragics) have no idea about online comm's such as the forum, ABL, ABF, BV, Aces, etc., websites. However, I would reckon that those of us that are most keen to see this new league work are friends and aquaintances with a huge (collectively) number of people outside the baseball sphere. Those people who we come into contact on a daily or weekly basis (and their kids) might be swayed to visit an ABL booth before their kids have had enough (or the parents) of the particular "Show" that they are attending . If only mugs like me, may have had forewarning and been able to encourage them to seek out said attraction. Think....6 degrees of separation and then multiply, it really is a no brainer. An army (okay , maybe a battalion) of unpaid, passionate, walking, talking advertising agents is too valuable to ignore and the ABL do so at their detriment. The knowledge of website presence and the power of word of mouth is as key as a major media presence. For the Melbourne Show......no media, website or grassroot club has been given any heads up and that can only be less than what so simply could have been. 101, Fail.
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Post by johne on Sept 21, 2010 20:41:32 GMT 10
I heard today from (as roly would say) the next door neighbour's brothers butcher that the show grounds proposal has been shut down.
Anyone else heard this?
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Post by duke on Sept 21, 2010 20:54:52 GMT 10
I heard that there might be a problem, johne, but I believe the perception arose from certain matters being taken out of context.
It seems that there are three proposed stages in the baseball development at the Showgrounds. The first would make the facility playable for the coming season, the other two would deliver enhancements down the track (IE over the next couple of years).
Work is expected to commence on Stage One after the Melbourne Show is over, but government funding for the later works might not yet have been budgeted.
A fly on the wall has buzzed me that ABL management is adamant about the Aces playing at the Showgrounds this season. Though the timeline is contracting very very quickly, especially with so many issues yet to be resolved (squads, uniforms, marketing etc etc).
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Post by pirate22 on Sept 22, 2010 12:52:52 GMT 10
Today marks 50 days till the Aces play the Bite in S.A for their season opener .... 65 days till they host their first 'home' game against Canberra...
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Post by Chilli Wil on Sept 24, 2010 18:31:30 GMT 10
In the same boat as you Perfeckt, couldn't find anything to do with the Aces at the show, and I was actively looking for them (in between the rides and animal petting). No one at the info booth had any idea about it, and if they were there not good enough. If they weren't, would have been nice to have it on the website when they were in attendance.
While there I had a look at the proposed venue and the seats out in LF could be sold as "the landing zone" as I'm sure plenty of HRs would be hit that way. Could easily erect a fence in RF to make the park a little fairer to pitchers. Would need a bit of work (and in a hurry) but the view from all around is great; we sat and watched several equestrian events from various angles and had a great view from all of them, had no idea what was going on but the view was good.
Saw a few fine fillies in the crowd. Should have had some cheerleading tryouts or something with the talent that was on show at the show.
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Post by philallen on Sept 24, 2010 19:20:41 GMT 10
While there I had a look at the proposed venue and the seats out in LF could be sold as "the landing zone" as I'm sure plenty of HRs would be hit that way. Could easily erect a fence in RF to make the park a little fairer to pitchers. Would need a bit of work (and in a hurry) but the view from all around is great; we sat and watched several equestrian events from various angles and had a great view from all of them, had no idea what was going on but the view was good. Saw a few fine fillies in the crowd. Should have had some cheerleading tryouts or something with the talent that was on show at the show.[/quote] Chilli....good to hear some positive feedback. I think you will find that the seating in LF will be behind solid fencing and therefore inaccessible. Fencing will also be established in RF. There is lots of work to be done but word on the street is that plans have been put in place and it will be ready to go by opening day. Hey, if the Indians can convince the World that Delhi will be ready maybe we could get their labour crews to get it done!! I'm as apprehensive as the next guy but have faith in the administration of the league that they will have everything in place. Whilst no official announcement has been made on the venue I would be very surprised if the showgrounds is not the chosen venue As for johne's mail in an earlier post...as always the butcher was wrong should have asked the checkout chick!!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2010 21:08:07 GMT 10
The Aces Showgrounds set-up is in the 'Kids Zone' which is arguably the best place for it and one of only maybe two venue options out there they would have had I reckon (unless they set it up in the kitchen of CWA ?). It was up the back which wasnt ideal BUT it was by far the biggest exhibit in there and away from the tight crazy crowd shoving environment at the front and middle of that pavillion. There were at least 4 people helping there today doing stuff with the few kids there that were interested, I reckon it would have been a bit hard to get people there helping at the 'stall' throughout the duration of the Show though, so having 4 there today was impressive. Not a bad effort to get it into the Show - may achieve some interest, but its always hard to measure that. No doubt the early games will rely on most of us that play to go along intially with 'word of mouth' being its best advertisement (if only we had something of substance we could actually talk about : . Ultimately it will be the product that will bring the 'newbies' to the sport back again, if its entertaining and 'of quality' that is. Just a shame that its a fairly short 'home' season (16 days of play over a 7 week period) so there isnt much time to let it grow in popularity during the home games this first season Id have thought. But it could provide enough interest to bring everyone back the following years as the players become more familiar to the general public and the ground swell of support grows (hopefully) ?
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Post by wheezer on Sept 25, 2010 9:02:39 GMT 10
Long-term, the 2010/11 season itself will be the bulk of the league's advertising for sustainable interest. There was never an expectation that the opening season's cashflow would fall in the black.
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Post by Spice on Sept 28, 2010 16:15:10 GMT 10
Good find DD, it also show Brisbane RNA showgrounds, indeed good new for both Franchises marketing plans and the ABL. I expect the QLD Govt. to announce the Venue soon. Are you a believer yet Spice mate....?? Still not a believer sorry Texas. As I've said before, once I see the first pitch thrown by a player at a Melbourne home game I'll believe it. And I promise I'll be there to personally apologize to anyone that is worthy of one. I really do hope it happens mate but the way this has all gone I wouldn't be surprised if everyone rolled up, bought a ticket, the players warmed up and then there was just nothing. I know one of our own baseball "gods" has the same unfortunate thoughts I do. Might make sure I stand next to him to celebrate if it does actually happen. See you in the batter's box
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Post by skinny on Sept 28, 2010 18:13:45 GMT 10
Took my billy lids to the show on Friday and caught up with a certain high level exec from BV. Told me that it was 99% certain, that aces were playing at showgrounds. I went down to look, and like you Phil, saw some lovely fillys prancing around, but what got me was the dimensions of this "ball park". from what i saw, it is going to be a very very short porch at left field, a little longer to rf and a deepish CF. Diamond will be were the grass is as it stands right now..good be a lot of runs scored here. Phil, i think even you could jack one oppo at this field..but, at least we have a field. I cant believe I am saying this but, I think we should utilise Altona for tis year, build a purpose built ground at the SG and move there next year......
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gamer
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Post by gamer on Sept 30, 2010 16:30:06 GMT 10
Got information today that says that there will be an imminent announcement this weekend to confirm that the Melbourne Aces are definitely going to be at Melbourne Showgrounds. I will not give you my source, but - watch this space!!!!!!!!
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Post by wheezer on Oct 2, 2010 7:51:34 GMT 10
Hi gamer. Would be cool if that is true. Did your source say where the announcement would be published? My hope is the Aces homepage would say something about it...
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Post by flip on Oct 7, 2010 5:09:53 GMT 10
The big wait is almost over....the big announment will be made tomorrow about the Aces home ground at the showgrounds......
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Post by duke on Oct 7, 2010 18:25:26 GMT 10
It's been a while coming, but expect the Melbourne Herald Sun to deliver its exclusive in tomorrow's edition (Friday 8 October), followed by a Media Release coming out of government offices.
For Stage One of the Showgrounds baseball development, something in the order of $ 300,000 will be earmarked to get the facility baseball-ready for the Aces' first home series (back-net, home run fence, maybe some indoor batting and/or storage facilities). Work on the playing surface will start after an already-scheduled upcoming event.
For the doubters thus far holding back on taking out memberships or buying tickets, you can now be assured that the Showgrounds will be the medium to long-term home of the Aces, with further stages in facility development to follow in future years.
It's a great location and it is great news. Obviously there's still a lot of work to be done by the Aces and ABL to get this show on the road, but we are getting that much closer.......
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Post by trober on Oct 8, 2010 6:18:25 GMT 10
The showgrounds is now listed in the membership section of the aces site
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Post by dandyboy on Oct 8, 2010 7:44:21 GMT 10
I can't find anything in the paper?
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Post by The Joker on Oct 8, 2010 7:55:34 GMT 10
I can't find anything in the paper? Me neither. I reckon Duke works for the Herald-Sun and was trying to sell a few extra copies?
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Post by p26 on Oct 8, 2010 7:59:33 GMT 10
Maybe they pulled the "exclusive" article after realizing somebody beat them to the punch?
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Post by perfeckt on Oct 8, 2010 8:14:54 GMT 10
........waiting...........................................................................................................................................................................!
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Post by duke on Oct 8, 2010 9:06:57 GMT 10
???Errrr.................Saturday?
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Post by The Joker on Oct 8, 2010 9:37:39 GMT 10
???Errrr.................Saturday? Nup - I'm not falling for that again
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Post by doubleddownunder on Oct 8, 2010 10:16:51 GMT 10
Not sure if others received a similar e-mail from Melbourne GM Stephen Nash on Thursday - got excited and thought they might actually be announcing the venue and/or a way to actually purchase single game tickets.
"Thank you for entering the "Win Season Tickets For You And A Friend" promotion we conducted at the recent Melbourne Show. Your support and interest is very much appreciated. I wish to announce that the lucky winner was STEVEN HUBBARD, who wins season tickets for himself and a friend to watch the mighty Melbourne Aces. If you are interested in following the Aces please go to our web site because we are running a promotion for two people to win an all expenses paid trip to this year's World Series! Once again I thank you for your support. Regards Stephen Nash"
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Post by Spice on Oct 9, 2010 14:07:20 GMT 10
Melbourne Aces just announced at Sandringham that the home ground is the Showgrounds! About time. Merchandise has now arrived and uniforms are coming next week.
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Post by 6for8 on Oct 19, 2010 6:46:31 GMT 10
Aces mentioned in the Sun today. a whole 2 inches of column... i mean, jeez, Warrick Capper got more of a wrap. Its frustrating when the Media doesn't get on board, and i would imagine, very hard to force their hand. here is hoping they come up with a solid two page spread like they did for the NBL a few days ago... does anyone have any insight into how the print media go about their article selection? would be interested to hear.
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