|
Post by Ace on Dec 25, 2010 17:19:06 GMT 10
In regards to the food issue I agree that it's not the best and it's dissapointing that the food and beverage sales don't go back into the pockets of the Aces or Baseball Victoria. How about at each game we set up a stall where a different club each week can sell whatever food they like ( sausage sizzle, roast beef rolls from Pakky, Port Melbourne and their South Melbourne dimmies). Good food where the money goes back to the club running the stall. A bit like a Bunnings set up. A good chance for the clubs to make some money and feel a part of the Aces experience. I like what you say Philaallen, it's baby steps now, it's not perfect but we've got the ball rolling, let's get the bums on seats and pump some money into this thing and get it to the way we want it. If one of the other posts is true, then this won't be an option due to showgrounds private contracts.
|
|
|
Post by Chardy on Dec 25, 2010 19:29:15 GMT 10
In regards to the food issue I agree that it's not the best and it's dissapointing that the food and beverage sales don't go back into the pockets of the Aces or Baseball Victoria. How about at each game we set up a stall where a different club each week can sell whatever food they like ( sausage sizzle, roast beef rolls from Pakky, Port Melbourne and their South Melbourne dimmies). Good food where the money goes back to the club running the stall. A bit like a Bunnings set up. A good chance for the clubs to make some money and feel a part of the Aces experience. I like what you say Philaallen, it's baby steps now, it's not perfect but we've got the ball rolling, let's get the bums on seats and pump some money into this thing and get it to the way we want it. When you guys going to realise that the ABL has nothing to do with club baseball and nor does it have to. This is semi-professional baseball - the food vans or whatever they are would be contracted to operate whenever an event is on at the showgrounds.
|
|
|
Post by lucadello on Dec 25, 2010 20:15:12 GMT 10
In regards to the food issue I agree that it's not the best and it's dissapointing that the food and beverage sales don't go back into the pockets of the Aces or Baseball Victoria. How about at each game we set up a stall where a different club each week can sell whatever food they like ( sausage sizzle, roast beef rolls from Pakky, Port Melbourne and their South Melbourne dimmies). Good food where the money goes back to the club running the stall. A bit like a Bunnings set up. A good chance for the clubs to make some money and feel a part of the Aces experience. I like what you say Philaallen, it's baby steps now, it's not perfect but we've got the ball rolling, let's get the bums on seats and pump some money into this thing and get it to the way we want it. When you guys going to realise that the ABL has nothing to do with club baseball and nor does it have to. This is semi-professional baseball - the food vans or whatever they are would be contracted to operate whenever an event is on at the showgrounds. Chardy......whilst your posts are generally well informed I am going to have to disagree with you on this issue. True, the ABL has no direct link to BV and the club system, however it is reliant on the support of the baseball public and most of the aforementioned are club baseballers. For the ABL to ultimately succeed it will need the support of grass roots ie. club baseball. One cannot be completely dismissive of the other. As for the concessions etc I would say this......to every problem, there is a solution. I would think that in future there will be fruitful negotiations that will take place to work towards a suitable outcome for both the caterers and the viewing public. Merry Christmas to all. Tony.
|
|
|
Post by Youngman92 on Dec 26, 2010 14:13:17 GMT 10
I understand the whole contract thing and the vans won't dissappear, that's not what I'm suggesting. It could just be an extra added idea to tack on to the side. Ausport are out there making their presence known and making some money with merchandise sales and I say good on 'em. Therefore I don't see it as being impossible for clubs to explore a similar approach.
|
|
|
Post by Chardy on Dec 26, 2010 14:30:49 GMT 10
How much do you think Ausport is paying for that privilege?
|
|
|
Post by wheezer on Dec 27, 2010 0:45:55 GMT 10
On the whole I am very satisfied with the 2010/11 season product. Considering it is highly inaugurate and has come from very trying circumstances leading up to November. The Showgrounds has been a great facility for the ABL’s quiet beginning. Operations have been tested, market interest has been explored, no doubt much has been learnt and the word is naturally getting out. If this 2010/11 season has come from a 10-year hiatus and a struggle to find anywhere suitable to play, I have nothing but optimism and excitement for 2011/12. If the Showgrounds will be long-term, sharing it with other tenants may be the main thing to think about. How busy are the grounds November-February? On the bright side, if the Aces stayed and grew their fanbase, would the ABL develop power to set scheduling as the tenant who brings in more revenue than other events? On the other hand, while the Showgrounds were chosen for location and public transport access – has public transport been over-valued? During the BlueSox and Bandits series there were a lot of cars in the pavilion and a high percentage of spectators walking in there. At the same time, there are only a handful of people waiting for the 57 on Epsom Rd. It doesn’t really seem like public transport is being used even when a ground is selected for it. Although if the Aces moved to somewhere like Albert Park or Docklands, that might change. (Showgrounds are good for me though living on the Craigieburn line – quick walk to Ascot Vale station and I’m practically home. ) Looking at the Showgrounds in the now, I recommend first priority is look at the toilet situation. We have 95% of patrons (males) using three troughs and three cubicles in the back corner of the ground. The biggest problem is the actual space. A queue of 3-4 people outside is fine, but there’s no point having six toilets if the space is so tiny people can’t get in or out. Second priority is get the score screen out over CF. The A/V looks and sounds great, but the visiting dug-out crowd has a tough time seeing it over other spectators and infrastructure. This will only become more of a problem as the seats fill more. I don’t know how well the screen would stand up to a ball hitting it squarely but with the Tokyo influence (ie. amazingly precise line drives) and left-handed hitters licking their lips at the blue monster, fly-balls have been loitering around the RF foul-line as much as CF anyway. Patching a radar gun reading into it would be a cool idea, as it gives the crowd something extra to cheer for. When the crowds expand past 4,000 we are inevitably looking at installing more seating – probably behind the home-run fence. In this case, it may be best to open up the car drive-through space behind the home run fences. This would be fantastic as it creates more space for kids (and me) to throw the ball before/after games, as well as opportunity for the Aces to set up stands/game areas for extra entertainment. The venue would just need some fencing so the Aces can get from their rooms to the field in peace from their adoring fans. It wouldn’t be a huge deal if a ball knocked one of the lights down. Replacing flood globes are a normal part of wear and tear. The ABL are probably paying insurance for things like that happening anyway. Are food prices especially high at the games, or are they on par with sports stadium mark-ups? By the way everyone, there is a shopping centre just next door – with a massive Coles. The choice and nutritional quality is poor for the health conscious but is on par with your average Aussie sports stadium. You wouldn’t get too much better at an ODI or an AFL with tens of thousands specators, so it’s not bad at an ABL with 700 people. The AFL affiliation idea is fantastic. This gives the ABL some extra $2-5 ticket sales (better than empty seats) which provides more retail sales and ongoing advertising for future games. My guess is they probably want to keep the space behind home-plate free for media. The camera shot from there is fantastic and cameras will be utilised more as the demand quickly grows. GMBC17: I too was surprised to see the players buying hotdogs and chips from the ground. But I have to respectfully disagree that it’s not their fault. If the players decided to, they could easily plan out meals a lot better than buying fried fast-food from the ground – whether the league caters or not. These guys could probably run, push and play me under the table, but I still work 8am-5pm, get the train straight to games from work and still find the time to buy and prepare organic salads. Seems shocking these days but we hear of Steve Moneghetti eating burgers regularly, Craig Mottram drinking even Irishmen under the table and we often hear of Michael Phelps’ diet. Phil Allen: It’s great to hear the Showgrounds are capable from a coaching/playing perspective as well as for spectators. Let’s say the league continues in growth success. In five years time, do you reckon it would be better to find a new location or develop the Showgrounds into the location that the Aces want it to be?
|
|
|
Post by Spice on Dec 28, 2010 22:56:03 GMT 10
I am a long time baseball fan and last night I attended my first game at the Showgrounds. I must say I am very disappointed in the venue. In its present state it is certainly not an improvement on MBP at Altona. The ground conditions are very poor and serious injuries to players a real possibility. Shipping containers as an outfield fence/barrier? Sorry, bush league. The aesthetics leave much to be desired. The PA system and amenities can be improved but seating and viewing definitely not as good as Altona. I imagine that this facility will still have to be shared with trucks and horses for some considerable period of time to come. This does not bode well. I understand the Baseball Establishment rate Altona negatively. I have heard it may encounter the wrecker's ball in the near future. I certainly hope this is not true and that it will live on and thrive. It surely needs a facelift and major upgrades but it is a purpose-built facility. The drama with location is overstated. There is a suburban train station nearby (Laverton - rail shuttles from Flinders St/busses to and from station) and a decent run in your automobile via the Westgate Fwy. Back to Altona before it's too late! Can understand and for the most part agree with what you say re the ground conditions and that does need addressing, however you're well off with the seating and viewing. As a member I am fortunate to have what I consider to be one of the best seats in the house and it's well better than what you get at Altona, or any other venue in Melbourne. As for the shipping containers, it adds to the ballpark, rather than detract from it. Clearly you missed the atmosphere when Kamei came up for what we thought may be his last time. His hit was a moonshot that you thought could go out but weren't 100% about and when the ball made that metallic 'clang' sound off the top of the container, the crowd, well certainly those in my area, went up as one - it certainly added to the moment. Stew, I've actually got that exact game ball next to my screen at the moment. I was lucky enough to avoid security while ducking out behind the right field containers near the carpark shed for a smoke. I heard the crack of a barrel hitting a cork centred piece of leather, a dong off the container and the crowd cheer. To my amazement the ball literally rolled over the asphalt to my feet. The security guard came flying over in his golf cart telling me I had to give it back. Hahaha. I politely told him to go and faunicate himself, shoved in my pocket and went back to my seat at the bar. I also scored a season pass that night thanks to my mate (who doesn't play at all, just wanted to come) winning the sushi eating competition while wearing my tomatoes cap. All in all a fantastic night at the ballpark.
|
|
GMBC17
Junior Member
Posts: 17
|
Post by GMBC17 on Dec 29, 2010 8:44:56 GMT 10
The security guard came flying over in his golf cart telling me I had to give it back. Hahaha. I politely told him to go and faunicate himself, shoved in my pocket and went back to my seat at the bar. i saw a security guard take a ball of a kid who chased it down by the bar. his dad almost came to blows with the security guard
|
|
|
Post by johne on Dec 29, 2010 10:09:57 GMT 10
The security guard came flying over in his golf cart telling me I had to give it back. Hahaha. I politely told him to go and faunicate himself, shoved in my pocket and went back to my seat at the bar. i saw a security guard take a ball of a kid who chased it down by the bar. his dad almost came to blows with the security guard This happened to my son. He run and got a ball and the security guard asked to see the ball, he then took it and returned it to the commentary area. I asked my son what happened and he told me, so I told him to go and tell the people in the box (because after each foul ball they say you can keep that thanks to so so sponsor). The people in the box said "we didnt see you get it" After this I gave my son a lesson that it is ok to tell some jerks "to go f**k themselves" In the end he did manage to collect another 9 foul balls during the course of the double header.
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on Dec 29, 2010 12:10:45 GMT 10
In fairness Johne, I think the kid they have announcing says "That foul ball is sponsored by Swann Insurance" (in his effort at an American accent). It is a bit silly when he says it to one that is foul tipped into the backnet and is retained by the umpires for game use. The "You can keep that foul ball..." line would be more appropriate.
The "You can keep that foul ball..." hasn't been used at 'The Show' as yet. That was an old Doug Clarkson line for the Waverley Reds.
Now, trivia time. When Doug said "You can keep that foul ball thanks to...", who was the sponsor? I'm thinking of one particular entity with this one. Let's see who remembers.
|
|
|
Post by aggers on Dec 29, 2010 13:05:49 GMT 10
..couldn't resist answering the Trivia question: "You can keep that foul ball thanks to...KNOX CITY SHOPPING CENTRE"
|
|
|
Post by aggers on Dec 29, 2010 13:10:45 GMT 10
For the sake of accuracy it was - "Knox City Shopping Centre - Wantirna South"
|
|
GMBC17
Junior Member
Posts: 17
|
Post by GMBC17 on Dec 29, 2010 14:49:27 GMT 10
the guy i saw wasnt you john. maybe next time
|
|
|
Post by oldburger19 on Dec 29, 2010 15:39:43 GMT 10
I preffered the Monarchs offer, keep the ball or return it to the canteen and get 6 free pepsi's and a mini bat! Still got my mini bat somewhere i think! haha
|
|
|
Post by stuartcapel on Dec 29, 2010 20:29:05 GMT 10
For the sake of accuracy it was - "Knox City Shopping Centre - Wantirna South" Well done aggers!! My wife keeps saying that every time a foul ball is hit at 'The Show'. Brings back memories of VFL Park!!
|
|
dp
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by dp on Dec 30, 2010 8:46:50 GMT 10
So why isn't anyone turning up to the games them ? (We have the 2nd lowest avg attandence in the ABL and Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia)
|
|
|
Post by Spice on Dec 30, 2010 9:48:24 GMT 10
Because the security guards, sorry, "crowd controllers", try and take the balls of people. Might also have something to do with the crap times that they've had to play the make up games. A crowd of a couple of hundred will soon bring your average down. And juniors wont travel from the E & SE to the showgrounds on their holidays when they can be drinking, getting baked, chasing furry magnet, hangin out at the shopping centre or skate park, tagging peoples fences or smashing the glass on bus stops.
|
|
|
Post by moose on Jan 15, 2011 0:22:17 GMT 10
I must admit that a number of times at the games we have been surprised regarding the crowd numbers. On "Pink" night the crowd almost filled the left field seating and the right field seating was full or d**n close to it. Yet the crowd was only 1300 or so. Imagine our surprise when the next night visualy about half the number were there yet the crowd figure was again 1300 and in fact I think that it was supposedly more than the previous night. The club has been terribly unlucky with their Friday night attendances with many nights washed out. I think they see their Friday opennings as their big gate opportunity. Sundays, understandably as it conflicts with club ball, has been the low point, with the exception of the rescheduled Cavalry games on Mon 20th Dec where only 200 turned up. Neil W
|
|
|
Post by The Puma on Jan 15, 2011 6:52:51 GMT 10
Re crowd numbers, from what I understand they cound members if the are there or not.
|
|
|
Post by oldracer on Jan 15, 2011 11:54:57 GMT 10
Long time reader, first time visitor to the "Show" last night and what a pleasant surprise I got, a great "feel" about the place as soon as I walked in, good seating, real cheap peanuts which were fun and grog not so badly priced. Great to catch up with the characters of the game again, shoot some sh!t and have a good time. The game was good, result not so flash and not many cheapies, Hube's was a shocker and that is what has to be eliminated from this park, some how those containers have to be moved back a distance to allow jam shots to be caught and not go out. The sound system reverb in the bar area is terrible and needs sorting as a priority but I had a good night and I thought the crowd was good for a lot of other events on the same night. I inadvertently was in the bar when there was a thank you to the inaugural members of the Aces and to not have the caps there for that occasion after so long is just BS and the admin have to get their crap together or they will p!ss of all the members. There has been this topic on this forum for ages now so you would think that the caps would have been a significant priority in the scheme of things, seems not tho.
|
|
|
Post by perfeckt on Jan 15, 2011 20:26:59 GMT 10
Hit the nail on the head oldracer, the "show" does have a great feel about it. The caps were apparently held up on the gold coast unable to be delivered because of the flooding in Qld. From now on I shall be refering to the "show" in small case untill it deserves a capital "S". I do believe that it will get there......one day.
|
|