5 Improvements for game day at the Showgrounds

[mc15]

Hi all.

So I was thinking with the season being done and dusted for the year, it would be a cool idea for the greater baseball community to try and come up with some ideas on how the game day experience could be improved for next season.

After being at most of the games for the first two years, I think the 2011/12 season set-up was significantly better than last year... But things can always be improved. It's not intended to be critical. Just an on mass brainstorm!

Please leave your top 5 suggestions on what improvements could be made to improve the spectator experience.

I'll get the ball rolling...

1. Shade for spectators - Introduced late in the year and it seemed like it improved everyone's comfort on hot days ten-fold

2. "Normal" music when the opposition is batting - The annoying music played when they're batting isn't funny or engaging

3. BBQ food option - How about some good old fashion snags or a mixed grill cooked in front of you. The deep fired stuff doesn't appeal to me!

4. Entertainment between games of double-headers - An hour to and hour and a half between games is annoying enough but if it could be filled with kids playing T-ball in the outfield or a celebrity softball game or something similar, it could be entertaining

5. Novelties for the kids - The young-uns could be entertained with some face painting/amusements etc. We are at the Show after all!

[The Puma]

Love the barbie idea, mabye a different club could host it each week. A bit like bunnings.

[mc15]

Mar 1, 2012 14:32:39 GMT 10 The Puma said:

Love the barbie idea, mabye a different club could host it each week. A bit like bunnings.

You're on my page mate! How 'bout the Aces provide the meat and BBQ, the club provides the chefs, and you split the profits down the middle.

[moose]

Great idea about the BBQ with the clubs running it aka Bunnings!

Be aware though there was a vendor that was doing gourmet sausages. He was in the very little van near the entrance most days.

A Lot of people head out for a bite during the break between games at DH's, as many don't like the vendors prices or the food on offer.

To me there were many changes from the last season which helped make the show experience far better than the previous season.
1. The shade provided late in the season.
2. Improvements to the infield.
3. Ability to enjoy a drink along the 1st base line during play.
4. Extra toilets along 1st base line (Maybe more urinals required)
5. Consistent Parking arrangements eg. Same gate for all games, correct opening times of car park. A great improvement on the previous season.

Also there were some poor things from last season where improvement need IMHO to occur.
1. Season opener to be held at Home. Maybe not important for some but with the ground struggling to be ready for season opener, perhaps a relocation to another ground for that one series? Altona or Waurn Ponds?
2. A 39 day gap between home stands is just not on for the fans. I understand that there will always be the need due to showground availability but we need regularity of appearance to build our fan base. Surely the least gap that can be arranged would be best?
3. I thought that some of the give aways at the gate for the first 500 fans were great this year. However if you promise something please ensure that it will be kept on the date advised aka bobble heads this season past. Leaves a bad taste when promises can't be kept as advertised.

Overall my mark would be 7/10 for the season. Well done.

Neil W