Sabres Suggestion Box

[ROC Sabres]

I don't know if this was posted anywhere but I heard on WGR this morning that they are actually taking fan suggests on the sabres website.

 

Suggestion Box

 

If that link doesn't work you can get to it from the sabres homepage.

 

Sabres.com

 

3 things I already put in.

 

1. Ice girls

2. Lower concession prices

3. Free raincoats for anyone that sits in the section under RJ. ;)

[Two or less]

Surprised this hasn't gotten any comments. It's a great idea by Ted Black to get feed back from fans. The club is giving the fans a chance to express our opinions, i really hope that we don't disappoint them and fill that suggestion box up.

[thesportsbuff]

I really hope you were joking about the "suggestions" you submitted. Ice girls, a "lower the price" complaint, and a somewhat insulting statement to RJ? :thumbdown:

 

I'm guessing they're looking for more outside the box ideas... not just people saying "lower the price of this" or "make that free."

[wjag]

I put in to bring back the Sabres Dance music to the Arena. Especially during the opening. Those of us who grew up with the Sabres always associate one, and only one, medley with the team. It's our identity.

[IKnowPhysics]

Respectfully, all of OP's suggestions blow ass.

 

How about:

 

Reasonable:

1) A new Sabres practice facility downtown similar to the Kings' Toyota Sports Center.

2) More Road Crew events in Western Conference cities.

3) Improve the live game presentation (especially music selection).

4) Throw out stupid, boring on ice promotions, add little kid hockey between every period before the zamboni.

5) Never ever hire an emcee. See also: Nicholas Picholas.

 

Off the wall:

6) "Home and home" ticket packages for a home and home series with a pair of home tickets and gift certificates to a sponsoring bar/restaurant that plays Sabres games on TV.

7) A walk-in Sabres Hall of Fame or small Sabres museum.

8) Giant video board in atrium to replace Headlines sign.

9) Four words: "Earl of Bud, Jr."

[LGB]

Go back to the Amerks and play exhibition/practice games in Rochester.

[LGR4GM]

1) Kills the slugs

2) Replace the Tv's in the halls with bigger flatscreens

3) Totally think it would be cool to hear sabre dance again before games

4) Sabretooth needs to come down the from the ceiling again that was awesome.

[Mox]

Surprised this hasn't gotten any comments. It's a great idea by Ted Black to get feed back from fans. The club is giving the fans a chance to express our opinions, i really hope that we don't disappoint them and fill that suggestion box up.

Was it you who suggested that they build a hotel next to the arena with a floor or two dedicated for hockey teams? And to use this hotel to lure entertainment to downtown Buffalo? If so, you should definitely submit your master plan.

 

My suggestions would be more original music played at the arena, (ie Sabre Dance) less stuff other franchises use (ie Neil Diamond.) If they are interested in creating a hockey heaven we need things that are unique to Buffalo, and that improve the experience of Hockey in Buffalo.

[thesportsbuff]

1) Kills the slugs

2) Replace the Tv's in the halls with bigger flatscreens

3) Totally think it would be cool to hear sabre dance again before games

4) Sabretooth needs to come down the from the ceiling again that was awesome.

 

As far as I know, Sabretooth does come down from the ceiling still. At least he did when I was there in January.

[nucci]

I put in to bring back the Sabres Dance music to the Arena. Especially during the opening. Those of us who grew up with the Sabres always associate one, and only one, medley with the team. It's our identity.

To add to that, how about announcing the teams again? Loved Milt Ellis saying..."Ladies and Gentlemen, here are the Boston Bruins.....and now your Buffalo Sabres" and then Norm Wullen would play the Sabre Dance.

[LGR4GM]

i must of missed it the last couple of games grrr. I love that part. Well as long as he still comes down I am cool with that. And Pegula Hotel I am submitting now!

[Two or less]

Was it you who suggested that they build a hotel next to the arena with a floor or two dedicated for hockey teams? And to use this hotel to lure entertainment to downtown Buffalo? If so, you should definitely submit your master plan.

 

My suggestions would be more original music played at the arena, (ie Sabre Dance) less stuff other franchises use (ie Neil Diamond.) If they are interested in creating a hockey heaven we need things that are unique to Buffalo, and that improve the experience of Hockey in Buffalo.

 

That was not me.

 

While i don't have too many issues with the game day stuff they do at HSBC Arena and i also thought the OP suggestions were a joke thats why i didn't comment on them, however, since people are posting theirs, i only had two.

 

1. Improve sabres.com, because it lacks ton of original content, and actually if you want real Sabres info, don't go to Sabres.com. The blogs are rarely updated. I mentioned TBN blog gets a bazillion hits a month and theres no reason they couldn't get fans to go to the main site throughout the day with info. I suggested to model after the Flames web site. Also, there is no original features on our site, the features are pasted from nhl.com and no new wallpapers ever appear on the site. I suggested the team hire someone with a journalism degree and experience.

 

2. I suggested the team has more 8pm Friday games. Not popular with the family people, but if anyone can remember the Biron/Noronen days when Fridays were "Red hot Fridays", team wore the Reds and faceoff was 8pm. Crowds were pretty solid (compared to rest of week) but they were really loud and atmosphere was great. I think the club can get more youth/young adults to games on a Friday night if it's a 8pm faceoff, people can get out of work with ease, eat dinner and then head to the arena.

 

Nothing major.

[LabattBlue]

My suggestions from a thread on 1/19...

 

Especially if the season continues as is(where they would miss the playoffs), some sort of fan appreciation events over the last few homes games, may go a long way in terms of season ticket renewals for the 11-12 season.

 

I can't see a lot of the OP's other suggestions being considered until the offseason.

 

A few of my non-personnel suggestions for the off-season...

 

1. I know it means less revenue, but the tiered pricing on the high end has to be reduced in an effort to fill the building with more Sabres fans. The number of Canadians and Leaf fans are embarrassing and the obvious money grab by Quinn should at least be attempted to be corrected. I'm not saying I don't want them at the games, just don't price the seats where they are the only ones crazy enough to but them. As a STH, I would even accept a modest increase in my costs to offset this.

 

2. Stop trying to jam concessions/gift shops into every last nook and cranny. Where I sit in the 300's, the concourse open spaces get reduced more ever year with another beer/food/souvenir stand. God forbid I just want to go out in the concourse between periods to stretch my legs.

 

3. Throw that aerospace museum out(located on the Main St. side of the arena) and put in a first class Sabres HoF that is included with your ticket price. Whether it goes there or somewhere else in the arena, it should have access from inside the turnstiles. That display they have by the Sabres store and at the top of the escalators is embarrassing. They should also have arena tours. They cost very little to conduct and are very interesting if done well and a lot of behind the scenes looks(press box, locker room, training areas, etc...) are included.

 

4. The Sabres need a top to bottom PR makeover. The had the community by the balls and in one fell swoop on 7-1-07, destroyed all the goodwill they had built up over the prior 2 years. Having an owner who takes off to Florida to diddle a former tennis star and at the same time show little concern for the success of the team, combined with an arrogant jerkoff construction manager/minority owner,and a GM who is too loyal to the players he drafted, has led to apathy towards this team.

 

5. This one is more difficult to solve and goes back to the 80's, but a large majority of the people who attend the games are just not real enthusiastic. A lot of little kids, combined with large numbers of older folks who just don't want to get out of their seats, leads to the sterile environment that is seen at the majority of games, Nothing in terms of the in-game presentations(including the music which so many bitch about) is going to change this. How to fix this? I don't know except to change the product on the ice(more exciting) and over time hope your customer base evolves.

 

6. Reach out to STH's and get their thoughts. Did anyone down there every consider that customer feedback(good or bad) is a way to measure customer satisfaction?

 

7. In point #5, I mentioned that changing the in-game presentations will not make for a louder atmosphere, but these are things I would consider in terms of this. I know almost every arena tends to go this way, but get rid of obnoxious PA announcer guy. Have more giveaways/promotions. How about everyone in a row gets a $10 coupon to the Sabre store, $5 food concession giveaway for an entire section, have the games with throwback concession pricing, if the Sabres win a game you are at, get a discount on tickets to a future game, etc... the sky is the limit. I'd also suggest to the Sabres Alumni to change their raffles to have multiple winners(3 winners split the 50% of the take...1st gets 60%, 2nd gets 30%, 3rd gets 10%). I'm in the minority, but the kiss cam, bloopers videos and music played is fine. The majority of people don't want to hear some obscure music that would appeal to 1% of the crowd.

 

8. Do something about the smoking policy. If you go down by the Sabres store between periods, it is engulfed in smoke because the people are right outside the doors, and because the doors are constantly opened and closed, it is like they are smoking inside. Maybe go back to using the terrace outside of where Sabretooth's house used to be, but use a revolving door or something else that would minimize the smoke allowed back into the arena.

 

9. Bring back Hockey Hotline or some form of an extended post game show where they take some calls.

 

10. In the next few years find a way to get affiliated with Rochester again(assuming Donner is out of the picture). What better way to grow your fanbase then to have the Sabres of tommorrow playing 60 miles to the east of Buffalo. Also in terms of growing the fanbase, are the Sabres games still not shown in Southern Ontario? If not, they need to find a way to correct this.

 

I'm done. :)

[notwoz]

My suggestions from a thread on 1/19...

 

Especially if the season continues as is(where they would miss the playoffs), some sort of fan appreciation events over the last few homes games, may go a long way in terms of season ticket renewals for the 11-12 season.

 

I can't see a lot of the OP's other suggestions being considered until the offseason.

 

A few of my non-personnel suggestions for the off-season...

 

10. In the next few years find a way to get affiliated with Rochester again(assuming Donner is out of the picture). What better way to grow your fanbase then to have the Sabres of tommorrow playing 60 miles to the east of Buffalo. Also in terms of growing the fanbase, are the Sabres games still not shown in Southern Ontario? If not, they need to find a way to correct this.

 

I'm done. :)

 

 

How about getting an affiliation with a minor league team in Southern Ontario (oh, maybe Hamilton?). It seems to me that you could convert a lot of folks who might otherwise root for the Leafs or other Canadian teams into Sabres fans. With a farm team in Hamilton, the Sabres just might get more TV time on that side of the border. Just a thought.

[deluca67]

I don't know if this was posted anywhere but I heard on WGR this morning that they are actually taking fan suggests on the sabres website.

 

Suggestion Box

 

If that link doesn't work you can get to it from the sabres homepage.

 

Sabres.com

 

3 things I already put in.

 

1. Ice girls

2. Lower concession prices

3. Free raincoats for anyone that sits in the section under RJ. ;)

Ice girls?

[ROC Sabres]

Ice girls?

The first two were real and #2 had more detail. Ice girls, well when the sabres aren't performing well at least we would have something nice to look at. 2) Lower concession prices. That was vague, I admit, but I did suggest That they lower prices on food considering I'm sure they make most of their money on beer. Also to have a larger, more public restaurant other than the restricted harbor club. 3) was just a joke so take it easy sportsbuff :)

[Mox]

That was not me.

 

sorry it was KTN4GM

 

You know what pegula should do? He should buy one of those old warehouses right next to the arena and bulldoze it. Then he should build a nice hotel and casino. Then he should keep a floor open so when another team comes to town they stay there and if we acquire or call up any ppl from portland they stay there too free of any charge. If you are a current player you can live there to for like 50% off. This way the waterfront gets better and Pegula makes this team more attractive to players. He could in a single stroke begin an overhaul of the waterfront and even maybe convince the development board to build a super swanky aquarium and museum next door. Just imagine that world... yes i know it wont happen but it would be great.

[SabresFanInRochester]

My suggestions from a thread on 1/19...

 

Especially if the season continues as is(where they would miss the playoffs), some sort of fan appreciation events over the last few homes games, may go a long way in terms of season ticket renewals for the 11-12 season.

 

I can't see a lot of the OP's other suggestions being considered until the offseason.

 

A few of my non-personnel suggestions for the off-season...

 

1. I know it means less revenue, but the tiered pricing on the high end has to be reduced in an effort to fill the building with more Sabres fans. The number of Canadians and Leaf fans are embarrassing and the obvious money grab by Quinn should at least be attempted to be corrected. I'm not saying I don't want them at the games, just don't price the seats where they are the only ones crazy enough to but them. As a STH, I would even accept a modest increase in my costs to offset this.2. Stop trying to jam concessions/gift shops into every last nook and cranny. Where I sit in the 300's, the concourse open spaces get reduced more ever year with another beer/food/souvenir stand. God forbid I just want to go out in the concourse between periods to stretch my legs.

 

3. Throw that aerospace museum out(located on the Main St. side of the arena) and put in a first class Sabres HoF that is included with your ticket price. Whether it goes there or somewhere else in the arena, it should have access from inside the turnstiles. That display they have by the Sabres store and at the top of the escalators is embarrassing. They should also have arena tours. They cost very little to conduct and are very interesting if done well and a lot of behind the scenes looks(press box, locker room, training areas, etc...) are included.

 

4. The Sabres need a top to bottom PR makeover. The had the community by the balls and in one fell swoop on 7-1-07, destroyed all the goodwill they had built up over the prior 2 years. Having an owner who takes off to Florida to diddle a former tennis star and at the same time show little concern for the success of the team, combined with an arrogant jerkoff construction manager/minority owner,and a GM who is too loyal to the players he drafted, has led to apathy towards this team.

 

5. This one is more difficult to solve and goes back to the 80's, but a large majority of the people who attend the games are just not real enthusiastic. A lot of little kids, combined with large numbers of older folks who just don't want to get out of their seats, leads to the sterile environment that is seen at the majority of games, Nothing in terms of the in-game presentations(including the music which so many bitch about) is going to change this. How to fix this? I don't know except to change the product on the ice(more exciting) and over time hope your customer base evolves.

 

6. Reach out to STH's and get their thoughts. Did anyone down there every consider that customer feedback(good or bad) is a way to measure customer satisfaction?

 

7. In point #5, I mentioned that changing the in-game presentations will not make for a louder atmosphere, but these are things I would consider in terms of this. I know almost every arena tends to go this way, but get rid of obnoxious PA announcer guy. Have more giveaways/promotions. How about everyone in a row gets a $10 coupon to the Sabre store, $5 food concession giveaway for an entire section, have the games with throwback concession pricing, if the Sabres win a game you are at, get a discount on tickets to a future game, etc... the sky is the limit. I'd also suggest to the Sabres Alumni to change their raffles to have multiple winners(3 winners split the 50% of the take...1st gets 60%, 2nd gets 30%, 3rd gets 10%). I'm in the minority, but the kiss cam, bloopers videos and music played is fine. The majority of people don't want to hear some obscure music that would appeal to 1% of the crowd.

 

8. Do something about the smoking policy. If you go down by the Sabres store between periods, it is engulfed in smoke because the people are right outside the doors, and because the doors are constantly opened and closed, it is like they are smoking inside. Maybe go back to using the terrace outside of where Sabretooth's house used to be, but use a revolving door or something else that would minimize the smoke allowed back into the arena.

 

9. Bring back Hockey Hotline or some form of an extended post game show where they take some calls.

 

10. In the next few years find a way to get affiliated with Rochester again(assuming Donner is out of the picture). What better way to grow your fanbase then to have the Sabres of tomorrow playing 60 miles to the east of Buffalo. Also in terms of growing the fanbase, are the Sabres games still not shown in Southern Ontario? If not, they need to find a way to correct this.

 

I'm done. :)

 

I am so tired of Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa fans taking over our building. The opposing fans are loud and obnoxious and overpower our much older AND much younger fan base. The age that would keep things in check just is not creating enough energy. I don't know how you make it more enticing for a Sabres fan to attend without creating such an opportunity for season ticket holders to profit by selling to opposing fans. I would really like to see this addressed, but I do not have the answer.

 

I would also like to see something from the players that gets the fans fired up. Yes, the players could play a better brand of hockey. But, I have seen some good hockey this year and the crowd is just dead quiet. I would like to see the players meet at center ice and raise their sticks to the fans after a win. I don't want things that take away from the player's concentration during a game, but if after the game, the crowd was into it, the players should acknowledge it. How loud do people scream for an encore at a concert or comedy show? Louder than during a Sabres game. I would like to see that change.

 

I was just thinking about the fan base -- there should be an incentive for guys in their 20' and 30's to attend, especially on certain game nights. Create Sabres Ambassadors who put groups of their friends together with their incentive being better seating options or discounted pricing. If an Ambassador sells out, they lose their Ambassador status, and it will not happen again.

[Iron Crotch]

To add to that, how about announcing the teams again? Loved Milt Ellis saying..."Ladies and Gentlemen, here are the Boston Bruins.....and now your Buffalo Sabres" and then Norm Wullen would play the Sabre Dance.

 

That is one of my greatest childhood memories. Walking up those ramps to the orange section with my Dad and waiting for Milt's deep voice to signal that my team was about to take the ice. I definitely miss Sabre Dance. http://www.staffannouncer.com/miltellis.htm

[LGR4GM]

sorry it was KTN4GM

I submitted it earlier but I doubt they would do it. Said they should make it the place to be and opposing teams should be allowed to stay free and have a free meal and our players should get like a weekly or something like that massage. Also suggested that it would be something not only for the community but for the incoming FA to think about and said any trade players or portland players should be allowed to stay there free.

[LabattBlue]

Said they should make it the place to be and opposing teams should be allowed to stay free and have a free meal and our players should get like a weekly or something like that massage.

I'm sure that this would be a successful business model. :doh:

[Calvin]

I submitted it earlier but I doubt they would do it. Said they should make it the place to be and opposing teams should be allowed to stay free and have a free meal

That could be a good chance for subliminal messaging.. bombard the opposition with Sabres-themed material non-stop, advertising, logos throughout the hotel, programming on TV, the works.. mess with their heads!

 

I'd be okay with not free too, but top class facilities at decent rates would bring in some money at least.

[bills_fan_in_raleigh]

Kill rock my like a hurricane song I hear this at RBC Center or on Pandora and puke. Get a fight song like shout or talking proud that can be done when we score. Maybe a new rock addition of Sabres Dance or Sword music something to fire up and wake up the crowd in HSBC. Get rid of chicken dance and other similar lame things like Kiss camera get things that get people up and screaming.

[bills_fan_in_raleigh]

I'm sure that this would be a successful business model. :doh:

well a free meal with a little ecoli might create a significant home ice advantage

[LGR4GM]

That could be a good chance for subliminal messaging.. bombard the opposition with Sabres-themed material non-stop, advertising, logos throughout the hotel, programming on TV, the works.. mess with their heads!

 

I'd be okay with not free too, but top class facilities at decent rates would bring in some money at least.

if they email me back I will include the sabres propoganda machine idea which is AWESOME!!!!!! Ovechkin goes home and dreams about sabres logos everywhere... lol :clapping: