ABA "+" Litmus Test

[The Magician]

Okay ABA Supporters ... Here's your opportunity.

The ABA "Positive" Litmus Test.

Only those ABA Supporters who have something "+" positive to say and discuss about the ABA, please post them under this thread.

For those who read this thread, no negative comments please. Only "+" ABA remarks and support.

If a negative comment is posted, I will ask Preeths to delete the comment.

Let's see what happens?

[dmbishop]

The ABA offers a great athletic, fast-paced game at affordable prices.

[tbayz1]

Well from what I've seen up here with the northeast teams the past 2 years:

The ABA provides pretty damn good players that play because they love the game and not concerned about making millions and some were cut just short of their NBA dream.

And I would also say what "dmbishop" said as well

[Alumni96]

When done right, it can bring quality basketball to areas devoid of this kind of entertainment.

[The Magician]

and only 3 posts made ... I know there are some more "+" ABA supporters out there :mrgreen:

[Strong Island Sound]

Basically, ABA teams are competing with families making a decision to either go to the game or go to the movies. Is the ABA up against the NBA? Realistically, not at all. But as an alternative to people that do not want to go and spend a small fortune (and anyone who has gone to a Knicks game at MSG recently can attest to that) but are looking for a good night out, that is where the league can pick up fans.

$10 or lower for a ticket is basically what it cost to go see a movie. Stale mate. Free parking for both. Another stale mate. So you basically have to give them a better night out than a film. By adding the promotions (mascot, dance team, t-shirt toss, contests, etc.), you have just given someone a reason to go to your game and then return.

If you don't have the big-league arena (which ABA teams do not have, having to play at either college or high school gyms for the most part), then you have to bring the arena to the gym. By having a good PA announcer and a good track for music, you can make it better than it may appear on the outset.

That is what makes the ABA positive. If the teams put a general effort towards doing that, the league can survive and possibly do failrly well.

[a1sports]

In all across america, in villages, towns, counties and even some cities people are given a choice for their entertainment dollar as proven by the follwing numbers that go to an ABA game:

8 people have something to do in Brooklyn
11 people have something to do in Newark
26 people have something to do in Houston
35 people have something to do in strong island
9 people have something to do in Maywood
21 people have something to do in waco
18 people havesomething to do in Twin city
and it goes on and on........

thank you ABA !!!

[Shootmaster_44]

One plus the ABA has provided is for Vermont (and other smaller states) the chance to have a professional basketball team. As well it provided Vermont the chance to win a professional championship. Finally, it allowed the spectacle that is Sun Ming Ming a chance for exposure.

[Fells]

Personally, I am a fan of the rules. Eight seconds to cross halfcourt, the 3-D rule, quick inbounds, etc make it a faster paced game, and is more entertaining for the fans. The rules also emphasize something the NBA doesn't and that is defense.

[The Sweeper]

Sometimes teams discover talent in a place they weren't looking (this goes for all leagues too).

The Heaves 'uncovered' Issa Konare in Burlington, at a pick up game at UVM, I think. They were waiting on paperwork for a 7 footer from Nigeria when the they found him. He did a lot for the team this year. Hope to see him return.

[mikeyratt]

The ABA offers a great athletic, fast-paced game at affordable prices.

you forgot "fan friendly"

[WHAFAN]

Joe Newman is damn near 70 and can't possibly continue to ruin minor league basketball for much longer........thats a big + !!

[Strong Island Sound]

In all across america, in villages, towns, counties and even some cities people are given a choice for their entertainment dollar as proven by the follwing numbers that go to an ABA game:

8 people have something to do in Brooklyn
11 people have something to do in Newark
26 people have something to do in Houston
35 people have something to do in strong island
9 people have something to do in Maywood
21 people have something to do in waco
18 people havesomething to do in Twin city
and it goes on and on........

thank you ABA !!!
A1- according to your figures, the Sound are leading in attendance. And that includes that extra 5 that you referred to in the other thread.

Seriously, attendance is obviously a problem throughout minor league sports. And independent league basketball is right up there in terms of having major attendance issues. These numbers that you give are not accurate, but the point that you are trying to make is well taken.

[tbayz1]

J/W what was SI's avg attendence?

Man I remember 2 seasons ago, Buffalo would play SI often and this year we didnt see ya once lol, We also saw Maryland and Montreal alot more last year too, those were some good games in 05-06

[Strong Island Sound]

J/W what was SI's avg attendence?

Man I remember 2 seasons ago, Buffalo would play SI often and this year we didnt see ya once lol, We also saw Maryland and Montreal alot more last year too, those were some good games in 05-06

Average attendance this past season was 125. Some nights were better, some worse. The best was 1,000 vs. Maryland when Ming came in. And we also had 750 when we had 'Youth Services Night.'

I attribute the different opponents due to the new divisional allignment. With more teams being added in the North East (Vermont, etc.), that was most likely the reason. Last season, the Buffalo Rapids played the teams you mentioned more.

[Fells]

Average attendance this past season was 125. Some nights were better, some worse. The best was 1,000 vs. Maryland when Ming came in. And we also had 750 when we had 'Youth Services Night.'

I attribute the different opponents due to the new divisional allignment. With more teams being added in the North East (Vermont, etc.), that was most likely the reason. Last season, the Buffalo Rapids played the teams you mentioned more.

As far as your attendance, do you attribute the low numbers to competition for sports dollars in the area? I know you guys do a great job of promoting the team, but are there other and different strategies the team may use this coming season? Trust me, I have ideas on that too.....

[Strong Island Sound]

As far as your attendance, do you attribute the low numbers to competition for sports dollars in the area? I know you guys do a great job of promoting the team, but are there other and different strategies the team may use this coming season? Trust me, I have ideas on that too.....
...can be why attendance has been light. First off, people have so many options as far as sports go. In the beginning of the ABA season, you have football (Jets and Giants, as well as the local high school and college teams), basketball (Knicks and Nets, hs & college), hockey (Rangers, Islanders, Devils, hs & coll). The further you get into the season, football may be done but fans start getting into their baseball mode with spring training.

Although the ABA is not in direct competition with all of the aforementioned, just to get recognition in an area where all of that is going on is a major obstacle. Minor league sports on Long Island can be successful. The LI Ducks of the Atlantic League are a virtual sell-out every game. Having their own stadium is the key. They put a great product on the field and have signed lots of former major leaguers. The AL is a good conduit of veterans trying to get back to major league organizations.

If the Sound can maintain a decent fan base and eventually play in the proposed arena in Yaphank, then things will fall into place. People will come out to see the new building, even if they are not huge basketball fans. Especially if you promote it properly: families, affordable, exciting, etc. The Ducks have been able to do that and are the staple organization of the AL. Strong Island can possibly become that in the ABA if things come to fruition with the arena plans. Many people don't want to go to a college gym with bleacher seating if they don't have to (ie: schoolmates, parents, etc.)

Another reason is that not enough people are aware of the team out here. That is something that is being attacked this offseason with personal appearances by the mascot, players, coaches, etc. at community events, fund raisers, etc. I can't tell you how many times that fans at the home games came up to us and said that they just heard about the team and had a great time and will come back. The local media has sporadically mentioned the Sound, and attendance was improved at the games following the article.

Long Island has a great tradition in the ABA with the NY Nets. Dr. J, Rick Barry. And that is something that we have used in our marketing. We've also had ABA Trivia contests during media time-outs where a random fan had to hold up an A,B or C sign to answer a question on the old league and would get a Sound t-shirt.

Fells- I appreciate the compliments and definitely would like to touch base with you on your ideas. They are always welcome.

[Fells]

I am sure you have done this, but holding a pre-season press conference is a good idea as well. Get the players, coaches, ownership, and mascot to the press conference to introduce the team. Then follow up on that with a practice that is open to the public, have a three point contest, slam dunk contest, etc with free posters, and bumper stickers, followed by an autograph session. These get the team out there, exposed to the media, and if it is a fun event, fans will turn out.

Just my two cents.......