Bemidji, MN
Bemidji, MN
Really small market
Lets not forget this is a college town, so the actual amount of people in the city is greater than the population listed. The Beavers seemed to have great attendance early in the season, getting 2,000 and even 3,000 early in the year, before only drawing 900 or so the final 3 games of the season, but that could be due to weather. I think it's possible that this team gets 1,500 to 2,000 a night
[quote=""firehawk5""]Lets not forget this is a college town, so the actual amount of people in the city is greater than the population listed. The Beavers seemed to have great attendance early in the season, getting 2,000 and even 3,000 early in the year, before only drawing 900 or so the final 3 games of the season, but that could be due to weather. I think it's possible that this team gets 1,500 to 2,000 a night[/quote]
How many of the 1500 or so are the college kids who get in free.
Erie Explosion with 280,000 in the metro area + 24,000 college kids
in the area averages @ 3,000 a game. Even on college day you don't see many students. One thing there are about 30 bars in downtown Erie, I don't think any of them are lossing money.
How many of the 1500 or so are the college kids who get in free.
Erie Explosion with 280,000 in the metro area + 24,000 college kids
in the area averages @ 3,000 a game. Even on college day you don't see many students. One thing there are about 30 bars in downtown Erie, I don't think any of them are lossing money.
[quote=""firehawk5""]Lets not forget this is a college town, so the actual amount of people in the city is greater than the population listed. The Beavers seemed to have great attendance early in the season, getting 2,000 and even 3,000 early in the year, before only drawing 900 or so the final 3 games of the season, but that could be due to weather. I think it's possible that this team gets 1,500 to 2,000 a night[/quote]
True, it is a college town. But, its also northern MN, where hockey is king. I hope that I'm wrong, but I firmly believe was the worst place in Mn to put an IFL franchise.
I stand by my prediction, two seasons then move to the metro area.
True, it is a college town. But, its also northern MN, where hockey is king. I hope that I'm wrong, but I firmly believe was the worst place in Mn to put an IFL franchise.
I stand by my prediction, two seasons then move to the metro area.
You're right that Hockey is king, but beings how the arena is shared with the Bemidji State Beavers, the games will obviously be when the Beavers aren't there. I'm not sure if this will deter or interest fans. I also get what was said about Erie, but when you're town is larger, there are a greater number of options of things to do. That's one thing that could play into the smaller market advantage. I personally wish they were in the metro of the Twin Cities because I live there and would love a team here. I'm not going to drive 3.5 hours to watch Bemidji when I could do the same drive and watch the AFL in Des Moines.
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Bouncer_Texxx
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The uSA (Micro Statistical Area) for Bemidji is ~43,000... for reference the same statistical area for Grand Island is 73,500 Salina, KS 61,900
Definitely small, however Grand Island and Salina each had pretty solid attendance this year. I guess we'll see what happens.
Definitely small, however Grand Island and Salina each had pretty solid attendance this year. I guess we'll see what happens.
Because, you see, I have a policy about honesty and butt-kicking: if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.
Opinion
Lets say that I am right and Bemidji doesn't make it. Where else in MN would a franchise survive? I still say the metro.
Also, excluding the "X" and the Target center, what is a suitable arena for the IFL in the cities?
I think the place would be the Warner Colosium at the fair grounds. They play hockey there (and was home to the MN Monsters). It's around 6000 capacity and plenty of room for parking and tailgateing. The only problem is that the floor is bigger then the field would be (being it was built for horse shows). But, they can (and have) brought bleachers in so that there would be seating right on the wall.
Any others ideas?
Also, excluding the "X" and the Target center, what is a suitable arena for the IFL in the cities?
I think the place would be the Warner Colosium at the fair grounds. They play hockey there (and was home to the MN Monsters). It's around 6000 capacity and plenty of room for parking and tailgateing. The only problem is that the floor is bigger then the field would be (being it was built for horse shows). But, they can (and have) brought bleachers in so that there would be seating right on the wall.
Any others ideas?
[quote=""Jammer""]Lets say that I am right and Bemidji doesn't make it. Where else in MN would a franchise survive? I still say the metro.
Also, excluding the "X" and the Target center, what is a suitable arena for the IFL in the cities?
I think the place would be the Warner Colosium at the fair grounds. They play hockey there (and was home to the MN Monsters). It's around 6000 capacity and plenty of room for parking and tailgateing. The only problem is that the floor is bigger then the field would be (being it was built for horse shows). But, they can (and have) brought bleachers in so that there would be seating right on the wall.
Any others ideas?[/quote]
I have lived in the Twin Cities for 3 years now, and there are a few places for placing a team, but not without very minimal seating. I'd also note that if there was a team in the metro, they are competing against the Wild and Timberwolves for attendance. As much as I'd love to have a team here so I didn't have to drive to Iowa for games, I just don't think it'll happen.
Also, excluding the "X" and the Target center, what is a suitable arena for the IFL in the cities?
I think the place would be the Warner Colosium at the fair grounds. They play hockey there (and was home to the MN Monsters). It's around 6000 capacity and plenty of room for parking and tailgateing. The only problem is that the floor is bigger then the field would be (being it was built for horse shows). But, they can (and have) brought bleachers in so that there would be seating right on the wall.
Any others ideas?[/quote]
I have lived in the Twin Cities for 3 years now, and there are a few places for placing a team, but not without very minimal seating. I'd also note that if there was a team in the metro, they are competing against the Wild and Timberwolves for attendance. As much as I'd love to have a team here so I didn't have to drive to Iowa for games, I just don't think it'll happen.
