Stadiums – Page 21 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Pitino Upbeat on Team Despite Critics

Posted on October 3, 2018October 3, 2018 by David Shama

Richard Pitino’s Golden Gopher basketball team began formal practices last week and will play a season-opening exhibition game in about four weeks against Minnesota Duluth at Williams Arena. How Pitino’s sixth year as coach will go is a mystery to college basketball observers, including me.

Athlon’s college basketball publication forecasts an 11th place finish in the 14-team Big Ten Conference for the Gophers. Dan Murphy, writing for Espn.com last August, placed Minnesota at No. 10 in his Big Ten power rankings.

Street & Smith’s basketball magazine is more optimistic about the Gophers, listing them No. 4 behind Michigan State, Michigan and Nebraska. I am more aligned with Street & Smith’s outlook and believe Minnesota has the personnel to finish between fifth and seventh in the standings.

Front court talent is where the Gophers are most promising. Senior forward Jordan Murphy averaged more than 16 points and 11 rebounds last season. Athlon ranks him the No. 66 player in college basketball and he is on everyone’s list of potential All-Big Ten forwards.

Junior Amir Coffey, a starting forward in the past who could play shooting guard this season, is so versatile he is expected to impact most every game including as a playmaker. Sophomore forward Eric Curry missed all of last season but his scoring and rebounding totals could be in double figures many games this season.

Minnesota’s backcourt outlook is murky with the departure of last season’s senior leader, point guard Nate Mason. Sophomore Isaiah Washington was a flashy but erratic playmaker last season and could be Mason’s successor.

Answering a question last week about Washington, Pitino stressed the importance of improving fundamentals. “…In high school it’s different than college, but I think he is progressing nicely. He’s been really good over the summer. And it’s very important that over the next month, he continues to get better.”

Starting senior shooting guard Dupree McBrayer has a career field goal percentage of .390. His three point percentage is .351. Without improvement, that will open up playing time for combo guard Brock Stull, the senior transfer from Milwaukee who averaged 13.4 points per game last season.

“Really, really good passer. Really good shot-maker,” Pitino said about Stull. “It’s just a matter of getting that conditioning up. That will be there in time.”

For the Gophers to make “crystal ballers” like Street & Smith’s look accurate they will not only need top play from the above mentioned players but also newcomers including top 50 recruit and center Daniel Oturu of Cretin-Derham Hall. Freshmen Gabe Kalscheur (guard) and Jarvis Omersa (forward) may make major contributions too, although it’s possible someone could redshirt. Pitino is still waiting to hear from the NCAA whether Pitt transfer and sophomore point guard Marcus Carr will be eligible for this season or will have to redshirt.

Pitino describes his program as “strong” but others aren’t so sure. “I love where we stand as a program,” he said. “Two years ago we had a terrific regular season. One of the best they’ve ever had (at Minnesota). Last year we were sitting at 13-3 after 16 games. …”

Pitino’s 2016-2017 team was 11-7 in regular season Big Ten games and earned its way into the NCAA Tournament. That was an unexpected turnaround after the Gophers had been 2-16 in conference games the season prior. Last season Minnesota had the impressive start Pitino referenced above but injuries to Coffey, Curry and McBrayer, and center Reggie Lynch’s suspension that hit in January, wrecked what looked like a special year.

“If the Gophers can stay clear of the snake eyes this season, they should be significant factors in the Big Ten race and strong candidates for an NCAA Tournament berth,” Street & Smith’s wrote.

However, both Street & Smith’s and Athlon have Pitino on their national lists of coaches on the hot seat for the coming season. Pitino’s five-year conference record in regular season games is 31-59. In all games he is 12 games over .500 at 90-78.

Dan Murphy’s article for ESPN acknowledged the Gophers great start last season but also said, “…It will take a Herculean effort to get things back on track. Pitino enters the season as the Big Ten coach who has to do the most to keep his job for another season.”

Worth Noting

College basketball authorities don’t consider the Big Ten an imposing league. Neither Athlon nor Street & Smith’s has a Big Ten team in its top eight nationally. Athlon ranks Michigan State No. 10 in the country, with Michigan No. 24 and Nebraska No. 25. Michigan State, at No. 12, is the only Big Ten school in Street & Smith’s top 20.

The conference sent only four teams to the NCAA Tournament last season. The Big Ten hasn’t had a national champion since 2000 (Michigan State).

Senior forward Zeke Nnaji, the Hopkins High School basketball star, is being recruited by Baylor and he included the Bears this week on his top five list (he excluded the Gophers). Jared Nuness, who was a standout player for the Royals in the late 1990s, is part of the Baylor staff.

Jared’s dad, Al Nuness, the former Gopher, works at Hopkins and has been impressed with Nnaji for a couple of years. He compared the 6-foot-10 Nnaji with the state’s most coveted senior, forward Matthew Hurt from Rochester John Marshall.

“I think his potential is just as good as Hurt,” said Al Nuness. “He has the potential to be very good. This kid runs the floor, and has a lot of ability. He can shoot and make the three-point shot.”

Congratulations to Minikahda Club pro Jeff Sorenson who topped the 2018 Minnesota PGA standings with 513.70 points and is the Omega Player of the Year. Brent Snyder from Troy Burne was second with 390.50 points. Sorenson has topped the state standings six times since 2007.

The Minnesota United has now sold and distributed more than 50,000 tickets for its last home match of the season at TCF Bank Stadium on October 21. The United is trying to set a new single match attendance record for Minnesota professional soccer. A record announced attendance of 49,572 was established over 40 years ago at Met Stadium for a Kicks game.

The Capital Club, the St. Paul-based networking gathering that features prominent sports speakers, will hear from a panel of prominent female sports reporters including Rachel Blount and Dawn Mitchell on October 23, and Gophers men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko November 13, and Gophers women’s basketball coach Lindsay Whalen November 28.

Meetings are usually at Town & Country Club, but a program is also scheduled for October 30 with a tour of the Treasure Island Center and TRIA Rink. More information about the Capital Club is available at Capitalclubmn.com, or from Patrick Klinger, patrickklinger@klingercompany.com.

Dick Jonckowski will sign copies of his new book, It’s All about Me, from 5 to 7 p.m. October 11 at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. The book about the well-known Minnesota emcee and public address announcer has been available for about three months. Jonckowski said over 600 copies have been sold. “It’s really going well,” he told Sports Headliners.

Jonckowski can be contacted at 952-261-3013.

Comments Welcome

All Get a Say in U ‘Barn’ Changes

Posted on August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 by David Shama

Williams Arena is 90 years old. It’s one of the most storied basketball venues in America and a huge part of this state’s sports history. The building’s raised playing floor is unique and a focal point of the arena that opened in 1928.

The new look (photo courtesy Minnesota athletic communications)

As of this summer that floor has a new look with a gray-white paint job. Included in changes is floor signage more prominently referring to “The Barn,” the building’s nickname.

The floor has gone through various looks in the past, and the change now is dramatic. A half century ago the oak floor had a simple gold-like look, with signage limited to a block M in the center jump circle. More recently the floor has been a mix of gold (aged yellow?) and maroon, with the former having the emphasis.

The old look (photo courtesy Minnesota athletic communications)

The new coloring’s intent is to provide a “barn replica” appearance, according to Athletic Department spokesman Jake Ricker. Gone is the maroon border that contrasted sharply with the gold.

I am warming to the barn look but don’t time me with a stopwatch. Judging by photos, the change appears to create a lighter atmosphere in the arena. However, there is so much history and tradition to Williams Arena that my preference would be the simple oak colored floor of decades ago. To me, that appearance best honors the historic venue on University Avenue.

I never have liked references to “The Barn.” The building was named after the great Gopher football coach Dr. Henry Williams. Let’s honor Doc. We’re not rubes with eighth grade educations that play basketball in a barn. Students dressed as barnyard animals? Puh-leeze, not classy.

The Williams Arena floor needed renovation this year because of wear and tear. A bunch of folks at the U came up with and approved the design for the floor. It will probably be another seven to 10 years before renovation will be discussed again.

Ricker said although few fans have seen the floor yet, positive responses out-number negative. I reached out to more than 20 readers of my column for their take on the new look and “The Barn” nickname. They came back with varied views and emotions, with some reviewers saying they want to reserve final judgment until they can evaluate in person (thumbs up).

Here are many of the responses received by Sports Headliners (edited for brevity and clarity):

Jim Dutcher, former Gophers coach whose 1982 team won the Big Ten: “Anything they can ever do to update the building, I am all for it. If that includes the floor, go for it. …’The Barn’ is an affectionate term, not a derogatory term at all. For better or worse, people love ‘The Barn.’ “

George Dahl, a Gopher basketball fan since the early 1960s: “How long do you think a white floor at ‘The Barn’ will last before they spend more to redo it appropriately and maintain tradition? Whose idea was it? Terrible!”

Steve Hunegs, a season ticket holder since 1971: “I love the look. Reminds me of the simpler appearance of the (coach Bill) Musselman years (1970s). Of course the success of the basketball teams will enhance the look of the arena (even more). I have never cared for the nickname ‘The Barn.’ Dr. Williams was a great figure of Minnesota sports history and Williams Arena bears a certain historic power.”

Former Gopher and past season ticket holder Larry Overskei: “The color of the floor is much too light in color. A nice light oak would be preferred. Fans do not want to squint when watching a game. Creativity is sometimes overdone. Let’s just play basketball.”

Sam Sigelman, a Gopher season ticket holder: “Although I will miss the varnished dark maroon, I am open to the change and can’t wait to see the floor in person. While the nickname ‘The Barn’ emblazoned on the floor may be tacky to some, this is a much better outcome than the previous athletic director envisioned. I recall Mr. (Norwood) Teague openly discussing a new arena for men’s and women’s basketball. Considering this alternative, we should all embrace the new floor.”

Tom Klas, a fan for more than 45 years: “From the photos, it appears that the coloring of the lettering (on the floor) doesn’t match. ‘The Barn’ looks to be maroon. However, the balance of the lettering on the floor looks like it’s red. …And how is washed-out gray better than the traditional golden hue that is the coloring of the majority of basketball floors? To sum it up in two words: It stinks.”

Bob Klas Jr., Tom’s brother and a season ticket holder since 1973: “I wouldn’t miss Williams Arena if it were gone. I’m not one who is particularly nostalgic about its history, but unless and until it’s replaced, I think fans should embrace its uniqueness. So calling it ‘The Barn’ is fine with me.”

Pete Najarian, Gopher fan and former U football linebacker: “The new floor is beautiful. But…in my opinion we have pushed away from tradition on too many levels at the best school in the country.”

John Ferril, whose family were season ticket holders for nearly 30 years: “I like the name ‘The Barn.’ It gives it character. I like arenas and stadiums to have nicknames that are more reflective of the people, location, team and sponsors. Names like the ‘The Swamp,’ ‘The Shark Tank,’ ‘The Vault’ and my favorite, ‘The Igloo.’ As far as the new floor…it will take some getting used to. The white looks like a sheet of ice, like a hockey game can break out at any moment. Should be interesting to see in person for the first time, but quite honestly, the reality is that I don’t care what the floor looks like, just what the team on the floor looks like!”

Blake Hoffarber, former Gopher and now season ticket holder: “I think it looks pretty good. I like the fact that they put in ‘The Barn’ (lettering). I think that is what gives it character and what a lot of us fans know it as. I still wish the floor was raised as high as it used to be before my senior year, but it’s still one of the best places to play in the Big Ten!”

An anonymous Gopher season ticket holder since 1976: “My first reaction was not positive, looks like Mariucci Arena. I want to reserve judgment until I see it in person. I always thought the former floor was one of the best in the Big Ten. Maybe they should have had a fan survey to get a consensus before just coming up with such a drastic change. I haven’t talked to anyone who has had a positive reaction.”

Denny Schulstad, former season ticket holder: “There are modern professional stadiums and venues in other colleges, but none are as historic or mean as much as Williams Arena. I well remember the state basketball tournaments played there with people almost hanging off the rafters. The improvements made there have made it much more comfortable while still being historic. Yes, keep the name (‘The Barn’) and put it on the floor. We love it!”

Mark Lundgren, whose family has had season tickets for more than 50 years: “I’m not a fan of the light color, maybe it’s the lighting on the photos. I do embrace the history of the building and like ‘The Barn’ script (lettering). I also think it would have been better to keep the maroon band around the court. I’ll withhold judgment (about the floor) until I’m able to see it in person. More concerned with the team’s play than the floor!”

Bill Robertson, sports marketing expert and WCHA commissioner: “I like the new look overall. ‘The Barn’ is an iconic landmark on the University of Minnesota campus and that term resonates with the rich history of Gopher basketball. I applaud the move by Minnesota athletics in including floor lettering with the words ‘The Barn,’ as new traditions will be helpful in building a robust fanbase and generating more interest in the program overall.”

Tim Kelley, a Gopher fan for more than 30 years: “I like the new floor. I want the U to keep Williams Arena, but the U needs to find ways to update it. I’m guessing a new floor was an inexpensive way to update the arena. I’m fine with the U referring to the arena as ‘The Barn’—that’s the way most people refer to the arena.”

Mike Wilkinson, a Gopher fan since the 1950s: “I’m okay with the new look and ‘The Barn,’ which is a moniker that has been around for several decades and even has recognition outside of Minnesota.”

Adam Katz: “I think ‘The Barn’ concept while charming, hurts recruiting. The Twin Cities…is a destination to build a life after graduation as it is a center for Fortune 500 companies.”

Pete Hoffman: “I saw the new lighter floor on the news and it looks good. I think the goal was to brighten up the place. The U either needs to torch the place, or learn to embrace its age and history as an asset. Kind of like Wrigley (Field) and Fenway (Park).”

Comments Welcome

Battle for Fans Tight in Twin Cities

Posted on May 21, 2018May 21, 2018 by David Shama

On a gorgeous Sunday yesterday we got a reminder about our crowded sports marketplace. The Twins and United played outdoors, while the Lynx opened their season indoors at Target Center.

The Golden Gophers and our seven pro teams (add in the Saints, Timberwolves, Vikings and Wild) often butt heads on the same day. The winners are Minnesota sports fans who have a plethora of professional and Gopher teams to follow in a society that thrives on choices and variety in everything from autos to wieners.

This area’s sports smorgasbord is among the most diverse in the nation. We also rank at the top with our lineup of (mostly) modern venues: Allianz Field, CHS Field, Target Center, Target Field, TCF Bank Stadium, 3M Arena at Mariucci, U.S. Bank Stadium, Williams Arena and Xcel Energy Center.

Ask the business side leaders of Minneapolis-St. Paul teams how they view all the competition from one another, and then get ready for a politically correct answer. They will tell you how great it is to have a rich sports landscape and that all the teams can be successful financially. The stock answers will include how they cheer for each other and wish for success by all.

Kumbaya? Maybe.

Truth is, if you eliminated several of the teams, popularity and box office success would increase for at least some organizations. Last Sunday the Twins drew 28,577 fans and the Lynx attracted 13,002, according to the Star Tribune. Despite playing in spectacular weather against border rival Milwaukee, the Twins missed a sellout by about 10,000 customers. The Lynx, in a seaon opener celebrating last year’s WNBA title and playing a top team in the Sparks, had over 6,000 seats that went unsold. The United reported a sellout audience of 23,117 at its temporary home at TCF Bank Stadium.

At 3.5 million, this is one of the 20 largest metropolitan areas in the country and that large population helps to support all of our entertainment options, but imagine if neither the Twins, nor the Lynx, or United, had box office competition in the spring and summer. What if the Gophers didn’t have to battle the Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild for football, basketball and hockey customers?

Some operations get hurt in this crowded sports marketplace that includes a battle not just to sell tickets but also to generate revenues from suites, sponsorships, venue and broadcast advertisers, concessions and merchandising. Despite four WNBA titles in seven years, the Lynx work hard to sell tickets including in the playoffs. The Timberwolves and Gophers, even with infrequent successes, have histories of disappointing their fans. Support for these teams can be iffy and conditional.

You can add the Twins to that list. They and MLB also face the problems of inclement weather, lengthy games and slow pace of play.

The Vikings win any and all popularity contests here. With a winning team and fabulous venue in U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings can withstand any number of competitors for the sports dollar in this marketplace. The NFL, despite its infamous reputation for head trauma, remains at the top of the American sports kingdom including in Minneapolis.

The Wild has produced competitive teams but little to cheer about in the playoffs. The organization, though, excels at customer relations and is in sync with the rabid hockey market in Minnesota. Hockey fans have a special passion for their sport and the Wild has never seriously broken the bond with its fanbase.

It’s niche loyalty that serves the Saints, too. The local independent baseball franchise’s shtick has branded the Saints as entertainment first, winning second. Comedian Bill Murray is an owner and there seemingly is no end to the gimmicks in the organization’s marketing plan. The Saints do it right, including dividing up their CHS Field seat allotment into thirds for season tickets, groups and individual sales.

Saints games are family friendly and tickets inexpensive compared with many of the offerings in this market. Affordable pricing is part of the United’s strategy, also. The second-year Minnesota MLS franchise is aiming to fill its stadium with what executives see as an unfilled opportunity to satisfy the existing and growing soccer interest in the state.

Part of what’s fueled the population growth in this area is an increasing immigrant population. Many of those newcomers love the “world’s sport”—soccer. A lot of immigrants are young and like other Minnesota millennials have grown up playing soccer.

Millennials, though, are an elusive target for some sport marketers. Baseball, football and golf all want to score with millenials who have a reputation for short attention spans. Ask a millennial if he watched a Twins game, or even the Vikings, and a predictable answer is he opted for a 25-second video recap.

For now at least there isn’t any downsizing in this busy sports marketplace that includes the Minnesota Whitecaps, the women’s pro hockey franchise that has been around since 2004. Leaders announced last week the Whitecaps are joining the National Women’s Hockey League. That’s the highest level of American women’s professional hockey, so we’re big league in that, too.

Expansion of the sports menu appears likely with Minneapolis-St. Paul trading the 3M Championship senior golf tournament for a PGA Tour event starting in 2019. More competition for the sports dollar locally but another option for the consumer.

Comments Welcome