ManhattAn1
Active member
I would have to think that part of the negotiations involve MSG marketing us as one of their home teams which they do not do now. That could assist with us getting the casual fan
SJU AD Mike Cragg / The Athletic
- Thread starter jerseyshorejohnny
- Start date
[quote="Beast of the East" post=312804][quote="Class of 72" post=312767]Hopefully he will have a plan to help students get to the Garden games.[/quote]
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.
[quote="Room112" post=312820][quote="Beast of the East" post=312804][quote="Class of 72" post=312767]Hopefully he will have a plan to help students get to the Garden games.[/quote]
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.[/quote]
According to US. News and World Report's Best College Rankings -
"St. John's University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,766, with a gender distribution of 42 percent male students and 58 percent female students. At this school, 26 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 74 percent of students live off campus. In sports, St. John's University is part of the NCAA I."
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.[/quote]
According to US. News and World Report's Best College Rankings -
"St. John's University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,766, with a gender distribution of 42 percent male students and 58 percent female students. At this school, 26 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 74 percent of students live off campus. In sports, St. John's University is part of the NCAA I."
[quote="Andrew" post=312828][quote="Room112" post=312820][quote="Beast of the East" post=312804][quote="Class of 72" post=312767]Hopefully he will have a plan to help students get to the Garden games.[/quote]
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.[/quote]
According to US. News and World Report's Best College Rankings -
"St. John's University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,766, with a gender distribution of 42 percent male students and 58 percent female students. At this school, 26 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 74 percent of students live off campus. In sports, St. John's University is part of the NCAA I."[/quote]
Thanks. That's interesting. So roughly 4K live on campus with school provided dorms, and then I'm not sure how much off campus housing there is, so I can't know how many more to add. But with these figures, bussing 3K kids to the Garden might be a tough ask.
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
For anyone in the know, how many kids currently live on campus at St. John's? I've always heard the term commuter school associated with St. John's, but since I didn't go there, I have no idea what campus life is like.[/quote]
According to US. News and World Report's Best College Rankings -
"St. John's University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,766, with a gender distribution of 42 percent male students and 58 percent female students. At this school, 26 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 74 percent of students live off campus. In sports, St. John's University is part of the NCAA I."[/quote]
Thanks. That's interesting. So roughly 4K live on campus with school provided dorms, and then I'm not sure how much off campus housing there is, so I can't know how many more to add. But with these figures, bussing 3K kids to the Garden might be a tough ask.
I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”
[quote="Paultzman" post=312846]I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that. As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]
I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has a bus that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has a bus that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.
Last edited:
[quote="Adam" post=312853][quote="Paultzman" post=312846]I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that. As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]
I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.
[quote="RJGBOOTSY" post=312854][quote="Adam" post=312853][quote="Paultzman" post=312846]I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that. As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]
I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.[/quote]
Hah, I didn't even think of Uber even though I use it now pretty often. Yeah, even just a few years ago Uber wasn't really a thing but now it's massive. Not sure how expensive it'd be from Jamaica to MSG though, as it's a long ride.
Anyways, the bus I took I believe fit around 50 students. That may be easier for the school to handle financially, but maybe Uber discounts could work as well.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.[/quote]
Hah, I didn't even think of Uber even though I use it now pretty often. Yeah, even just a few years ago Uber wasn't really a thing but now it's massive. Not sure how expensive it'd be from Jamaica to MSG though, as it's a long ride.
Anyways, the bus I took I believe fit around 50 students. That may be easier for the school to handle financially, but maybe Uber discounts could work as well.
[quote="Adam" post=312856][quote="RJGBOOTSY" post=312854][quote="Adam" post=312853][quote="Paultzman" post=312846]I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that. As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]
I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.[/quote]
Hah, I didn't even think of Uber even though I use it now pretty often. Yeah, even just a few years ago Uber wasn't really a thing but now it's massive. Not sure how expensive it'd be from Jamaica to MSG though, as it's a long ride.
Anyways, the bus I took I believe fit around 50 students. That may be easier for the school to handle financially, but maybe Uber discounts could work as well.[/quote]
Just another idea/source for those involved to consider.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has some buses that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Many businesses, hospitals have group sharing plans with Uber.Kids love Uber/Lyft. The ride share of 4-5 works perfect for them especially if the college works out group discount on game days.[/quote]
Hah, I didn't even think of Uber even though I use it now pretty often. Yeah, even just a few years ago Uber wasn't really a thing but now it's massive. Not sure how expensive it'd be from Jamaica to MSG though, as it's a long ride.
Anyways, the bus I took I believe fit around 50 students. That may be easier for the school to handle financially, but maybe Uber discounts could work as well.[/quote]
Just another idea/source for those involved to consider.
MarkRedman
Well-known member
[quote="Adam" post=312853][quote="Paultzman" post=312846]I too find Mike Cragg’s immediate goal of playing all BE games at MSG a tad ambitious. Hope he phases this in sync with the program getting on consistent track for success. Could be wrong, but I doubt the roster next season supports this desire.
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that. As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]
I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has a bus that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Winning, playing an exciting brand of ball and making it easier to get to MSG would greatly boost student attendance. Short of that, playing more games at MSG is an exercise in futility and a waste of time and money IMO.
A packed CA is more of a home court advantage than a 3/4 empty MSG. But a packed MSG (packed with St John's fans) is "utopia" (not parkway).
Then again, Cragg is a big picture guy from multiple perspectives; athletics, fundraising and marketing. I thus will trust his instincts & judgment on this one. Am sure he will sleep tight knowing that.
As the Irish say, “Another County heard from”[/quote]I agree this may be a bit ambitious for next year, but seems like a long term thing so I'm all for it starting ASAP. We might as well capitalize now during a really good season. We saw Nova/Hall lost a TON last year, yet they are still Tournament teams this year. No reason we can't have another good year next year (even without Ponds and probably a couple others).
As for getting SJU students involved, I agree 1000%. Having just attended SJU for grad school a few years ago, and living right outside the Queens campus, I was always annoyed going to MSG games.
Here's the thing: taking the F train to MSG from Queens campus is inconvenient and super slow. As many here know, you'd need to take the train from 169th St (second to last stop). St. John's has a bus that they shuttle out every couple hours between the Queens campus and Manhattan campus. They also have additional ones that cycle throughout the local area (to places like Forest Hills). Since I had some classes in Manhattan, I took those buses pretty frequently. I NEVER took the F train unless I had to as the buses were so much nicer.
Even back then, I always thought it was foolish not to have a few buses running to and from Queens to MSG on game day. It really makes a huge difference. How much would that cost?
If it's too expensive, just do it for weekday games. So that'd be what, like 4 nights they'd need to get some buses to go into Manhattan (and maybe back as well)?
Again, just a few years ago I really did not feel like they were trying to get students engaged. Just one of many things they could do.[/quote]
Winning, playing an exciting brand of ball and making it easier to get to MSG would greatly boost student attendance. Short of that, playing more games at MSG is an exercise in futility and a waste of time and money IMO.
A packed CA is more of a home court advantage than a 3/4 empty MSG. But a packed MSG (packed with St John's fans) is "utopia" (not parkway).
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jerseyshorejohnny
Well-known member
How about a bus to the LIRR Jamaica train station and taking the LIRR right into Penn Station ?
Would be a bit more expensive but would be quicker
Would be a bit more expensive but would be quicker
There are also express buses that head into the city. Not as often but they are an option that’s cheaper than the LIRR.
Bottom line there are a few options and if students really wanted to make games they can. I did when I was a student. A winning basketball team is key though.
Bottom line there are a few options and if students really wanted to make games they can. I did when I was a student. A winning basketball team is key though.
[quote="Paultzman" post=312761]“St. John’s is committed to [being a] championship-caliber program,” Cragg added. “We are becoming that and that should be attractive.”
And playing all those games at the Garden would no doubt be an excellent recruiting tool for coach Chris Mullin and his staff
“Cragg said that in talking with alumni and administrators there was a consensus desire to play conference home games at the Garden. And Cragg added, “it was making an observation from my time in college athletics: people see the Garden and the St. John’s brand as tied together. Kids come to New York City and St. John’s to play there.”
Though he would not characterize the process of the negotiations thus far, Cragg said that what it would take to make the vision real is “making the partnership between St. John’s and Madison Square Garden better.”
Cragg is negotiating with a familiar face in MSG’s Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President for Marquee Events and Operations. The two have been doing business with one another for approximately 20 years, Cragg said, and “Joel and I know what a good partnership looks like.”
Fisher attended the Oct. 2 introduction of the AD, but Cragg said “this doesn’t just happen because we are friends – at the end of the day is will be a business decision for both organizations.
[URL][URL]https://www.newsday.com/s...n-square-garden-st-john-s-big-east-1.25584010[/URL][/URL][/quote]
Sources tell me we'll be playing "most" of our BE games at the Garden. Hiring Cragg was a major boost for this program.
And playing all those games at the Garden would no doubt be an excellent recruiting tool for coach Chris Mullin and his staff
“Cragg said that in talking with alumni and administrators there was a consensus desire to play conference home games at the Garden. And Cragg added, “it was making an observation from my time in college athletics: people see the Garden and the St. John’s brand as tied together. Kids come to New York City and St. John’s to play there.”
Though he would not characterize the process of the negotiations thus far, Cragg said that what it would take to make the vision real is “making the partnership between St. John’s and Madison Square Garden better.”
Cragg is negotiating with a familiar face in MSG’s Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President for Marquee Events and Operations. The two have been doing business with one another for approximately 20 years, Cragg said, and “Joel and I know what a good partnership looks like.”
Fisher attended the Oct. 2 introduction of the AD, but Cragg said “this doesn’t just happen because we are friends – at the end of the day is will be a business decision for both organizations.
[URL][URL]https://www.newsday.com/s...n-square-garden-st-john-s-big-east-1.25584010[/URL][/URL][/quote]
Sources tell me we'll be playing "most" of our BE games at the Garden. Hiring Cragg was a major boost for this program.
[quote="jerseyshorejohnny" post=312860]How about a bus to the LIRR Jamaica train station and taking the LIRR right into Penn Station ?
Would be a bit more expensive but would be quicker[/quote]
That would already exist, in the form of the Q31 bus.
Two minor problems with that, though:
1. Even though both are located in Jamaica, it's still quite a distance from the campus to the train station. No problem WRT frequency of trains, though.
2. The Q31 bus stops running at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday nights. So, we'd have to do something in that situation.
Would be a bit more expensive but would be quicker[/quote]
That would already exist, in the form of the Q31 bus.
Two minor problems with that, though:
1. Even though both are located in Jamaica, it's still quite a distance from the campus to the train station. No problem WRT frequency of trains, though.
2. The Q31 bus stops running at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday nights. So, we'd have to do something in that situation.
10-15 years from now, Carnesecca Arena cannot be what it is today. Not doing anything is just delaying the inevitable IMO. 6-8,000 seats that provides comfort and an advantageous atmosphere would be ideal.
Wow! I think playing all BB games at MSG is a real plus for the the School and Program. AD Mike Cragg appears to be a cut above the prior AD’s and good thing . It may even have a positive effect on the entire MET NY Area college BB scene . In addition to St John’s playing BE opponents at MSG as a featured game , why not have the Manhattans, Fordhams, Hofstra , St Peters , Stony Brook , Columbia , etc play a early Game as part of a BB doubleheader ? It would be Deja vu all over again , as Yogi would say . It might spark a revival for the game in NY .
[quote="Beast of the East" post=312804][quote="Class of 72" post=312767]Hopefully he will have a plan to help students get to the Garden games.[/quote]
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
Certainly no expert and i’m Sure this isn’t groundbreaking marketing idea...but for games where we aren’t going to sell out, they should discount corner tix and build a base of new fans - student, local HS or otherwise.
Also would like to see MSG use the curtains for upper tier. Looks dreadful when we have 7-8k
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
Certainly no expert and i’m Sure this isn’t groundbreaking marketing idea...but for games where we aren’t going to sell out, they should discount corner tix and build a base of new fans - student, local HS or otherwise.
Also would like to see MSG use the curtains for upper tier. Looks dreadful when we have 7-8k
Anthony Mattia
Well-known member
[quote="Section3" post=314438][quote="Beast of the East" post=312804][quote="Class of 72" post=312767]Hopefully he will have a plan to help students get to the Garden games.[/quote]
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
Certainly no expert and i’m Sure this isn’t groundbreaking marketing idea...but for games where we aren’t going to sell out, they should discount corner tix and build a base of new fans - student, local HS or otherwise.
Also would like to see MSG use the curtains for upper tier. Looks dreadful when we have 7-8k[/quote]
If we are only going to draw 7000 then we should just play on campus where we would then actually have a home court advantage.
Remember, he comes from a school where kids literally camp out in tents for days to get limited student tix for games. We still dont fill student sections behind the baskets at ca.
I remember the days at alumni hall where the bleachers were so overfilled people would sit in the aisles, a fire violation that ushers tried hopelessly to keep clear.
We would need a plan to easily get 2-3 k students to msg if we are going to fill the place.
I'm pretty sure that mike has done the math and trying to negotiate lower rates to rent the garden for more games, lowering the break even. Rough estimates at 10k break even would be that we lose 100k for every 1000 under 10,000 fans. For 9 big east games at most our exposure is 2 million but with attendance bolstered by 2 sellout ooc games, the business proposition is pretty good.
Bobby Gempeshaw is pretty much brilliant at fiscal management and would require mike to do sound financial projections[/quote]
Certainly no expert and i’m Sure this isn’t groundbreaking marketing idea...but for games where we aren’t going to sell out, they should discount corner tix and build a base of new fans - student, local HS or otherwise.
Also would like to see MSG use the curtains for upper tier. Looks dreadful when we have 7-8k[/quote]
If we are only going to draw 7000 then we should just play on campus where we would then actually have a home court advantage.