Kelly Dwyer lays into Steve Schanwald
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2009 10:13 AM CDT
113 comments
I thought BDL's Kelly Dwyer would pile on the same target that a lot of people in the game thread were: the fans, for booing (yet again) a Bulls victory because they failed to score 100 points and get a free big mac.
That's a pretty tired subject: of course it's stupid to cheer/boo for a sandwich that not only is a fraction of what is paid for Bulls tickets, but you can get for free regardless (just use the card anyway, they will not be checking Bulls box scores).
But Dwyer takes it a step further, completely ripping Steve Schanwald and Bulls marketing:
Now, this goes on in just about every other arena, but because the United Center is so typically full of fans that are there on hand-me-down tickets (tickets bought by corporations, then handed down to clients or employees, then passed on again), the din following Chicago's failure or accomplishment in securing those 100 points is louder in Chicago than any other arena in the NBA. I know. I watch the games. Even Toronto, an expansion team that isn't yet 15 years old, passed the Bulls years ago in terms of tact.
Maybe Schanwald thinks it's OK for the players that he's charged with promoting are being booed every time (every ... single ... time) they get stuck at 98 or 99 points as the final seconds tick off. Doesn't matter if it's a blowout, close game, or blowout loss. The team gets booed by the majority of the fans left in the building, it's obvious on the TV and in person, and the loudest and most organic cheer of the night comes when the team tops 100 points. Not when Ben Gordon hits a corner three to seal it at 92-79 with two minutes to go.
Now that stinks. And it's been going on for years. And Schanwald, seemingly, doesn't care. And he doesn't seem like the type to care, either. He's the guy that pipes in ear-splittingly loud, incredibly inappropriate (as if there is ever an appropriate time for Bon Jovi) rock music to close out a touching and thoughtful ceremony to honor Johnny "Red" Kerr. He's the guy that changes up Chicago's intro music (the otherwise laughable Alan Parsons Project) for a dated 2007 remix because ... well, just because. He's the guy that has to protect his phony-baloney job by tweaking and tweaking and adding and changing.
He is, in effect, just as bad as someone like Jerry Krause. Out to prove that it was the organization, and not Michael Jordan, that kept those seats filled.
Well, the seats were filled in the post-Jordan years. The tickets were sold. The ticket-holders -- or those who ended up with those free ducats once they were handed down the corporate ladder a half-dozen times -- may not have always showed up for those games, but he made his bosses money. You won, Steve. And you should be proud of that. It was damned impressive.
Now, shouldn't that be enough? At what point does the "fan experience" become so over-saturated with nonsense that the players are going to start resenting their fans? And by "fans," I mean dorks who seem to care more about a steamed "beef" sandwich with thousand island dressing on it than the biggest win of their hometown team's season.
It's pathetic. And the blame, as it has for years, falls on one man.
So Steve, if you come across this post someday in a search engine, kindly consider a change. Move it up to 110 points, down to 90, maybe 50 points by halftime, or dump the thing altogether. It was interesting for a spell back in the 1990s, when Jud Buechler or Joe Kleine were the ones nailing baskets to send the Bulls over the 110-point mark, winning the fans a taco. But now that the seats are full of the type of non-fan that you've doggedly chased over the years, the reaction is different.
And the reaction from the players, and I know you can see this, has changed. They hate it. It's the last thing they should be thinking about toward the end of a game like Tuesday's win. And at some point, little things like this are going to add up, and cost the team a good player. Or prevent the team from signing a player that it would like to have. Just so the punters can pick up a free sandwich here.
Tough to argue: The 'Love It Live' experience (and commercials) are getting lamer by the season. The assertion that Bulls marketing feels as much of a part of the Bulls success as the team itself was explored way back in 'The Jordan Rules'. And before Hinrich's missed free-throw he got a talk and a smile from Tyrus Thomas. Whether Tyrus told him to make it or miss it, no doubt the crowd result was on their mind.
While they've kept the building filled in 10 post-Jordan years, the goodwill eventually is going to run out. But maybe the 'casual' fan likes all the crap, as it distracts from the mediocre basketball.
Either way, hasn't Schanwald earned a lifetime pass?
via www.cbc.ca
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Most people at the game
just want to have fun. The boos are them just having a good time. It’s not like they are booing the team; more that they are booing so they can entertain themselves until it’s time to go home. They didn’t go to the game for a free burger anyways.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It comes off as pathetic to see 18,000 people boo when their team just won
If they’re that desperate for entertainment, then they can get drunk and run around with scissors. Most people realize that you don’t need them to score 100 to get the free sandwich. Like the 19 year old at the register is actively going to keep up with box scores?
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are you afraid to hurt the players feelings?
They know what’s going on. It’s okay to have fun. Did they boo win the buzzer went off at the end of the game?
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think so
They didn’t liked the pump-fake by Kirk with 1 sec left
by bull83 on Mar 25, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't catch the game
so if that is true then that’s sad.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kirk missed a ft on purpose
and then pump faked at the buzzer. I don’t like the booing, but with all of those fake outs they had it coming. If they had dribbled it out and they still booed that would be worse.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Mar 25, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved the fact that Kirk pump faked that shot!
I would have done the same thing! I’m always pulling for a 99 point win! Screw ’em!
Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL
by Johnny"B"ull on Mar 25, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but when you tease them
don’t go and then complain they boo at you. Had they just dribbled it out as they usually do they would have been professional and the booing fans would be totally in the wrong. Teasing just brings you down to that level. Fun for a moment, but not if later on everyone complains about the booing.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Mar 25, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When did Kirk
complain that they booed him?
by sue369 on Mar 25, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"You" as everyone here.
My pronouns are a bit muddled, but that was what I was trying to say. The players are apparently ok with the booing or they wouldn’t be teasing about it. The organization is apparently fine with the booing because they don’t seem to have a dribble out policy or anything and let the players fool around. Thus, the media and fans need to suck it up and stop complaining about the booing.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Mar 25, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they've done it while they dribbled it out a number of times already
by Camry on Mar 25, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know they have.
The players had in the past been keeping it professional and not addressing the fans who were booing. Now that they have interacted with those fans and taunted them with the intentional fake outs during the game the critics don’t have an argument anymore. The players have lowered it to the level of the fans instead of just playing clean basketball to the buzzer. You get what you get then. Boo away, the sportsman high ground is gone.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Mar 25, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure about the pump fake
I think some are exaggerating it a bit. I didn’t think it was a blatant one and it really didn’t look like a “HA HA take that”.
But I dunno the crowd should be mostly adults so I think if they are seriously getting carried away there then they just need to stop. Everyone has their own breaking point. If they’ve played clean basketball for around 5 years now especially then I can’t give the crowd that benefit. It feels like you get what you get in the players favor.
It just makes the crowd seem even that much more kinda low brow if we spun it the other way around. Besides they play for the wins not Big Macs is how I look at it I suppose….if they were double stacks from Wendy’s then I could see them booing.
by Camry on Mar 26, 2009 4:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not only have they done it a number of times already while the Bulls have dribbled out the clock,
but the players have to be “professional”. It would look really bad if they said “Look, this booing us when we don’t get big macs has to stop.”
Not the company line, that.
It gets frustrating. The players are humans, and after a year or longer of this crap you can’t just expect them to sit down and do nothing.
A reset of the promotion is probably a good idea.
"You remember the first time you picked up a basketball video game and you had no idea how to run plays, so you just gave the ball to your shooter and you ran around the court aimlessly until a defender was far enough away and then you jacked up a shot? THAT IS LARRY HUGHES!"
-Anonymous fan letter, heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com
by Prevenge on Mar 25, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kirk also made a shot that got waved off that would have made it 100.
Such a sandwich tease.
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
by Andrew7 on Mar 25, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good as long as they one the game
if the fans can have fun so can the players.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you watched the last minute of the game
You could actually hear the angst in the crowd when they missed a few shots, and they definitely booed Kirk when he missed the 2nd FT, and he was booed during his postgame interview. Fans are entitled to do a lot of things, and yes the players could care less. I just think its annoying when the same fans are passionate about the other teams in Chicago, and act like children at the UC.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially
since the guy was a huge part of winning that game
The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him Gamblor, and it's time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!!
by Yibs on Mar 25, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's soooooo sad!
When I became a hardcore Bulls fan way back in ’84…..it was the Chicago Stadium, Michael Jordan, and the loud passionate fans that got me into the Bulls! It was all about basketball back in the day. For the most part it was basketball junkies watching….you would talk basketball to the stranger sitting next to you at the Chicago Stadium. It was GREAT! Now, the U.C. + 80% of the fans at each game are just casual fans. The biggest chears of the night belong to the stupid dunkin douhnut race, truck race, and Big Mac. SO SAD!
Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL
by Johnny"B"ull on Mar 25, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's mostly the kids booing.. under (14 years old) consider the audience..
man up!
by exult463 on Mar 25, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, I've seen grown men do it before, and I don't mind what the kids do
I think I made too much of it, as it is.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally not mostly the kids...
Definitely mostly the sad, drunk 30-50 year olds.
by smash! on Mar 25, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, it's so pathetic.
It honestly makes me want to cease being a season ticket holder. It happens every single game and I just don’t get it. It’s sick. These people paid hundreds of dollars for tickets and they boo bc they don’t get a free $2 sandwich that most of them surely don’t need.
If you’ve ever boo’d the Bulls for this, I hate you.
:)
by smash! on Mar 25, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in general, I agree
fans can do what they want and it shouldn’t (and pretty much doesn’t) effect the players. It does make the Org. look dumb though.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is annoying to hear the boos
I hope Tyrus told him to miss it on purpose just to shove it up their asses, but who knows, with Vinny citing Kirk’s super professionalism powers after the game…
"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."
by Ugh It Live! on Mar 25, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with booing last night
1. Every kid at the game under 15 should be allow to cheer the loudest for Cuppie Coffee and boo Kirk Hinrich for causing them to miss out on a trip to McDonalds… If the Mom or Dad who took the kids to the game wants too boo alongside their child for fun good for them.
2. The hardcore fans should have booed last night too. You show up to the game last night to find out Derrick is gonna sit and the Bulls are playing a team that hasn’t tried for 2 weeks. The frustration of seeing bad basketball most of the game was probably piling up and they joined in.
3. The reason TNT NBA is probably the best sports produced broadcast is they don’t BS. At halftime Charles and Kenny said this game sucks lets talk about something else.
So if the fans needed something like a 100pt finish line to get them through an ugly ugly game then who cares.
Con- The one thing I agree with Dwyer is that Schanwald has really boched is the Love it Live commericals.
by Jscho316 on Mar 25, 2009 10:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
make some changes
-as KD suggests, change it to 110 points
-just give every fan a coupon upon entering the stadium (if they do this, they may want to consider changing it from a Big Mac to something like a regular cheeseburger in order to cut down on expense).
-get rid of it altogether
-make it something super unattainable, something like VDN has to coach a good game…that way, NO fan has any expectations whatsoever
http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/
by NormVanBeer on Mar 25, 2009 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The people who boo are pathetic
All that because of a sandwich. Who had that idea, anyway? Can someone explain me?
by bull83 on Mar 25, 2009 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
ummm…did you even bother reading the post?
http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/
by NormVanBeer on Mar 25, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I read it
I just didn’t get it if that promotion was an Mcdonalds idea or a organization idea
by bull83 on Mar 25, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its for kids
The Bulls ( every sports team) want families to come out because a family of four buys 40$ of souvigners, 80$ on Cokes and Hot dogs. So the marketing department wants to become as fan friendly without pissing off the adults too much.
Plus McDonalds pays X amount of money each year for the right to that advertising.
by Jscho316 on Mar 25, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We all get the concept of marketing
There can be a more tactful way of doing it. Tons of teams do this promotion with some fast-food chain, I rarely hear or see any crowd other than the UC boo.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't put into words how much I enjoyed reading that.
I’m not sure why it bothers me so much, maybe it’s because I spend a ridiculous amount of time following this team and am thrilled with the victories so I feel everyone else should feel the same way. Whatever the reason, I think it sucks. On a November game against the Thunder, or some other scrub team it really doesn’t bother me as much. But against the Pistons, chasing the playoffs, after a great game? Give me a fucking break.
"That's a spicy meatball-a!" - Vinny Del Negro
by Juiceboxjerry on Mar 25, 2009 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Really??
This what we’re talking about after the Bulls have won 5 out of their past 6 games?? After the Bulls have drawn to within 1 game of the 7 seed??
I dont get what the big deal is anyways…the bulls players SHOULD try to get that Big Mac for the fans. You mean to tell me in this economy these million dollar athletes would get offended if the Bulls added two points onto the final score? Screw them then…No reason it should be looked down upon for trying to get free burgers for their fans.
by davebinobino on Mar 25, 2009 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
as far as the games
Bulls still stink, will get waxed by Cavs or Celtics. That was an easy win last night.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The next two games will show everyone what they are
I say they lose the next two. If they win them then maybe there is some hope for some kind of comepetition in the first round. But they have to prove it to me in the next two games because they’ve been to up and down this year.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not talk about...
Hinrich’s trade value…24 and 8 against Rodney “keys to the ferrari” Stuckey…I’m really happy this was on national tv. Hopefully Phoenix and Toronto were watching…
by davebinobino on Mar 25, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why talk about it when he's never getting traded?
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
indeed
and even if he is, it’s not until the end of the year. And I doubt his value’s changed much.
And…heck, start a fanpost if you want to talk about something.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the economy is so bad people should get 2nd jobs at McDonalds then instead of going to Bulls games
Win win for the gluttons!
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also, there is nothing to talk about last night
They beat down on a depleted squad, other than Tyrus and Noah there was nothing fun about the game.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well i guess there's nothign to talk about the rest of the season
Everyone here knows the Bulls aren’t very good and will likely get swept in the first round…should we cancel the blog now??
by davebinobino on Mar 25, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else with me in that Tyrus Thomas doesn't play as much if Rose plays?
Why that should be the case, I can’t figure out, but I’ve seen too many Rose-Hinrich-Gordon-Salmons lineups to think it would have been otherwise.
Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!
by tyger1147 on Mar 25, 2009 11:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kurt's a professional
he has to be out there.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 25, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
making fun of VDN
Vinny discovers frontcourt by accident. Someone re-smash Gooden’s groin!
- your friendly BullsBlogger
by fundamentallysound on Mar 25, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most of the people who go to the games
are not true Bulls fans. How else can you explain how quiet it is during games? Its pretty sad when the loudest cheers of the night come when they score their 100th point. Sadly, tickets prices are so high now that the average hardcore fans can no longer go and watch the games. I’d have to say that the only Chicago teams with real fans at their games are the Bears, White Sox and Blackhawks.
by MrBungle on Mar 25, 2009 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It has been quiet ever since they moved into the U.C.
Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL
by Johnny"B"ull on Mar 25, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I agree with Kelly.
Maybe the thing is broken beyond repair, but it would be a great thing if the Bulls could get more, howdoyousay, ‘basketball fans’ in the arena. Perhaps that is impossible in the UC. Not solely because of the high ticket prices. But more so because the cheap seats are freaking terrible and no real basketball fan would be drawn to them.
by Reed97 on Mar 25, 2009 11:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed! The U.C. sucks!!!
Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL
by Johnny"B"ull on Mar 25, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can only budget Bulls games
when I get the cheap seats. I have to agree that it’s much better watching it on my hdtv at home, than watching from the stadium, getting vertigo, and trying to figure out if cedric simmons or tyrus is playing power forward.
by runningman on Mar 25, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the rate the bulls are playing
they should give a big mac everytime the bulls win….period. At least then the gluttons will be cheering for the team to win the entire game as opposed to the last 2 minutes.
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
by piccolomair on Mar 25, 2009 12:09 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I just rec'd your post.
You resolved the problem.
General manager needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow,next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.
Sir Paxdorf.
by Azabullsfan on Mar 26, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a shame
this was such a big game…regardless of players being out…we got a shot of stealing 7th…or maybe even the 6th spot (long shot).
Love it on my couch!
..on 2/18/09, Noc was gone..and on the next day, Larry "The Chucker" was just a bad dream...
by Belize on Mar 25, 2009 12:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
with almost half the teams averaging over 100 points anyway
thats not a bad idea.
There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST
by Jbasic89 on Mar 25, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh you Purist, you...
Kelly Dwyer’s rant can be summarized as “If only the business of basketball didn’t interfere with the game.” Ok, Kelly, I agree with that sentiment to some extent.
But don’t you think it’s a little heavy-handed to pick on Steve Schanwald for doing his job well?
Look, Jordan and co. took the on-the-court product to new heights, but in the years after the last championship, the Bulls continued to sell out. Part of that is successful marketing, including things like leveraging every square inch of the United Center for ad revenue, and putting doughnut-cup-bagel races up on the big screen during breaks in play (by the way, those get the loudest cheers, not the 100-point Big Mac barrier).
But that’s all it is, just marketing. If Kelly can’t stand marketing at this level, then perhaps he can go watch amateurs play somewhere. They won’t be at the NBA skill level, but oh, the relief he’ll feel when there are no corporate tie-ins.
"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris
by bullhockey on Mar 25, 2009 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Biggy Bagel
is the f-in man!!!!!!!
PS now i know who to blame for the new lame ass intro
by chicagosports23 on Mar 26, 2009 1:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really disappointed in KD
Of course the promo stuff is lame; it’s done because it works. I get to go to a lot of Lakers games, and I’m telling you, the shtick is fun when the team is good, the game is good, and it’s part of the show. On the other hand, it was just as lame here 2years ago as it is in Chgo. It’s no worse, really, than having the soft-porn t & a show that are the cheerleaders if you’re really trying for a family atmosphere (and don’t start screaming at me, I love the t & A show). It’s just when the org is so obviously about its bottom line that all this sideshow crap gets very carnie to me (a fan who thinks Bill Veeck was the antichrist of sports). The Love It Live campaign is as inspiring as the Clippers Play Loud campaign.
by California Al on Mar 26, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bill Veeck was looking to sell an experience once fans got to the park
But he knew that the best way to get fans to the park was to field a team that wins a lot of games. He may have pushed things a bit far sometimes, but Veeck was always better than the hamfisted marketing stuff that goes on in most NBA arenas today.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Mar 26, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Tyrus told him to miss it.
I would have. Kids are just so fat these days.
Pool and a pond... Pond be good for you.
by SoulEater7 on Mar 25, 2009 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
exactly
it’s not fair to the fat kids. What about them? They deserve a meal that fits their life style
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 25, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
..on 2/18/09, Noc was gone..and on the next day, Larry "The Chucker" was just a bad dream...
by Belize on Mar 25, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so thats what the bulls are doing
Training the future generation of Matadors
There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST
by Jbasic89 on Mar 25, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i agree that the bulls marketing department has left a lot to be desired
for a long time…15 years of MJ doing your marketing for you kind of left them behind a little. Or a lot.
I never understood the fans booing, though. Big Macs suck. When in attendance, I have never once been irritated by the bulls finishing below 100 pts w/ a win. if they win, how the hell can you justify boos? Especially if that win was against a big time rival in what is shaping up to be a very tight finish for the 7th spot in the east. I was disappointed with the crowd last night all game…did anyone else notice how silent it was in there almost the entire game! what the hell was that about??? its like last night’s crowd only showed up for the chance that they might win a free garbage sandwich from one of the counties’ worst corporations, and when they didn’t get it, the crowd made the most noise they did all night, to boo because they didn’t get a free fucking sandwich . pretty sad display. i understand dwyer’s resentment, but i think its misplaced. Blame the crowd, last night was pathetic.
I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE
by CONOR6 on Mar 25, 2009 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's always like that at Bulls games
I would be willing to bet that at least 25% of the “fans” at Bulls games couldn’t name three players on the team. Of course, that’s not surprising considering the Bulls themselves advertise their games as a good place to conduct business meetings. Hey, you reap what you sow. They’ve become so dependent on corporate support that they’re going to take a big hit this offseason when companies unload their ticket packages and skyboxes.
Why resort to name calling?
-Dionysus2.0
because I wish to insult you personally
-your friendly BullsBlogger
by Big D on Mar 25, 2009 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wasnt it like 2 seasons ago when
the bulls tried to push a blow out lead against knicks to try and get the 100 points. and i think steve francis and curry got all pissed. im not sure, but im pretty sure they argued about it on the court with maybe ben wallace??
its the most stupidest thing ever. i do like in the article she put quites around beef. that was funny.
The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him Gamblor, and it's time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!!
by Yibs on Mar 25, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
this may or may not be the one you're talking about
but i remember thabo taking a last shot which would have given the bulls 100 and he got a real hard time about it.
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
by Jaina on Mar 25, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kelly Dwyer's a dude.
The more you know, you know.
by CrashDavis on Mar 25, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i am now wiser
The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him Gamblor, and it's time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!!
by Yibs on Mar 25, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Steve Francis threatened to kill Du and Malik Allen for shooting garbage time jumpers
Different scenario. The team decided on its own to get the 100 point mark, and the Knicks were getting blown out and were frustrated. Plus, it’s the Knicks, no one cares about them.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is about to be a topic on Around the Horn
There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST
by Jbasic89 on Mar 25, 2009 4:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What'd they say?
"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."
by Ugh It Live! on Mar 25, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was facetime. They didn't really get into it.
Adande said give the fans their Big Mac and Woody said Hinrich did the right thing
"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7
by gobulls1124 on Mar 25, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Wilbon lays into the Bull's "fans"
"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7
by gobulls1124 on Mar 25, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrong show
There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST
by Jbasic89 on Mar 25, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PTI comes on right after Around The Horn
Thanks though, genius.
"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7
by gobulls1124 on Mar 25, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was thinking about the possibility of you meaning that
but i had already typed what i wrote and was too lazy to retype an entire post. no wilbon today either way.
There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST
by Jbasic89 on Mar 25, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's cool
"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7
by gobulls1124 on Mar 25, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Rome burning?
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
by J Theory on Mar 26, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
History
The earliest food promotion I remember was a Pizza Hut defense one. If the Bulls held the opponent below 90 (or 80) pts fans got a personal pan pizza. It was a small bonus for watching a great Bulls team.
Over the years sponsors changed ,and the criteria went from defense to offense. One year when the Bulls sucked it was 120 pts. and they never gave food out. I get annoyed when the fans cheer or boo for Big Macs, but if we limit attendence to true pro basketball fans, the 5000 of us will get lonely after a while and there’ll be noone in the luxury suites. It would be a good idea to change the promotion anyway.
by El Toro de Goro on Mar 25, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i don't like the booing
cause it’s pathetic that you can hear the crowd booing the win on tv. we just played a great game, we’re on national television, and everyone’s listening to you boo because you are a bunch of fatasses! it makes the chicago fans look terrible.
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
by Jaina on Mar 25, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's another
article with some comments on the subject.
http://blogs.suntimes.com:80/fullcourtpress/2009/03/its_not_winning_or_losing_—_i.html
by sue369 on Mar 25, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Some of those user comments just straight piss me off
"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7
by gobulls1124 on Mar 25, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to blame him.
Come on, they’re giving the fans a free sandwich when the Bulls score over 100 and win. What’s bad about that?
It rests on the idiots booing the team, and only them.
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
by Andrew7 on Mar 25, 2009 5:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If there's years of evidence that the fans
will Boo a <100 pt victory, it becomes the fault of the people that continue to run the promotion.
That’s if they care about the fans booing, which apparently they don’t.
by runningman on Mar 25, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps you’re all just bitter, but there have been several games I’ve gone to where it was loud as hell, came home, then read post after post here whining about how quiet the crowd was. Not adding any more on top of that.
Everybody fightin' bout a spoonful...
by plastict on Mar 25, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's pretty hit or miss, and I guess that comes with the team being the same way
Maybe it’s just me, but even when I went to the Bulls-Heat games in 2007 it felt like the crowd wasn’t really into the whole deal until the “Posey Sucks” chant.
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 25, 2009 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
***lifetime pass***
Allen Iverson: “Marketing? We talk’n about marketing?”
by KentuckyBullsFan on Mar 25, 2009 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why are people so judgmental about something with so little importance?
Honestly, who cares if they boo? Who cares if they don’t? And who are you to decide what a “real” fan “should” do?
by robinhood on Mar 25, 2009 10:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
because it affects player morale, and other players around the league see that and realize
that the fans that go to Bulls games are jackasses. Who wants to play 41 games a year in front a bunch of insolent, stupid douchebags who boo you on your homecourt when you’ve just won an important game?
Not many players, that’s who.
Stats with contextual observations, good. Stats with no context, bad. Anecdotal observations unsupported by data, the worst.
by fundamentallysound on Mar 25, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not those who are in to win it and for the love of the game and all that.
Those who just want to make money, they’ll come. You get what you deserve.
Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!
by tyger1147 on Mar 25, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you're in it to win it and love the game
you would have no problem putting up with a little booing at the end of the game playing for a winning bulls team in front of sell out crowds night after night.
If you’re in it for the game and to win, you don’t even know the crowd is there.
by robinhood on Mar 26, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I can see both sides but
If a player has a couple of options of places he can see winning in the near future. It could come down to the Town I think.
by Camry on Mar 26, 2009 4:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Tyson Chandler
All bulls players that played through the booing and either signed or negotiated to sign extensions for even more booing.
by robinhood on Mar 25, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ben Gordon didn't sign an extension.
Nocioni got offered way more than he deserved. Deng apparently, too.
Another problem with your point is that none of those guys were acquired on the free agent market, except Nocioni and he’s well… Nocioni.
When was the last time the Bulls signed a marquee free agent? Ben Wallace doesn’t count.
Stats with contextual observations, good. Stats with no context, bad. Anecdotal observations unsupported by data, the worst.
by fundamentallysound on Mar 26, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am well aware of that.
That is why i wrote that the players “either signed or NEGOTIATED…”
Good point with the free agent thing. Does E-Rob count? (sarcasm)
by robinhood on Mar 26, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ron mercer ftw!
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
by Jaina on Mar 26, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think the players care at all if they are booed
Personally, I think its funny that the crowd booed. Its a ltitle bit of jeering, all in good fun. I haven’t seen one fan say that they were truly pissed off at the team for not scoring 100 points. I can’t believe all you have your panties in a bunch about good natured booing…
It doesn’t affect player morale at all. They won a game, and they were cheered all game for it. They knew exactly why the fans were booing and judging from their post-game reactions didnt take it to heart at alI. Its all in good fun.
by davebinobino on Mar 26, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because it's blatant display of stupidity and stupidity is annoying
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Mar 26, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
it’s not a big deal. It’s just annoying, is all.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 26, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate stupid people
Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.
by Ozzie Montana on Mar 26, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously....
shouldnt the central issue of this post revolve around the unraveling of the mastermind behind the lame ass new Alan Parsons Project intro?
by chicagosports23 on Mar 26, 2009 1:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was there...
and most of the people booing were doing so for fun. (Personally, I don’t boo because I don’t care about a big mac.) I think the whole crowd cheers when they break the 100 point threshold, so this promotion can work positively too! (I cheer for it too even though I probably won’t use the coupon.)
Walking out of the game, the crowd was in a great mood and obviously had a good time at the game. I’ve left games where the crowd was booing and legitimately pissed off at the end of games because of a lack of basketball effort on the floor. (Or bad coaching by VDN) I think you can tell the difference between the angry boos and what was going on the other night. And judging from the looks on the players faces (they were all smiling) I think that they knew that the crowd was just having fun with them.
Here is a formula of what I think goes on players minds if they even think of this at all: (maybe I’m giving some of them too much credit but this is how I would think of it.)
If Booing a big mac = more fun for the casual fan and
more fun for the casual fan = More people at the game and
More people at the game = more $ for the team/players saleries
Then you can boo me all the way to the bank!
by 72-10 on Mar 26, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You can't tell on TV
there has to be a way so the home team isn’t booed after victories, yet people still have fun. Sounds impossible.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 26, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't disagree
I just think people are making too big a deal out of this…. It would be less of a big deal if Vinny would play the scrubs at the end of blow-outs.
by 72-10 on Mar 27, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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