Daily Archives: July 2, 2008

i think about this topic alot... a few other effective/efficient ways to create a more soccer-like atmosphere in the arena:

-Use the jumbotron: all euro soccer fan groups have a leader to shout out instructions/songs etc.. the jumbotron could be used in the same way at the acc - for example: if a player gets hot his name can flash up on the screen (kind of like they have now with "D-Fence!"), "everybody jump" to get everyone in the arena to jump (looks great), flash up longer chants than just few syllables - some euro supporter group chants are full songs

-Eliminate the music: please please please stop with the music during play... it adds absolutely nothing and creates a Disney-like mood which is an atmosphere killer... possibly just leave the drum to serve as rhythm for chants

-Eliminate the circus surrounding the game: mascots, cheerleaders, stupid games during time outs... this is absolutely unnecessary... you are watching the best basketball players in the world, appreciate it! there is no need for anything else there to entertain you... focus on the basketball game

-More flags, especially like the big "We The North" one we had in the playoffs... should have those large flags for every big game and with different things drawn/written on them (not just "We The North")

-Banners - encourage fans to bring banners and hang them from the upper bowl terrace... it would look amazing if the entire upper bowl was covered in flags/banners... the banners can also indicate different parts of toronto/ontario that different fans come from

Just a few things off the top of my head, but i think these can be easily implemented and would significantly improve the atmosphere in the arena

For anyone that wants to see a good basketball atmosphere, youtube "partizan basketball fans" or "red star basketball fans"