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Casual fans could be priced out for Jam
The Bakersfield Jam waited a little longer than three days to rise from the dead but the scale-downed business model appears to be winner in theory. Will Bakersfield's fickle market be a true test to whether other D-League teams dip their toes in the proverbial stormy sea? D-League commissioner Dan Reed believes this is the right time and right city. Moving from cavernous Rabobank Arena to its $2 million practice facility for home games will cut costs and create a "in-your-face" atmosphere but it will come at a cost for casual fans. Limited seating should drive the price up for seats, and the Jam ownership group is attempting to court 'business associates' with courtside seats, executive suites and luxury lofts. So what do you think? 5 comments from 5 users
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posted by
UncleToad
on Jun 20, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Well, using a 10,000 seat facility for 1,500 fans seems ridiculous. Yes, this might make tickets more competative, but there's little doubt that Bakersfield never appreciated it's minor league sports teams that it had. I miss the Blitz, and with this move, I'll definately try to catch some of the Jam's games now. posted by
jfrancais
on Jun 20, 2009 at 07:11 AM
A smaller venue is probably a good idea but still trying to appeal to a fan base willing to pay high prices for basketball, again, is the wrong idea. That was part of the idea behind Rabobank. They were hoping to sell luxury suites and corporate sponsorships. Bakersfield is a sports town but no one is gong to pay NBA prices to see these games. They can either focus on signing local talent are making the games accessible to average fans t and hope people show up. I think the Blitz failed by not signing enough local talent (not to mention they didn't win enough). The same problem applies to the Jam. Some might pay to see Gerry McNamara or Mateen Cleaves but who are the rest of those folks on the roster? They were marginal college players at best. You're better off losing with b-ball stars from MLK park and Silver Creek. At least we could cheer for someone from our neighborhood. posted by
notatroll
on Jun 21, 2009 at 02:53 PM
GET at one time had an arrangement with the Jam that allowed students with a Flash pass to attend Jam games for a discount price. (maybe even for free) Does anyone know if that arrangement is still in place? I cannot locate any information about this on the GET website. posted by
Lynchmob1966
on Jun 29, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Actually almost all the players in the D-League were outstanding college players. Jam guard Trey Johnson was either No. 1 or No. 2 in scoring in the NCAA his senior season at Jackson State. There are less than 400 openings on NBA rosters, which are being filled by the best players from around the world, so there are a lot of great players that find themselve in the D-League. posted by
Hersheysquirt
on Aug 26, 2009 at 02:29 PM
I think this latest developement requires that somebody, and I mean right now, alert Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal to let them know that the Jam is back in business and, therefore, Bakersfield should get the respect it deserves by moving up from 186th best minor league sports market in the USA to at least 182nd.
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