by Marcas Grant
Oscar Wilde wrote that discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. Well, the American sports nation is discontent and it's starting to show.
Certainly this isn't the first time fans have decided they were going to sit on the sidelines until they saw change on the field, but it seems to be the first time there has been a concentrated effort by multiple groups to say enough is enough. The ground swell has been large enough that it forced Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to give a pre-emptive mea culpa for the visual pollution his team has unleashed on the Beltway this season.
For decades there was always enough money to feed the beast. The lure of “being there” trumped staying at home to watch the game in the comfort of your own home. But as prices continued to soar and the home theater experience began to surpass a day at the ballpark, the temptation to check out the game (or all the games…with the right package) became too great.
Here’s the funny part. Usually the side with the most money has the most leverage in struggles like this. But for once the small man can win. Knowing how necessary your dollars are, teams MUST make you feel appreciated. Whether that means coming up with their own money for new stadiums and amenities or finding a way to put a winner on the field, owners are learning that in many cases, they can no longer just open the gates and expect people to stream through.
So here’s to the fan. We are with you. We ARE you and we all know that your success is our success!
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