While reading Steve Gellar’s article where he’s explaining the futility of telling local people that the city of New Orleans can support two major-league sports franchises, only to be told that this region is a football-only town, I came to the conclusion that if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Here’s what I mean:
On Sunday, December 26th, at 6PM local time. The Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks in New Orleans arena. In case you didn’t already know this, there is another New Orleans V. Atlanta contest the following night in the ATL. Well, since a bunch of folks cant travel to Atlanta to boo the Falcons on Monday night, why not give them a chance to boo another Atlanta team on Sunday night in the Arena. Hell, make it “Saints pep rally night”. Everybody can wear their favorite who-dat gear, and we can let the Hawks know what we think of them and their sister franchise. If we can somehow tie the Hawks game in with the Saints Monday nighter, and turn the game into a community solidarity thing, pitting us against the evil ATL, we might be on to something for bringing folks to that game. Is it somewhat cheesy to piggyback off the success of football in this town, yes. But if thats what it takes, so be it. Lets go for a 2-0 ATL sweep!
The way I see it is this, the Lakers game will sell out, and the Magic will have 15k+. Other than that, our games stink during this stretch till 1/17/11. We have to take matters into our own hands to get folks to come out. This may be our best shot.
This post was submitted by Mikey.
This is a really strong idea. We can remind people about last year, when the Hornets beat Minnesota just before the NFC championship game (Posey with the pass fake to Paul and then drive to the cup as time expired). People will remember that and not want to jinx the Saints.
Mikey, how do we get this out there? We don't need to pick just one way either . . . Tell the team? Get them to tell the Saints? Blow them off, go guerrilla, and go straight to Bobby (your idea, and I like it)? Hit the papers, radio? The Levee might love something like this . . . Saints fans get confused, take over NBA? I work with a guy at the paper and will talk to him. What else? I think our teams `get along' and something like this would show just how solidly our city is behind all our boys. Of course, it'll get twisted by some, but screw them . . . no shrimp and grits for them!
I'll be at the Saints postgame show this coming Sunday after the Ravens game, and I'm gonna float this idea to one Bobby Hebert. We'll see if he'll get behind it. If he likes the idea, he'll be mentioning it all week.
Love this. LOVE IT. As for attendance numbers- There are two very conflicting reports. One by Marc Stein, who I trust as much as anyone, and one by the Times-Pic's John Reid. One says we have until 1/31 and one until 1/17 I'll get the real story tonight from the Hornets.
Maybe even have a costume contest too.... Craziest saints-related costume wins a prize pack. That part is out of our hands.
CityBrow
In Demps We Trust