You might remember that, last week, I solicited some questions for Danny Zollars, the Kings’ new director of game presentation and events at Staples Center. You, collectively, came up with some very good questions/issues, and since it’s impossible to ask 200-plus questions, I tried to narrow them down to the most popular themes (after eliminating those that didn’t pertain to Danny’s job). As Danny noted, though, he read through every comment, so you can be sure that your voice was heard. Hopefully you will find this helpful, and if you have a more specific question for Danny, you can reach him on Twitter — @LAKingsGameEnt — where he will be taking questions and suggestions from fans year-round. Here’s the questions and answers with Danny…
1. Do you have any thoughts about possibly expanding the use of watch parties? Perhaps going into different areas of Southern California?
ZOLLARS: “Right now we have a great partnership with Hooters, and we rotate between their locations for our watch parties. Also, there are watch parties at our partner ESPN Zone at LA Live, as well as other locations throughout the season. Those locations have not yet been determined but we will definitely take this request into consideration. We want to make sure all of our fans can celebrate those road wins with us!”
2. The “South Park’’ videos on the board are very popular with fans. Any thoughts on continuing those, expanding them or doing something similar in the future?
ZOLLARS: “I love these videos too! This is my first season with the Kings so I had no idea this was done. We actually are in the process of creating some new ones and updating the old ones with our new jerseys. Trey and Matt (South Park creators) actually work on these and are creating two brand new ones specific to opening night so stay tuned. I haven’t seen them yet but they will be a little edgier.”
3. Fans have talked about cities such as Montreal, that do some creative things with their pregame videos. How much do you look at other teams/arenas for inspiration?
ZOLLARS: “We notice what other teams are doing but we feel like we are leading the charge when it comes to game-day production. I will probably travel to a few different markets to check out what they are doing and pull some of the best practices. Any cities I should check out? I have been in the NBA the last nine years so I know what everyone does there but the NHL teams do an unreal job because of the increased amount of introduction time you have over the NBA. I have heard about Montreal and I have been to a lot of Capitals games as well. The Caps games have a great experience that grew organically from the fans. We need all of our fans to come loud and ready to rock at every game this season!”
4. There’s a strong debate about in-game entertainment, about the types of things — music, PA announcements, etc. — that take place during stoppages in play. Is there a thing as having too much stimulation? What’s your feeling on entertainment vs. having a bit of silence?
ZOLLARS: “That’s the age old question in game entertainment. It’s a slippery slope because the fan in me wants to have some silence here and there but we are running a business and the inventory during the game is a revenue generator for us. We will do as much as we can to keep it about hockey but there will still be a lot of entertainment as well PA reads during the game. It’s something that everyone in sports deals with, and finding that balance is not always the easiest. I can promise that I will work to create the best experience we can and work to make sure the games don’t feel the exact same for our fans who are here every night. One thing I will need from everyone is your patience as we make these transitions. It won’t happen over night but we are on the path to that goal.”
5. Any chance that the lineup cards will come back in some form?
ZOLLARS: “I read through every comment and question yesterday and the lineup cards were a pretty major topic. AEG and the Kings are leaders in going green and this was something that was really eating up a ton of paper on a nightly basis. In the digital world we are in today, we thought that the majority of people would be pulling this info from their smart phones and computers. We are doing our due diligence in regards to bringing these back in the future so stay tuned.”
6. The images/videos that have been projected on the ice from time to time have been popular. Do you see yourself using those in the future?
ZOLLARS: “We will be utilizing the on ice projections for our opening video this year. You won’t see as many highlights as you have seen in the past but we will be focusing on creating more accents as to what we are doing on the video board. We will show logos, graphics and things like that. The size and the light that emits from our new board drowns out the on-ice projections a little bit so we need to change that strategy.”
7. Music selection is another much-debated topic. There seems to be a wide variety, from heavy metal to Lady Gaga and everything in between. What is your opinion on that variety, as opposed to having a consistent “theme’’ with the music and staying with it? Do you believe in using pop music to appeal to the younger demographic?
ZOLLARS: “For those of you who attended the first two preseason games, did you notice a difference in music? You should have because that has been a big topic as of late and is a big topic for all arenas. For every 10 emails I get saying “We love metal. More Pantera!” I get another 10 saying “Quit playing metal. Give us some country”. Take a listen over the first few games and let me know. I can promise we will cut down on the Katy Perry and Lady Gaga and will focus on more of the traditional organ songs you would hear at a game. Hit me up on Twitter (@LAKingsGameEnt) with suggestions but at least listen over the course of a few games.”
8. Also, the volume of music is a regular discussion point. Some say too loud, others say not loud enough. What’s the balance?
ZOLLARS: “We watch the decibel levels and we ride them throughout the game. It’s the same as music preference; everyone has a different level they are comfortable with. We want the place rocking every night so we want the fans to be the ones creating the noise. Sometimes we help by pumping up music and asking everyone to “Make Noise” but we definitely watch the decibel level.”
9. There have been questions about how certain sections/people are selected for in-game giveaways. How is that determined?
ZOLLARS: “That sentiment has been expressed before but my goal is to reach all sections and evenly distribute to all areas of the arena. We actually plan where we are going and move our way around the arena all season long.”
10. The goal horn seemed noticeably softer during the preseason. Is there a change, and will it stay?
ZOLLARS: “We heard from some fans that it was too loud so we decided to lower the volume for a test. We have two horns in the rafters and we unplugged one of them to see what it would sound like. We got mixed reviews and are trying to figure it out. We will have the right level ready for opening night.”
11. A couple years ago, the Kings introduced the “castle’’ for pregame introductions. It gets mixed reviews, as does the overall introduction package. Do you have any thoughts on possibly altering or improving the package?
ZOLLARS: “Come to opening night, get in your seats early and watch the intros. We have a great video with some cool effects so the overall introduction package will be different than last year. We will be mixing it up a few times this year so stay tuned for new videos. We are always looking for ways to improve and grow so you may see something different from the castle doors but we will be utilizing them as the season starts. They are pretty cool and based on the reaction we get when we go to that live shot, there are still a ton of people who love them.”
The Dallas Stars pregame video was absolutely amazing. It was basically highlights of some of the greatest players to play with the franchise(past & present) to go along with some epic music. Great goals, big hits. One part of the video showed Derian Hatcher wrecking Jeremy Roenick (the hit where he broke his jaw as a member of the coyotes). It’s cool for long time fans to relive their favorite moments, as well as new fans to learn more about the franchise.
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number 6 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@dand,
Dand, I think I’ll stop reading right here. Love it! Love what you’ve said. I think that is so great, that they have a history behind them and reflected it that way. That is exactly what I don’t care for in terms of the Kings with Laser lights and Castles and thisis and thats. It to me is like trying to create something….. or trying ‘to hard’ as I see it.
Not sure what the answer is, and though I haven’t seen the Dallas pregame video I like very much that idea. It helps that they’ve already won a Cup too.
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To be honest, Hooters is not a place I would take my wife to watch a hockey game. It’s as sexist a mainstream restaurant as I’ve ever seen. If I was still 21 and single I’d have loved it, but I’d much prefer a more traditional sports bar or another restaurant chain that isn’t all about scantily clad women. I’d like to see what the feedback is about that from some of the women Kings fans.
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steve Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:44 am
@Donald_S, im not a fan of hooters cause the food sucks and so does the service… Redondo Beach cafe is where its at!
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QUICKsilver Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@Donald_S,
Totally agree Donald. I’d never set foot in the place, even when I was 21. I won’t take my 3 year old daughter…ever.
And while we’re on the topic, I’d love to see some watch parties happen on the east side of town, not just down at the beach.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@Donald_S,
Ditto on Donald’s comment..Hooters is not a great place to watch some hockey if you’re with your family. It maybe great for my 15 year old boy but definitely not appropriate for my 7 year old. The food is terrible IMO and my wife wouldn’t be thrilled if one of the ladies there tried to flirt with to me to get a higher tip.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@tacomakingsfan, dude, nobody is going to hit on you in front of your family….unless youre really really ridiculously goodlooking (zoolander)
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Sebastian,
Hah! good one. Tell that one to my wife! I get the evil eye every time from her.
PRMan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@Sebastian, Lots of waitresses flirt with me during our meals together. My wife and I talk about it sometimes. She knows I ignore it and tip based on service, but sometimes she’ll argue that I “overtipped”, until I explain all the little things that particular waitress did (filling drinks, etc.).
NB KingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@Donald_S, Somewhat agreed with your sentiments as some women/wives don’t care to go to a Hooters, but the waitresses are far from “scantily clad” in today’s definition. Having said that, there is obviously a stigma some women/people are uncomfortable with (just like metal music! hah) and I fully agree with Steve’s comments that the food is atrocious. However, Hooters is a sponsor thus, the Kings are going to promote them… as is ESPN Zone at LA Live.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@Donald_S, regardless of what their joint is like, they are a partner…so that means they dish out $$$. if there are any other sports bars out there with the corporate backing to land a corporate partnership like this, and who is willing to give attention to hockey, im sure they would be all over it. Theres always ESPN zone or watching the game at home. or like i suggested elsewhere, organize your own watch party…who needs the ice crew and bailey to have a watch party. oh wait, does the ice crew wear less clothes than the hooter girls? hmmm
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@All, Going to Hooters gives me a chance to watch the games with my friends (not wife, daughters). It’s a nice change up to talk about hockey/kings/guys stuff with other guys. Any bar would work for that matter! Most of the hooters around here are Ducks oriented, so I don’t normally go to them anyway.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Lake Forest, yeah im in OC too and dont care to go watch Kings hockey at hooters…i guess im old and grouchy (30), i would rather watch the game by myself at home than at any bar. the only watch parties i really go to are inside Staples center. ill admit, ive never been to a watch party but i find it interesting that people are so offended by hooters.
alma Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@Sebastian, seeing as how female hockey fans are still in the minority here, entertainment has to cater to the male fans. That is the business of sports. So, until female fans start bringing in the big bucks and voicing their opinions accordingly, guess what….
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Capt Jam Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Donald_S,
Agree with you that Hooters is a terrible place to watch a game. Any game, but especially a Kings game b/c Kings fans always end up competing with college football, the NBA, etc., so much so that I just stopped even thinking about going to them. The watch parties should happen in bars that would be willing to devote at least the majority of their screens to the Kings game during that 3 hour block. Rather than a chain like Hooters, I would suggest the clubs builds a network of independent bars like Redondo Beach Cafe in the South Bay or Lucky Baldwin’s in Pasadena and Timmy Nolan’s in Toluca Lake. Bring the Kings watch parties to the local neighborhoods as they do with the player autograph sessions.
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GlassBanger Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Donald_S,
Big Supporter of the “Hooters” watch Parties. Most ‘Sports Bars”, are just that a Bar, That means No families, No Non-drinks, and I have a Very close friend that has been sober for years, but he will not walking to a Bar. We also have to Thank “Hooters”, for closing down a section, just for Kings Fans!. Other than Barneys Beanery, nobody else will do that.
How ’bout the noise?? I have been to to quite a few “Sports Bars”, that I have been told to be quiet, People are tying to eat..What the @#$5!! This is a Sports Bar!!!
I have been a KINGS fan for 11 years now, I love the Hooter watch parties. I have driven from Thousand Oaks, to watch Parties, in Burbank (Hooters & Barney’s), Hollywood, and Santa Monica. I maybe only get to 10 homes games, but I will hit every watch party.
As a single father of a Now 16 yrs, well rounded daughter. We love Hooters!! I just wish people would get, what they THINK Hooters is, out of there minds. Try a visit to one, with an open mind. You may be shocked. The girls are Covered, Friendly, and very Courtous. Most are College students, enjoying a Job, to pay for school. Walk the Mall, the Beach, even at church, you will be more T&A there.
I will contunie to seek out Hooter’s Watch Parties. I cannot wait till the New Hooters open’s in Thousand Oaks. Til then Keep’m comeing.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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GkingsG99 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Donald_S, I agree with you and I am a lady Kings fan, but myself personally,i don’t really think too much of it either way to be honest, although i know many women would think otherwise. The place caters towards a male audience, and as we know males are the dominant audience for hockey, or any sport for that matter. So it sucks on that standpoint.(I’m not trying to stir things up here, just saying how it is.
)
With that being said, I know they have done watch parties before at Barneys Beanery if im not mistaken, and i would rather see more there… but hey, what can you do. As long as the Kings are the headliner on TV rather than the basketball game, in a place filled with Kings fans whom i can actually talk hockey with, I’m satisfied. I won’t elaborate any longer, and amongst a sea of many, this is just my opinion.
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forum to staples fan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
@Donald_S, completely agree and appreciate your making the point. I’d love to try a watch party but won’t go to Hooters. Makes me and my friends uncomfortable to go there, so not even for my Kings.
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Yeay, more Cartman videos! There really is a fine line to making 18,180 fans happy. As long as the Kings players are trying their hardest and making the effort to win, I could care less about the music, the ice show or whatever. The Kings also need to make a profit, so do what we need to to do make the franchise profitable and stay in LA, as long as you don’t detract from what is needed on the ice to win the Cup.
PS – Having the Cup in Staples would go a long way reference fan happiness.
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Hooters in Oceanside is 2 miles from my house off of ValleyView. I’m just sayin.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Dominick, Dude, we probably at one time lived close to each other, lived on sky haven in oceanside for 9 years, now reside in TN……no wonder we get along so well….;)
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Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Dominick, Hey bud, just saw the post a few threads back about DB and all his point-scoring-glory… I think my point about DB is getting lost/muddled by the fact that he scores points. This is my point so it cannot be misconstrued: DB is NOT a puck-possession kind of player. Right now (not the last 5 years) we have very capable and able 1-2 centers that are play makers, our other first 2line forwards as well, and all they all thrive on puck posession type situations. DB’s game is not conducive to a puck-possession game. I don’t know how you can argue that he is a puck-possession player. It’s only a matter of time before MR let’s him know “hey Cap, it’s ok to bring the puck full-bore and look for a pass rather than put your head down and shoot. Yes TM wants shot mentality, but you should practive shot mentality and then I’ll get you puck in a spot where you’re much closer to the net and probably much more likely to score so that Dom and Shot can all relish how many goals you bring to the table…”
DB is a hellavu player with more heart than you or I could shake a stick at, but he needs to be a better linemate. It’s going to really turn off his linemates when they see him with the puck, they’ll stop driving to the net because they’ll feel that DB isn’t going to get it deep anyway… As it stands they both drive, DB shoots wide or it gets blocked and now they have numbers going the other way with our 3 forwards trapped deep.
So please, please, please, I don’t need to know who led the Kings in scoring for the past 5 years when all we had was 2-3 top level players in our top6. RIght here, right now, we have enough skill to dominate, but puck-possession is key.
If anything needs to be addressed by TM, I think it needs to be that should start to move from a dump and retrieve, to a high-skill puck-possession game (at least when the top 2 lines are out) like DET runs… more passing, less dumping.
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Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Stuart, typo, should read “but you should practice PASS mentality and…”
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Shotongoal Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Stuart, thanks for posting something negative about Dustin Brown, I actually was starting to miss them from you….
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Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Shotongoal, I don’t see it as negative, but rather constructive criticism. I didn’t realize DB’s game had reached the pinnacle of possibilities and that asking that he paid more attention to his linemates and used them more was being so negative about our Captain… Don’t worry Shot, I’m sure he’ll get his 30 goals and you’ll feel that nothing more can be asked of him, but not me. I want more from DB. I want him to be a complete player. In my eyes only complete players reach super star levels, right now he’s described more a hard-worker with heart. He can be a star if he was a better linemate. That’s all.
Shotongoal Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Shotongoal, His 30 goals aren’t even what makes him special to me, and that says a lot, because they did lead the team last season. But, my problem, and here we go again, with your “constructive criticism” of Brown is that its so miniscule(and not warranted IMO) and deragatory to what he means to this team, I just lose my mind, so I’m sorry for always calling you on it! I do see your point, I just think your point is pointless! I don’t ask for anything more than what Brown gives to this team and again, it has nothing to do with his goal scoring, but he leads the team in hits, as well as being amongst the league leaders, he never misses games, he draws WAY more penalties than he takes, he plays on the PP and PK, he leads by example, he is a positive face to this organ-I-zation on and off the ice, he has been and is the Kings definition of a power forward (tell me who else on this team has come close to being that over the last few years?), oh yeah and he leads the team in goals scored just about every season! So anyway to rip on him because you want him to be a better passer/possession player, I just don’t see it. There’s got to be someone else on this team that you can use your “constructive criticism on, isn’t there? Maybe not, and we will just have these “friendly” debates as the season rolls on….
Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Shotongoal, I’m sure that there are others that can be playing better right now, but for all the reasons you gave DB is the one that I talk about because he DOES matter, and he could be sooooOOOO much better, as could the team, if he just did what I ask of him… watch MR’s face next time DB shoots off the rush. I’ve seen it at least 3 times already, he looks skyward bound and you can tell he’s thinking WTFDB… I don’t see how you can say it’s so MINISCULE when what is does is kill the puck possession time that the line can have in the offensive zone? isnt that what we want? Isn’t more puck possession in our Ozone equate to more/higher quality scoring chances for everyone (not just DB the lone ranger with his down)?? whatever.
maybe you’re right and I’m wrong, or vice versa. And don’t feel you’re calling me on anything, I’m putting it out there knowingly. I know what DB means to this team. I know how many goals he scores. I know he leads by example… I think it’s just as pointless when people answer criticisms of players as if they’ve taken it personally… Does my criticism of DB hurt your feelings?
thank the hockey gods we have 78 more!!! You and I will be here all year.
Shotongoal Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@Shotongoal, never said it hurts my feelings, could care less, but if you take the time to write it and I take the time to read your criticism(s), and I don’t agrre with it, than yes, I’m going to comment! But really on this one Stuart, you totally lost me when you said that you have “seen MR’s face look skyward” when “DB shoots off the rush,” that’s hysterical! I just want to watch the games where ever you do so I can take in those iso-cameras of Richards!!!
Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@Shotongoal, n iso camera’s necessary, you’ll see MR in front of the net and peeling away after the whistle when the puck has gone over the glass… sorry you’re lost Shot, someday you will be found! PassDBPass!
Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Stuart,
Brown is not a possesion type? I disagree with you there. He is a power forward. Yes he tries to swing wide and shoot a lot, but he also drops the shoulder and tries to bowl his way right to the front of the net with speed. Evidence is that Brown gets hauled down driving the net more than anybody in the league as proof by PIM differential in drawing, and taking penalties. Each line needs a playmaker, a dangler, and a power forward. I think right now your seeing Richards, and Brown who are similar types of players, on the same line. No telling if it will work, but that’s what TM is doing.
Browns game is taylor made for a posession game because he heads for the middle of the ice at full speed whenever possible. He doesn’t take the puck to the boards and try to hold it there. Puck possesion is playing between the dots, and if anything, Murrays system dictates puck management. Brown fires the puck at times with no one in the middle, because no one is going there, they are going to the boards, or can catch up to the play to match Browns speed.
Kopi is the only one who can do that so far, and whenever they are together, they have been doing it by themselves. To date, they have never had a legitimate Left Winger who could keep up the play with them. Not even Smyth could keep up, and TM never put Penner with them. Lokti doesn’t even count either (he’s not even a left winger). Parse was injured. So on and so forth.
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Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Dominick, then as we so often do around this topic: we’ll agree to disagree.
He Shoots He Scores Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Dominick,
I’m off of Oceanside Blvd, would be down to meet up at some watch parties at the Oside Hooters.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@He Shoots He Scores, Me too. Off of Rancho Del Oro.
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How do you guys feel about the castle. Personally I like it. Where’s the moat
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Goring 19, Castle makes sense because we’re talking Kings here, but the Castle seems to hokey, and almost like something you’d see at a minutre golf course.
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Dominick, I agree Dom, but it’s not like they’re gonna build a replica of King Ludwig’s Bavarian Castle. To me, it’s more for fun. At least they don’t have the windmill that eats the golf balls
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IceGuy Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Goring 19,
Sorry, I can’t resist (especially since it’s on the JumboTron).
EXT. – CASTLE, HIGH SHOT
We look down on 6 Hockey Players (5 + Goalie) dressed in that game’s opponent’s jersey.
PLAYER: We’re the _______________________. (fill in team’s name)
INSERT – KNIGHT from “Monty Python’s Holy Grail”)
KNIGHT: I don’t wanna talk to you no more, you empty headed, animal food trough whooper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!”
HIGH SHOT – OPPONENTS
PLAYER: Is there someone else up there we can talk to?
SMASH CUT TO CATSLE DOORS OPENING AND THE KINGS APPEAR and CUE MUSIC.
Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Goring 19, that’s too funny.
Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@IceGuy,
lol
Weasel Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@Goring 19,
I’d like a castle, but not the cardboard looking one. Maybe they could use green screen technology and fill in the castle for the big-screen?
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Weasel, Maybe they shouldn’t try to fit the whole castle into 1 hallway. It should look like a hallway inside a castle. If they wanna do a castle, they should do one where they lower it at the entrance to the ice like the Sharks do with their big shark that the players skate out of.
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Charles Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Dominick, Yes!
Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Dominick, that would be cool…IF the Kings were the sole primary tenant of Staples Center. If you look at teams that do big props like that, they basically own the building as far as being the only tenants, otherwise it makes no sense to see that hanging on the rafters when youre at an NBA game or something.
Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@Sebastian,
See my post down lower. The drpe idea can roll up in the rafters. Take up less space, and wouldn’t be a pully nightmare for engineers. You can even change the drapes for the Lakers, and Clippers to have their own colors, and emblems.
Weasel Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Dominick,
Right and they can have a portcullis and draw bridge — that would be way cool — partularly if the drawbridge was ice covered and the players skate down it.
KC23 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Goring 19, Congrats, you are the first person I’ve ever read or talk to that even remotely likes the castle. Looks like a pre-school play prop put together by the kids in detention.
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Charles Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@Goring 19, My three issues with it: 1)it looks cheesy. 2) The conspicuous branding on it (what, the Kings “castle” is by a clothing company? how regal), and 3) they just saunter out of it…no energy!
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Choralone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Goring 19, I like the castle too – sure it’s a bit cheesy but it’s in good fun. Not everything has to look hardcore…
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Choralone, I think even Royal Drapes hanging from the rafters to the ice would be classier. With a big Royal Crest on each side. Purple, and Silver one night, and Purple, and Yellow on another.
If they do a castle, they shouldn’t try to make it look run down like some old mid-evil looking castle. Casltes in their prime were quite clean looking. The craftmanship was flawless, and the lines were clean and almost marble like.
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GkingsG99 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Goring 19, I personally do not like it, it looks cheesy to me, they could def make something of better quality, or choose something different. IMO.
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alma Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Goring 19, needs more draw bridge! Then we can work on the moat…
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fridgemagnet57 Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Goring 19,
I dont’ like it, but would be more epic if you could hear hoof noises before the Kings storm out of the gate. Personally I’d like to see them coming out of something by the ice. Maybe it can be the mouth of a Lion or a Dragon or something?
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Well opening day is tomorrow night & this is the first time in years that we are going without any coupons or restaurant gift cards. Seems a little wierd – we all love our free stuff & miss it when we don’t get it.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Howe 9,
The result of having a successful team, along with opening nite tix that cost me a small fortune in the 100′s. I did enjoy the freebies while they lasted tho!
We look forward to welcoming a stud team tomorrow nite. Couldn’t say that 5 years ago!
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I’m a 24 year old male from LA who wouldn’t be caught dead in the campy chauvinistic hell that is Hooters: What kind of watch parties are there for me?
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nocturn Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@Moontheloon23, “Peckers Hotdogs and Oyster Bar”?
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@nocturn, HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHA
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Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Moontheloon23, im pretty sure he also said they have watch parties at ESPN Zone at LA live…otherwise make your own watch party at the place of your choice…post it here, and local Insiders might show up. I hear Peckers is a pretty decent joint too. haha
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Diablito93 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Moontheloon23, Home.
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I don’t need the volume cranked up on some song before each and every faceoff. There are times when I would like to talk to the person sitting next to me without screaming in their ear.
Get someone who knows the game and when it is appropriate to make more noise. Sometimes silence is golden.
BTW, thumbs up to the South Park videos.
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QUICKsilver Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@KINGS17, and, again, I think it’s important to remember there are a lot of smaller children in the house. Do we really need to speed them towards deafness? (this is being said by someone with hearing in only one ear btw)
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I’ve meet a ton of fans and not a single one likes the castle. Never even read one single post that approved or was even neutral on the subject. It is universally hated by all King’s fans. For every one fan anyone can come up with that likes it I can give you thousands that don’t.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@KC23, +1
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DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@KC23,
How about the team ride out of the castle and onto the ice on horses? Oh, wait… never mind, we would need a bigger zamboni.
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NB KingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@KC23, Read other posts on this blog and you’ll see it’s far from “universal.” Do I think it could be improved? Of course as it looks way too fake, but overall I like the concept, the music change and it gets people on their feet. And with the Under Armour sponsorship the Kings make money on it so good for them.
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jayrew Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@KC23, it ranks right up there with the sharks “chomp” thing when they get a power play. horrible, and minor league. The sponsorship dollars from under armour are probably heavy, and good on the kings for generating that revenue. however, bottom line is the castle is cheese-ball.
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@KC23, killjoy!
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@KC23, maybe I should clarify my position KC23. My point is, I like the idea of a castle because a King belongs in a castle, no? Yeah I agree the cardboard looks cheesy, like it could be knocked down by a slight wind. It could definitely be improved to be more realistic. But I’m there to watch hockey and the players are there to play hockey. I don’t really care about whether or not the Kings have something spectacular or godawful. They come out on opening night and walk through the pseudo castle gates with the tinfoil torches. To me it’s all just part of the fun of opening night and nothing more.
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Re: the lineup cards.
I’m all for dropping the lineup cards was part of a green initiative (whether eco-green or cost-saving-green) and moving to a smartphone app as a substitute. Except the Kings haven’t done much on the App part of the equation.
Logging in to lakings.com and pulling the gametime stats is an option, but it’s still kind of a clunky workaround.
Sure, developing an app costs money, but there’s revenue possibilities with it, too. With a dedicated app, the Kings could push coupons and other in-arena gameday promotions.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@Lars H, good point, i have been wondering for a while about a Kings app. the blackhaws, stars, wings, caps, islander, canucks, leafs, canadiens, sens, flames all have an app. I think the NHL game center app sucks, it doesnt even have the right dates on the calendar option…its got the wrong year or something, the days and dates just dont match. it says the kings next game is Sunday Oct. 18th? i had to get the hockey night in canada app just to get an accurate schedule.
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bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@Lars H, I love companies that cut back on services and then justify the cutback by saying they are going green. Like the hotels chains that don’t wash the sheets every day, etc. I’m glad they are doing it but just don’t pretend the reason is to save the environment rather than cut costs
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KingsGuy Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:25 am
@bringbackbutchgoring, Ha ha, please place this card on your bed if you wish to have your sheets changed -
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Lars H,
Should make printable ones that can be downloaded special for each game. Then the paper is on Kingsfans to provide, and decide if it’s worth printing, and taking to the game.
Personally I could care less about the cards, and only collected them as a momento that was unique to the game I was attending. Still have most of them too.
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Charles Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Lars H, I believe I’ve read the Kings are working on an app. I’m building one now and I can tell ya it’s no easy task….from the idea, to the design, to the development. If anything, I don’t mind the Kings taking a bit longer to develop an app that’s truly engaging and interactive, rather than just information reporting.
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Bring some watch party’s to the SF valley, how about Big Wangs?
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dMan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@King Sachmo,
“Peckers Hotdogs” and “Big Wangs” – I see a pattern emerging on this blog…
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Love the south park and spoofs of the opposing teams player in the penalty box. I love loud music and think your music volume is way over the top too loud.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@KC23,
I like the penalty box videos also. The first time I saw one they had me completely fooled. By the second one I had it figured out and looked forward to them. Then I saw the effectiveness of our PP and realized that in order to see those funny videos, I would have to suffer the excrucitaing pain of watching our PP flounder. I guess you have to take the good with the bad, but wouldn’t it be great if our bad got better this season?
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KC23 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@DesertKing, funnest one I ever saw was before the Ducks had won their cup. They showed a Duck in the box thumbing threw a sport book entitled “Greatest Ducks Playoff Moments”, each page was blank. Great stuff.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@KC23,
Classic!
I think the kings do a great job keeping my 4 year old son in his seat and intertained.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@Pesus, How do you stop your wife from fighting with your girlfriend though? lol
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DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Dominick,
Girlfriend stationed in the seats at the other end of the arena. “Excuse me honey, I need to get more popcorn and beer.” If you want to play, you have to pay!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@DesertKing,
You must get a good exercise in at the games!
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Dominick,
Are you asking because you need advise on how you can get away with both of your women?
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Thanks for the responses! I appreciate you reaching out to the fans.
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“We notice what other teams are doing but we feel like we are leading the charge when it comes to game-day production.”
He’s OBVIOUSLY new, because the fact is, virtually EVERYTHING the Kings have “introduced” has been done by the guys down the road at Honda Center previously… they were first with ice girls, on ice video projection, blimp, and countless others. In some ways it was laughable when the Kings would introduce something and people would give it the “oh wow” factor, not realizing it was last year’s model from Duck-dom.
That being said, and “green” aside, here’s to something we can put in our hands that has some sort of information about the rosters of the teams playing.
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QUICKsilver Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@Marc Nathan, The blimp was in San Jose before the Ducks did it, just sayin’
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Shakes Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@QUICKsilver,
Although the Ducks beat them in getting a Cup…
Sorry I had to go there
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QUICKsilver Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@Shakes, was not skin off my nose, as I’m not a Sharks fan.
rumpa#19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Shakes, Good to see you made it out of Philly OK.
Ian Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Shakes, The ducks were also the first (and only) team to have tinkerbell sprinkle pixie dust on them after a goal, just sayin’.
Scarletcat Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
And I saw a freakin’ blimp at an ECHL game in Jacksonville FL in ’98.
Big deal. It’s what you make it in your own house that makes if fun. Every arena plays “The Hockey Song” or used to play Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll” but it’s in your house and is used to boost you and the team up.
Bottom line, us fans need to be loud and support the boys. A little help from a song, cartoon, a tshirt flying from an air gun or some little ticket dropped from a remote control balloon can be all good.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Marc Nathan, The Ducks were the first to set their mascot on fire. I’m just sayin.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@Dominick,
Yep, that “Roast Duck” version didn’t go over well, but Bailey makes good use of it.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Dominick,
Gosh, those were the good ole days, eh? LOL!
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kevco Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Marc Nathan, PHX had a flying Taco Bell teco before the ducks, it is like a blimp only more stupid! And other cities blimps drop coupons, not the kings. I dont really care though, i think the blimp is kind of a waste of time.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@kevco, College football has been doing that since the 70′s. Not a revolutionary idea by anyone.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@kevco,
I do believe the Kings blimp did begin dropping coupons late last season.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Marc Nathan, double agent?
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bobknob Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Marc Nathan,
gotta agree with having something in your hands. For the kids it could give them something to take home.
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How about dropping the horn and bring back the siren
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NB KingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@Jorgen, No way! The siren is awful and why almost every arena other than the Pond, who probably can’t afford a horn, has done away with them.
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The castle rules.
There is WAY too much noise during stoppages.
South Park. The show that offends many many people. Yeah, let’s have more of that.
How about they stop playing Gary Glitter after goals? Do you guys realize he’s been convicted twice of posessing child pornography?
I guess what the article is basically saying is it’s going to be loud all the time and we can’t do anything about it.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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jayrew Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@JW, they havent played gary Glitter in years.
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JW Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@jayrew, Not true. After each goal, they are playing the song. What do you think they’re playing when everyone is going; ‘Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!”
It’s just a tweeked version. But you can bet he’s getting royalties.
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and I think that it fits with Union Station right down the road.
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Sometimes, you can go through an entire home game without the organist playing any of the two “other team sucks” music. Its just not as special if you can’t yell that at the top of your lungs at least once with everyone else in unison.
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Stuart Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Tito Jackson, Those are definately my fav’s too!!! I always yell 3 more times after the music has stopped…
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Country music should not be a part of any hockey game. Ever. Not Nashville. Not Alberta. Save it for the State Fair.
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@Capt Jam, Well…maybe Nashville. At least they have an excuse.
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Guten Tag, you have reached the voiemail for Dean Lombardi, yawn, General Manager of the well traveled LA Kings. I can’t answer the phone right now, so please use the prompts. If you are calling to complain about the castle, press “1″ and try to remember we are the Kings. If you don’t like loud music, press “2″ to find out where to buy ear plugs. If you are calling about watch parties at Hooters, press “3″ and to speak to Svetlana from Sotckholm about other potential locations. There will be a charge of $3.99 per minute to talk with Svetlana. If this is Matt or Trey, press “4″ to talk to Greener about more Cartman videos and the creation of the new South Park guest suite. If you are calling about line-up cards, press “5″ and ask for the Sierra Club. If this the Flyers management, no, you can’t have Mike back! Thank you for calling and Auf Wiedersehen.
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@DesertKing, too funny.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@DesertKing,
What……..no beep at the end? :-0
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My two cents on the topics I care about.
1) Make a few thousand player cards per game and sell them for 50 cents or a buck. Then donate that money to the children’s hospital. The kids are the ones that keep those things forever anyway. How cool would it be for them to also know they are helping children by buying one.
2) I was a little put off by this statement: You won’t see as many highlights as you have seen in the past but we will be focusing on creating more accents as to what we are doing on the video board.”
The highlights are the meat and potatoes. Everything else if fluff. Before a game we want to see big hits and big goals, not accents on a video board. Technology is great until it overrides soul.
3) As far as music. I understand everyone is different, so all types of music should be played. I’ve always liked when they play Rob Zombie though. And im not even really a big fan of his, but if it fits it fits.
4) The castle is kinda lame. It looks like a bounce house my niece would have for a birthday party. I think they should redesign the hallway from the dressing room with stone walls and vintage pictures of Kings players like Rogie Vachon. And always make sure to get a shot of them walking onto the ice.
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jmsalsa Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@Ian, i think you misread the “highlights” comments. i don’t think they’re getting rid of highlights, just doing less of them as on-the-ice projections.
in other words – you’ll actually be able to SEE the highlights on the jumbotron and the on-ice projections with just be logos and stuff. which, i think, is better. if you’re sitting anywhere other then upper deck you can’t process any clips that are projected on the ice.
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Shakes Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@jmsalsa,
+1
I always wondered ” doesn’t anyone realize that 75% of the arena can’t really see the highlights properly on the ice”- instead using the jumbotron is better
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The video they need do get rid of is that one where the zombies with the oposing team’s flag is waving in the background and Brown shoots a slapshot making them all crumble. umm… my 5-year-old nephew thinks this is cheezy. I’m sure that there’s something else that could be done. Isn’t Jerry Bruckheimer(sp?) a Kings fan? He could do something pretty cool. This is an entertainment town. Our stuff should be the best in the league because of this.
just sayin’
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Seriously, when he says rock out, we want to rock out by playing more rock music. Please play more rock/metal music during the games to pump the crowd up. Not the pop songs.
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danny dollars is very adapt at not given direct answers. a lot of generalities and not too many specifics. he also finishes his sentences like this!
how about dimming the lights in the stands during game play? pretend it’s a hockey game and not msg.
can we lose the “we love la” song? please? i’m sorry gary glitter is a bad person, but maybe we could find a song to play when the kings score that is more better and gets the crowd going (see chicago blackhawks, not bulls)?
instead of giving out paper lineups pre-game, why not get a working wifi in the center and keep it going during the game with lineups and updated stats? so many of us now have some kind of wireless device that it would be great to get comprehensive real-time stats. i can follow a game on nhl.com, so i know someone is already capturing the data. mix in some webcams that provide alternate views of action. pretend it’s the 2000′s and stop worrying about t-shirts and selling crap all game. the carnival antics are off putting to a casual fan.
on the plus side, parking is good and so is security around the event. thats a big deal to me if i take my small kids.
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NoDoughty Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@okto, “We love LA” is sung by Randy Newman, no issues there as far as I know!
Gary Glitter sang the “Hey song” which the Kings stopped using a long while back because of his child pornography convictions etc….
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JW Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@NoDoughty, Not true. After each goal, they are playing the song. What do you think they’re playing when everyone is going; ‘Hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey!”
It’s just a tweeked version. But you can bet he’s getting royalties.
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Scarletcat Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
@JW,
The song played is NOT done by Gary Glitter, tweaked, rolled or scrambled.
I meant to get this suggestion in but forgot to.
How about a ‘Vintage’ night where (Obviously) the Kings wear the vintage throwback jerseys BUT NO CANNED MUSIC!
ALL ORGAN, ALL NIGHT LONG! (Get yer mind out of the gutter folks..LOL)
Beers & Standard Concessions could be at 70′s prices.
I’m sure others could add more ideas…
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Eric K Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@Cynic, Put Dionne on a wing with Kopitar and Williams!
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Weasel Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Cynic,
MORE COWBELL!!!!
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I think.. the goal horn needs to stay loud!, country music is for rodeos!, I sit in section 313!..last year we had maybe 1 or 2 chances to get shirts or other giveaways!,.. I know its the die hard section but we used to get rally towels every game! etc.!, southpark videos have always been awesome!, castle…it makes no difference to me except we have been in the playoffs with it there!!.. and other than that I have always thought the kings did a great job with presentation in these areas!..went to a yotes kings game in phnx last year! everything except the kings victory and the dollar beers was boring!.. we should feel lucky as kings fans that we even have a director of presentation!
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Have the players come out the same spot but take out the castle and where all the lights are before they get on the ice make like a castle draw bridge that lowers before they hit they ice and dont lower the goal horn it was fine last year and keep blasting it when they come out on the ice that was great for preseason
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Dominick Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Goring 19, Castle makes sense because we’re talking Kings here, but the Castle seems to hokey, and almost like something you’d see at a minutre golf course.
DOM, I’ve always known you were a man of wealth and taste. Well, not sure about the wealth part, I don’t know you well enough….. but taste for sure. I Totally Agree with you.
I so wish they’d do away with that. I think some really well done lighting (i.e. not lasers blasting all over the place) would be very classy and very cool.
And one more point to add…..living in NY and seeing the Yankees (gads, you can’t avoid em) one thing I’ll say….. I personally do not like them at all. But the unis are so damned classic. They never ever go out of style. They’re timeless.
That’s what I don’t like about the castle. This is a team that we actually hope will win a SC one day. Start seeing yourselves guys as a classy SC winning franchise!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@number 6,
Start seeing yourselves guys as a classy SC winning franchise!!
Certainly don’t go the direction of that OC SC winning franchise please! You mean REALLY classy, right?
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Misc:
1. Bailey is an embarrassment both visually and often with respect to his conduct. This element should be under review.
2. A great organist that can respond real time to game situations is my preference to recorded music with the exception of dance music with fans “performing”.
3. Thumbs down on the castle shtick.
4. Watch parties don’t have to be a big production. Just list some bars in different areas of the city on Kings.com where the game will be featured. Fans will show up. Too many distractions make concentrating on the game difficult.
5. Bratwurst please. Find the garlic fries people from Dodger stadium. Dipping Dots are MIA.
6. The Canadian national anthem is a special part of hockey culture missing from Staples. Let’s not forget Slovenia?
7. For the anthem, I like the continuity of one good singer that you can build a tradition with as opposed the the revolving Amateur Hour. Kate Smith’s renditions in Philly were events in themselves. LA is the recording capitol of the world. Come on.
Want to get fans involved? Have a guy with a baton direct the whole stadium in singing the anthem. Spotlight a guy in a tux; just not Bailey.
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Regarding the line up cards. Maybe they could each be a half a page instead if the standard 8.5×11. That would reduce the paper usage by half.
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The goal horn is too loud?
Really?
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Just one request.
No more rock people that Brown or Kopitar shatter with a puck in the pregame intro. It’s to “Lord of the Rings”.
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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT LOWER THE VOLUME OF THE HORN!!! that is all.
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To reply to a few who mentioned it, I think DB does shoot it too often from the wing when he has no help down the middle or the other wing. If you watch other high scoring teams, if one player on the wing is on the rush ahead of his other line-mates, he will usually stop after the blue line and wait for them on the rush, and cross ice pass which creates a better scoring opportunity. DB too often shoots when there is A) no angle and B) an easy save or deflection into the corner.
Love DB, just a gripe I have.
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One final note from me… Going Green is not rushing throughout the entire organization. The Kings AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs put out a FANTASTIC publication printed on nice stock, and available throughout the Verizon arena on game days, and it’s updated frequently… oh yeah, and IT’S FREE… as in FREE
check out issue 1 for this season: http://www.prosportsmedia.com/monarchs/uploaded_images/roar.pdf
oh, and within that issue, as you see names like MUZZIN and LEGEIN are not on the roster as of 10/6, it says to get updated rosters at various kiosks throughout the arena. THEY UPDATE INFORMATION and give it to you on game day CORRECTED… WOW… we pay 2 bucks to some 8 year old for a magazine with no lineups, rosters, and usually some outdated photos with incorrect player numbers. Shame, shame
(Seriously, click on the link and get a copy of ROAR! … you’ll be glad you did.)
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Hmmm
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For all the people that think the goal horn is too loud, can you just stay home please??? I am truly sorry that it has woken you up but it is now time for you to stay away from the Staples Center. Go and enjoy your quiet game of golf or professional badminton.
Sincerely, Every True Hockey Fan!!!
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I know this ship has sailed but it would be fantastic to have a blackout like the lakers do.. It makes the ice feel more like a stage and concentrates the attention of the crowd on the ice. It was great when the Lakers did it and i think the kings should follow suit.
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