Thu 10 Nov 2005
The spankin’ new arena to host BankTown’s new orange and silver ballers is the capitalist epicenter of the world. The entire concept and business strategy for the space is meticulously thought through. The following observations will all contribute to the Bobcats (financial) success this season.
1. Positioned next to the Charlotte Transportation Center: This is big-time for the fans that can only afford a bus fare and $15 upper deck seats but what the arena is really “banking” on is the new Charlotte Light-Rail yet to be completed. Those tracks will ship in the Pineville peeps who aren’t phased by $7 Miller Lights.
2. Quenching the Charlottean’s thirst for fame: The cameramen make sure to get as many people as possible onto the largest scoreboard screen in the NBA. True, this isn’t a new technique for crowd pleasing, but the thing is none of these people play it cool. They all freak out like they just won a ticket into Bob Johnson’s inner circle. And Mr. Johnson knows that each one of those people are going to tell at least 7 people around the office that “we got on the screen and Crystal was soooo embarrassed” and talk about how much fun the game was….even though the Bobcats lost (which will be the story for a few seasons to come).
3. The hypnotizing corporate ads: Inside the arena, between the upper and lower decks is a 360° digital band that is constantly flooded with motion graphics. It is insanely captivating because the animated ads whirl around seamlessly in a full circle. We’re talkin’ instant brand awareness people…and major revenue for the Cats. Sometimes they use it for the famous “D-picture of a fence” graphic and a nice “Charge!” sequence but, for the most part, the crowd is surrounded with “gottawannaneedagettahavea Bojangles” whizzing past or “COPY>PRINT>FAX = Toshiba “. I found myself locked in on the word FAX and missing Raymond Felton drain a 3. Thanks Toshiba.
The building is pristine, just like the tucked in blue shirts and khakis that fill the space. It is a perfect fit for Charlotte and the Queen City’s growing obsession with consumerism. The games are really fun. You should go.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Very accurate observations of the new arena. The new animated ads across the inner ring of the Arena are brilliantly over stimulating. It takes a real basketball fan to pay attention to the game. . . so, old folks be prepared to be overwhelmed by the bells and whistles. The concourse of the place creates a great “Carolinian Pride” feeling with it’s homage to the region’s basketball history. I’m glad that the “scoreboard” has surpassed all expectations of anything of it’s kind in any sports venue. A full video/production staff must be needed to put on the in-arena broadcasts that appear on the huge screens. Those who’ve yet to attend a game, brace yourself for the translucent stats/scores - simple and intelligent graphics put to great use.
One last note, after getting tickets from the Will-Call line just as tip-off occured, the Arena had staffed greeters helping to direct us to our seats as soon as possible. I’ve never had customer service at any other sports venue even compare to the experience.