Denver Nuggets Fan Discussion

I was invited to a Nuggets fan discussion on Tuesday night. The discussion group consisted of 10 season ticket holders, a moderator (Marc) and note taker. Marc's goal was to get our feelings on the Nuggets and the arena. Overall, I think the Nuggets do a great job. There are some little things that would make the experience a bit better for me:

1. If the ball is in play and you haven't made it to your seat, you should have to wait until the next dead ball. Too many times I have missed great plays while someone has been trying to find their seat.

2. The Nuggets need a better Hustle board. The current board is weak and only lists overall rebounds, assists and blocks for each team. It should have the stats by player and include offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, assists, blocks, charges taken, etc. Much like the Rose Garden does for the Portland Trail Blazers.

3. Cull back on the three ring circus antics. The Nuggets have way too much going on during dead balls: Nuggets Dancers, Rocky the mascot, cheerleaders, The Mod Squad, The Golden Nuggets, The Mini Mod Squad, Party Patrol, etc, etc, etc. It's too much. I'm there to see an NBA game not a circus.

The funny thing is that many of the other fans in the panel had the same thoughts as me. Other great ideas from the other fans:

- More support from the ushers to get rid of unruly fans and keep the aisles clear.
- Have a better fan appreciation night. We got a poster at the Nuggets game. The Mavericks gave out open ended airline tickets to everyone in the arena. Not that the Nuggets have to give plane tickets, but something more than a poster!!!
- Open more practices to season ticket holders.
- More contact with the players for season ticket holders. i.e. meet the player events.
- Something other than "Bam Sticks" for the playoffs.
- Turn down the house lights during the game so people focus more on the game. It's really bright in the arena

There were some dumb ideas too:
- No booing of any sort. (Really??!!)
- Turn down the music. (You're clearly getting too old.)
- Less skimpy clothing on the Dancers. (Come on. Really, Really??!!)

All in all it was a good discussion. It was fun to be around people who are as passionate about the Nuggz as my family is. I assumed that because the group was small that we would get something cool for participating, i.e. a Carmelo Anthony signed jersey. They gave us Nuggets key chains. Wow, what a bunch of cheap bastards! I drove an hour down to Denver for an 8:00 pm meeting that got out at 9:45 and then had an hour drive back home. The least they could have done is pay for my beer at the next home game. Oh well. With any luck, maybe some of the changes will be made for next season...