Most Erieites will agree that summertime in Erie goes by too fast and those few warm nights we enjoyed quickly gave way to the cool air of fall, school nights, football games and new episodes of our favorite sitcoms. As brief as it sometimes seems, my family and I make it a point to enjoy our summers by taking in some of what makes Erie such a great place to live: Presque Isle, the Erie Zoo, Waldameer Park, Celebrate Erie and SeaWolves games – just to name a few.
But with fall officially upon us now, it’s a sign that basketball season is just around the corner, and since the end of last season our staff has been intensely preparing for our second season that that begins November 26 (the day after Thanksgiving).
I’m sometimes asked if our staff works year-round or what we do during the “slow” time of year. Not only do we work 12 months out of the year, but often we find ourselves busier (to an extent) at this time of year as we prepare for the coming season.
From arranging team travel, accommodations and practices, to generating new promotions, establishing corporate partnerships and selling ticket packages, the off-season is full of activity (and this short list certainly doesn’t do justice to the countless tasks our staff does).
With the recent release of our 2009-10 schedule we are excited about the fresh start a new season brings. Some things are certain – you will see some new faces on the roster (we just don’t know exactly how many), we have a greater variety of ticket options (new tickets, and tickets on Wednesdays), we’re rolling out some new promotions (“One Buck Wednesday’s”), you will continue to experience great entertainment (dance team and Clutch), and we will all again bear witness to some of the best basketball talent in the world, second only to the NBA.
It truly is a lot to be excited about, but I’d love to hear from you. What else can we do to make season two a special one? Have ideas, thoughts or feedback? E-mail me at matt.bresee@nbaerie.com.
Just as my family and I enjoyed so much of what Erie has to offer in the summer, it is my hope that BayHawks games quickly become a tradition that you and your family look forward to enjoying in late fall and winter.
As a franchise still in its infancy we are constantly in the mode of improving the way we do business, so while I can promise you that year-two will be bigger and better, I can’t help also think about how great year three, four and beyond will be! So give us your thoughts.
