By Zachary Baru
For the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team, tonight's exhibition against American International College is more than just a chance to get some practice before the season tips off on November 19. Thursday's exhibition will be a chance for the community to enjoy free basketball, and the opportunity to continue including another local college into the schedule.
American International is no stranger to the Mullins Center, as the relationship with AIC has become somewhat of a tradition, bringing the Yellow Jackets to Amherst for yet another exhibition game. Partnering up with a local team like AIC reaffirms UMass basketball's emphasis on including the entire region in the schedule, in addition to UMass' appearance in Springfield later this year.
UMass will be participating in the Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase, an event that keeps division I college basketball at the MassMutual Center following the absence of the Tip-Off Classic. UMass plays Florida Gulf Coast at the MassMutual Center on December 7.
Tonight's game at the Mullins Center begins at 7 p.m., there is no radio broadcast. Last year's exhibition with American International drew 2,932 fans to the Mullins Center. With the success of the 2013-14 UMass men's basketball team and their NCAA tournament appearance, tonight's attendance could be significantly higher.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
UMass draws school-record FBS attendance Saturday at Gillette
By Zachary Baru
In what was billed as "The Battle for the Bay State", the University of Massachusetts football team was topped by Boston College 31-7 Saturday before 30,479 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The large crowd was good enough to become the highest attended home game for UMass since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2012.
The highest home attendance for UMass last season came against Miami, in front of 21,707 fans. The Minutemen finished 2013 with an average attendance of 15,830, the largest average in the history of the program.
While the result on the field was not what the Minutemen hoped for, having the opportunity to play Boston College at Gillette Stadium gave the program added exposure in the Boston market. UMass plays two more games in Foxborough this season, facing Colorado on Saturday at 3, and against Eastern Michigan on October 18.
The Boston market has always been important for UMass, which has played at least one game at Gillette Stadium since 2010. The Minutemen faced New Hampshire in the "Colonial Clash" at Gillette Stadium in both 2010 and 2011 during the end of the Football Championship Subdivision era.
With 2014 attendance off to a good start, lets hope UMass can keep up the momentum with strong attendance this weekend, and continuing with the team's return to Amherst on September 27.
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
In what was billed as "The Battle for the Bay State", the University of Massachusetts football team was topped by Boston College 31-7 Saturday before 30,479 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The large crowd was good enough to become the highest attended home game for UMass since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2012.
The highest home attendance for UMass last season came against Miami, in front of 21,707 fans. The Minutemen finished 2013 with an average attendance of 15,830, the largest average in the history of the program.
While the result on the field was not what the Minutemen hoped for, having the opportunity to play Boston College at Gillette Stadium gave the program added exposure in the Boston market. UMass plays two more games in Foxborough this season, facing Colorado on Saturday at 3, and against Eastern Michigan on October 18.
The Boston market has always been important for UMass, which has played at least one game at Gillette Stadium since 2010. The Minutemen faced New Hampshire in the "Colonial Clash" at Gillette Stadium in both 2010 and 2011 during the end of the Football Championship Subdivision era.
With 2014 attendance off to a good start, lets hope UMass can keep up the momentum with strong attendance this weekend, and continuing with the team's return to Amherst on September 27.
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Blue Sox change name to broaden fan base, but will it work?
By Zachary Baru
The Holyoke Blue Sox wanted all of the region to know that they are the valley's team, and this came with a price. Hopefully that price won't cost them their core fans: those who live in Holyoke.
Blue Sox management announced last month that the name would be changed to the Valley Blue Sox, dropping Holyoke, a name the team has had since 2008. Prior to 2008, the team was based in Concord, New Hampshire.
Holyoke has a proud and rich history, and losing the baseball team which carries the city's name is unquestionably a loss for the Paper City. The attempt to extend the team's appeal beyond Holyoke is an understandable one, but will Holyoke fans be turned off?
The fan reaction in Holyoke will be an interesting one. While the Blue Sox are clearly extending their reach into most of Western Massachusetts, is it worth the risk of turning off the local base?
The Blue Sox are members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league funded in part by Major League Baseball.
As important as the name is, simply having NECBL baseball in Holyoke is ultimately what is more important. Having the league play at 4,100-seat Mackenzie Stadium contributes to the Holyoke economy, bringing in fans buying anything from tickets to dinner. Between the additional tax revenue generated from fans coming into the city and the extra traffic given to local businesses, the Blue Sox continue to contribute to Holyoke's economy year after year. Whether the team's name is the Valley Blue Sox, the Holyoke Blue Sox, or for that matter Western Mass. Blue Sox, the important thing to remember is just how valuable this team is to the city of Holyoke.
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
The Holyoke Blue Sox wanted all of the region to know that they are the valley's team, and this came with a price. Hopefully that price won't cost them their core fans: those who live in Holyoke.
Blue Sox management announced last month that the name would be changed to the Valley Blue Sox, dropping Holyoke, a name the team has had since 2008. Prior to 2008, the team was based in Concord, New Hampshire.
Holyoke has a proud and rich history, and losing the baseball team which carries the city's name is unquestionably a loss for the Paper City. The attempt to extend the team's appeal beyond Holyoke is an understandable one, but will Holyoke fans be turned off?
The fan reaction in Holyoke will be an interesting one. While the Blue Sox are clearly extending their reach into most of Western Massachusetts, is it worth the risk of turning off the local base?
The Blue Sox are members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league funded in part by Major League Baseball.
As important as the name is, simply having NECBL baseball in Holyoke is ultimately what is more important. Having the league play at 4,100-seat Mackenzie Stadium contributes to the Holyoke economy, bringing in fans buying anything from tickets to dinner. Between the additional tax revenue generated from fans coming into the city and the extra traffic given to local businesses, the Blue Sox continue to contribute to Holyoke's economy year after year. Whether the team's name is the Valley Blue Sox, the Holyoke Blue Sox, or for that matter Western Mass. Blue Sox, the important thing to remember is just how valuable this team is to the city of Holyoke.
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Falcons playoff attendance less than satisfactory
By Zachary Baru
It is every Springfield sports fan's favorite subject: attendance. As the Springfield Falcons experienced an early exit from the American Hockey League's Calder Cup playoffs, the unwanted subject arises once again.
Three home playoff games, three prime weekend dates, one attractive opponent. As the Falcons faced an opponent with the best opportunity of drawing fans, three Eastern Conference quarterfinal games at the MassMutual Center averaged 3,486 fans per game.
Ticket sales can be tricky during the playoffs for minor league teams. Unlike the regular season, many of the promotions do not occur, causing teams to depend on strong walk-up sales.
The Falcons opponent, the Providence Bruins, are always a top draw in Springfield due to their affiliation with the Boston Bruins. Facing the Bruins for three nights, all on weekends, was a golden opportunity for high attendance figures. That was not the case, as the highest attendance in Springfield came during the deciding game 5 when 4,427 fans saw the Bruins eliminate the Falcons from the playoffs with a 6-3 win.
Games 2 and 3 in Springfield drew 2,753 and 3,278 respectively. The Falcons can do better, and they must. These are the the words we hate hearing, but are becoming all too common as the American Hockey League landscape continues to grow. For a top development league that includes large markets such as Chicago, Cleveland, and Charlotte - all within the top 25 U.S media markets - Springfield finds itself a small market in a league with big-market presence. Nielsen ranks the Springfield-Holyoke televison market 114th. Close rival Hartford is ranked 30th.
So can Springfield survive in today's AHL? Of course it can. But as we hear so often, that determination can only be made by the support the franchise receives. As always, Bruce Landon continues his support, and Charlie and Sarah Pompea have been doing whatever it takes to keep this franchise in Springfield. Here's to hoping when next season comes, big crowds come along with it.
Source: Nielsen
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Ticket sales can be tricky during the playoffs for minor league teams. Unlike the regular season, many of the promotions do not occur, causing teams to depend on strong walk-up sales.
The Falcons opponent, the Providence Bruins, are always a top draw in Springfield due to their affiliation with the Boston Bruins. Facing the Bruins for three nights, all on weekends, was a golden opportunity for high attendance figures. That was not the case, as the highest attendance in Springfield came during the deciding game 5 when 4,427 fans saw the Bruins eliminate the Falcons from the playoffs with a 6-3 win.
Games 2 and 3 in Springfield drew 2,753 and 3,278 respectively. The Falcons can do better, and they must. These are the the words we hate hearing, but are becoming all too common as the American Hockey League landscape continues to grow. For a top development league that includes large markets such as Chicago, Cleveland, and Charlotte - all within the top 25 U.S media markets - Springfield finds itself a small market in a league with big-market presence. Nielsen ranks the Springfield-Holyoke televison market 114th. Close rival Hartford is ranked 30th.
So can Springfield survive in today's AHL? Of course it can. But as we hear so often, that determination can only be made by the support the franchise receives. As always, Bruce Landon continues his support, and Charlie and Sarah Pompea have been doing whatever it takes to keep this franchise in Springfield. Here's to hoping when next season comes, big crowds come along with it.
Source: Nielsen
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Busy stretch awaits MassMutual Center, benefits local economy
By Zachary Baru
As the Springfield Falcons look ahead to the playoffs after capturing their second straight Northeast Division title, the MassMutual Center prepares for a busy stretch of everything from playoff hockey to commencements.
This weekend, the Falcons wrap-up their regular season with two games, followed by a Justin Moore concert on April 15. This concert was originally scheduled for February, but a snow storm postponed the performance. The arena set-up will be an end stage configuration, with the stage between sections 11 and 22.
Immediately following the concert will be an appearance by Disney on Ice, which will be from April 16-20. There are two Friday performances scheduled, followed by three on Saturday.
Don't forget about the Falcons, whose American Hockey League Calder Cup Playoffs begin shortly after. As if that is not enough for April, on the 25th the Convention Center will hold the 2014 Bay Path Women's Leadership Conference with keynote speaker Barbara Walters.
May will be commencement season for the MassMutual Center, with six colleges set to host their commencements in the arena between May 10th and May 31st. Colleges include Bay Path, Westfield State, American International, Springfield College, Springfield Technical and Holyoke Community.
All of this means more economic activity in and around Springfield. The additional traffic downtown will support restaurants and other local businesses, while visitors to the region for the commencements will support hotels in the Springfield area. As people flock to the MassMutual Center in the coming months, the Pioneer Valley awaits the economic benefits such events can provide.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
As the Springfield Falcons look ahead to the playoffs after capturing their second straight Northeast Division title, the MassMutual Center prepares for a busy stretch of everything from playoff hockey to commencements.
This weekend, the Falcons wrap-up their regular season with two games, followed by a Justin Moore concert on April 15. This concert was originally scheduled for February, but a snow storm postponed the performance. The arena set-up will be an end stage configuration, with the stage between sections 11 and 22.
Immediately following the concert will be an appearance by Disney on Ice, which will be from April 16-20. There are two Friday performances scheduled, followed by three on Saturday.
Don't forget about the Falcons, whose American Hockey League Calder Cup Playoffs begin shortly after. As if that is not enough for April, on the 25th the Convention Center will hold the 2014 Bay Path Women's Leadership Conference with keynote speaker Barbara Walters.
May will be commencement season for the MassMutual Center, with six colleges set to host their commencements in the arena between May 10th and May 31st. Colleges include Bay Path, Westfield State, American International, Springfield College, Springfield Technical and Holyoke Community.
All of this means more economic activity in and around Springfield. The additional traffic downtown will support restaurants and other local businesses, while visitors to the region for the commencements will support hotels in the Springfield area. As people flock to the MassMutual Center in the coming months, the Pioneer Valley awaits the economic benefits such events can provide.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Friday, February 28, 2014
UMass basketball is worth the trip to Barclays
By Zachary BaruFor anyone who has been fortunate enough to see a University of Massachusetts men's basketball game this season at the Mullins Center, you know how exciting and electrifying the experience can be. But in just over one week, tournament basketball will be a short day-trip away.
The Atlantic 10 Basketball Championships will be returning to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning March 12, running through March 16 with the championship game. The chance to see UMass show the conference why 2014 has been such a special season is one no fan should miss.
This is far from a sales pitch. UMass fans should take advantage of the fact that the conference tournament is so close, and in one of the newest, most modern arenas in the country.
Opened in September 2012, the Barclays Center seats 17,732 for basketball. The arena's modern amenities combined with its spectacular exterior design make the venue a must-see for sports fans. Any game at the Barclays Center would be great to see, but being able to support our Minutemen in New York City really is a great opportunity for Western Mass. fans.
The Barclays Center sits on top of Atlantic Terminal, which is a hub for 9 subways, not to mention Long Island Rail Road as well. This extremely accessible location is part of what makes this New York venue so appealing. It can be reached by taking the 4 train from Grand Central Terminal, or the 2 train from Penn Station. It's that simple. Since parking is limited, your best bet is to either take Amtrak from Springfield, or Metro-North from New Haven, an easy hour drive south on Interstate 91. The Atlantic 10 Basketball Championships allow local fans a unique opportunity to see a highly competitive NCAA conference tournament game, relatively close to home - not to mention seeing UMass playing in New York City. So take the day, or make it into a weekend, and support the Minutemen as they head down to the bright lights of New York.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
UMass basketball experiencing strong national televison exposure
By Zachary Baru
The University of Massachusetts men's basketball team is enjoying what the perks of having a strong team can bring, and doing so with the rest of the country on televison. To date, four games this season have been televised on the ESPN family of networks, with two more on the way.
Additonally, one game has appeared on both the CBS Sports Network and the NBC Sports Network. NBCSN currently is scheduled to air two more games, the first of which will be televised live from the Mullins Center today at 12:30 p.m. as the Minutemen take on St. Bonaventure. CBS Sports Network is also set to air four games this season.
The growing product of the Atlantic 10 Conference and their ability to make agreements with national television partners is one reason for the vast coverage, but the Minutemen's recent sucess deserves most of the credit. UMass is currently ranked #19 in the Associated Press poll, their highest ranking in the poll since 1998.
UMass' 69-67 win over Providence on December 28 in front of a sellout crowd of 9,493 in Amherst was televised live on ESPNU, and was a great way to showcase the success of UMass both on and off the court to a national televison audience.
February 21 will be a big night for UMass, as they will be shown live on ESPN2 at 7 when they face A-10 rival Virgina Commonwealth. The high national ranking along with the strong national televison coverage creates a unique opportunity for some of the best expsoure for the UMass basketball brand in quite some time.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twittter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
The University of Massachusetts men's basketball team is enjoying what the perks of having a strong team can bring, and doing so with the rest of the country on televison. To date, four games this season have been televised on the ESPN family of networks, with two more on the way.
Additonally, one game has appeared on both the CBS Sports Network and the NBC Sports Network. NBCSN currently is scheduled to air two more games, the first of which will be televised live from the Mullins Center today at 12:30 p.m. as the Minutemen take on St. Bonaventure. CBS Sports Network is also set to air four games this season.
The growing product of the Atlantic 10 Conference and their ability to make agreements with national television partners is one reason for the vast coverage, but the Minutemen's recent sucess deserves most of the credit. UMass is currently ranked #19 in the Associated Press poll, their highest ranking in the poll since 1998.UMass' 69-67 win over Providence on December 28 in front of a sellout crowd of 9,493 in Amherst was televised live on ESPNU, and was a great way to showcase the success of UMass both on and off the court to a national televison audience.
February 21 will be a big night for UMass, as they will be shown live on ESPN2 at 7 when they face A-10 rival Virgina Commonwealth. The high national ranking along with the strong national televison coverage creates a unique opportunity for some of the best expsoure for the UMass basketball brand in quite some time.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twittter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
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