We Got Wood - 45.09 - Fans Protest, Fan Interest Could Crash
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2020 1:53 pm
It is still unclear at this time what the effects are going to be of the massive trades Portland pulled off the last few days. Some feel the team still has enough "talent" to avoid 100 losses in 2045. Some like what they see out of the trades. Some are still uncertain and want to see how it all plays out.
But then some are mad. Some fear the organization lied to its fans over the previous 5 years and vow never to return.
"We were lied to by this organization" said super fan Herb Tarlek. "We were promised that in 5 years this organization was going to be a contender. We weren't exactly told what contender meant. Some thought it meant for a Landis. I think smart, realistic fans felt that meant .500 or maybe a post-season spot. Who knows, maybe even a division title. But now, with the trades, we won't see those goals for another 5 years at best."
Tarlek was one of hundreds of fans that lined up today outside Portland Lumberjacks stadium, The Trail at Multnomah, to protest the recent moves that were made by the front office. Some are calling for the head of newly hired Assistant General Manager Kate Fiscus who many blame for the sudden about face of the franchise. Some want team owner David Wallace to sell the team who they blame for signing off on the moves. Surprisingly, many aren't blaming team GM Chris Wilson for the moves, citing "he didn't do this with Madison. He hung on to his stars there. This isn't his fault."
Protestors marched for hours around the stadium before finally dispersing as boredom set in. Some carried signs that read "Phase II. Phase ?" and "If this is Phase II, I don't want to see Phase III".
One fan without a sign commented "Master Plan? More like master fail if you ask me."
Even though polling the public lost all respect during the election of 2020, there are some reports the fan interest in Portland could crash with the rash of recent trades. As an expansion franchise, Portland will rely on keeping fans engaged and interested in order to continue to increase attendance. While attendance in Portland has fluctuated over the first 5 years, the club has managed to build a growing budget which has topped out at $120 million the last two seasons. Some economists are expecting a $10 million decrease in budget heading into 2046 if fans stop attending in 2045.
Clearly there is still time for the front office to find some popular players to try and draw fans into the seats. But time, and patience, may be running out in Portland.
But then some are mad. Some fear the organization lied to its fans over the previous 5 years and vow never to return.
"We were lied to by this organization" said super fan Herb Tarlek. "We were promised that in 5 years this organization was going to be a contender. We weren't exactly told what contender meant. Some thought it meant for a Landis. I think smart, realistic fans felt that meant .500 or maybe a post-season spot. Who knows, maybe even a division title. But now, with the trades, we won't see those goals for another 5 years at best."
Tarlek was one of hundreds of fans that lined up today outside Portland Lumberjacks stadium, The Trail at Multnomah, to protest the recent moves that were made by the front office. Some are calling for the head of newly hired Assistant General Manager Kate Fiscus who many blame for the sudden about face of the franchise. Some want team owner David Wallace to sell the team who they blame for signing off on the moves. Surprisingly, many aren't blaming team GM Chris Wilson for the moves, citing "he didn't do this with Madison. He hung on to his stars there. This isn't his fault."
Protestors marched for hours around the stadium before finally dispersing as boredom set in. Some carried signs that read "Phase II. Phase ?" and "If this is Phase II, I don't want to see Phase III".
One fan without a sign commented "Master Plan? More like master fail if you ask me."
Even though polling the public lost all respect during the election of 2020, there are some reports the fan interest in Portland could crash with the rash of recent trades. As an expansion franchise, Portland will rely on keeping fans engaged and interested in order to continue to increase attendance. While attendance in Portland has fluctuated over the first 5 years, the club has managed to build a growing budget which has topped out at $120 million the last two seasons. Some economists are expecting a $10 million decrease in budget heading into 2046 if fans stop attending in 2045.
Clearly there is still time for the front office to find some popular players to try and draw fans into the seats. But time, and patience, may be running out in Portland.