Today's guest post is written by John Erickson, who describes himself as "a lifelong Minneapolis resident, an avid sports fan and the father of four boys."
Last Thursday afternoon was a study in contrasts. Walking out of Target Field with my children after the Twins game, we heard an invitation to a free open house at Target Center. We entered the empty arena. The draw: my kids could shoot hoops on the Target Center floor. The sales staff hovered trying to sell season tickets. They had a one-to-one ratio with the visitors.
As I thought about tickets for the Wolves, I reflected on what we just experienced at Target Field. It was about as close to perfection as I have experienced at a sporting event. A beautiful day with my kids, a beautiful stadium and a really good team. The game provided plenty of excitement and yet plenty of opportunity to visit and enjoy one another. It wasn't in your face. Just blue sky, green grass and an occasional organ ditty to clap along with.
The efforts of a well built organization and a well built facility were on full display. Yet also was the sense that this was a great place to be as a family.
At the Wolves open house, Fred Hoiberg, the former Wolves player and now a team executive, was milling around. We spoke briefly. I found out we both have 11 year-old sons that play basketball and seven year old twin boys.
I said, "Fred, I love basketball, but coming to a Wolves games feels like taking my boys to a strip club. The cheerleaders aren't cheerleaders." He replied, "I know what you mean."
Even if the Wolves tickets are free, why would I take my sons to see that? To watch a lousy team, in a lousy facility and have to divert their attention when the ladies do their thing?
Not when we can go across the plaza and experience something near perfection. Friday night we decided to go again. Guess what? Every bit as good, or better, than Thursday.
