I've been to 5 games this year and I really enjoy the drummers and the intro, they really hype me up. I also like it when the drummers lead the "Go Rockets Go" and "D-Fence" cheers, makes it sound so much better than the recording, but maybe they should stay in their own area, I'm not a big fan of when they come up to the stands, it's kinda disturbing for someone who's trying to follow the game., it's kinda like when your mom comes in to your room buging you about taking out the trash while you're enjoying the Rockets game. Oh and one other thing, what's up with the 'Big Bangers' Tim, will yall ever be giving these out to everyone in attendance or how bout selling them, I wouldn't mind paying a couple bucks for a pair. Adrian
Tim, I like the drums. Also, I have not been to a game this year, so I have only seen it on TV. I am looking forward to seeing the intro in person in the next few weeks. I am sure it will be better live.
I don't what the problem or answer is but I have noticed noone is standing and few cheering during intros. 90% of the noise is the drums.
Speaking of pregame... Does anyone know what song they play when the Rockets first make it on to the court for their pregame layups and warmups? It sounds a lot like Digital Underground but maybe a new song I've never heard before. Any help??
Having done both (at home, at games), I think it does come across poorly on TV. The drums seem tuned really high; the lack of a bass line is a problem. In person, the same thing seems true. Also, as others have mentioned, what are the fans supposed to do? Stand up, sit down, just cheer, clap along? When should we go nuts? It takes the crowd a long time to get the "Houston... Rockets..." cheer going, and by the time it's finally underway, the signs go away (that's consistently a problem with that type of cheer, though, no matter what team or sport is involved). Before, you had the "All right, Houston, on your feet" line, and you had the drawn out intro for Hakeem that everyone yelled along with... Now... well, I'm not really sure when you're supposed to yell. I would have thought the announcer would do something like at least one of the following (for the three most popular players on the team): 1. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaoooo Ming 2. Cuttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiino Mobley 3. Steeeeeeeeeve Francis Cheesy? Probably. Overdone? Yeah. Easy for neophyte (especially with the Yao factor) fans to pick up and mimic? Definitely.
I like the way the Texans do it -- the fans yell the last name of each player. I've taken to doing that at Rockets games as well.
Actually, they're the same ones that gave us the feedback that we should change the uniforms, which we're doing next season. Actually, somebody suggested this a few weeks agi, and we did work with FMI (the company that sells the merchandise in the arena) to make them available for sale -- they're $2 a pair, and all the merchandise kiosks have them. Also, while I'm not surprised to hear how varied the opinions on the drummers and the opening are -- you guys are the fanatics, and I expect you to be both our harshest critics and biggest fans -- it's good to hear the positive feedback on Cuttino's Cluch City Shootout. We're trying to develop stronger ties to grass roots basketball, and that means weaning ourselves off of jugglers at halftime and doing more programs like this. You'll see us go more and more in that direction this year and next. Tim
I am OK with the drummers. I thought they brought a "Far East" feel to the team and with Yao thats a "good thing." Also glad the team is thinking new unis... along with the new arena, (hopefully) a playoff appearance this year, the team should be a lot easier to market. That all said, kudos to Tim and the Rockets marketing staff. Especially to Tim for participating on this web site. As someone who moved here from northern California I know first hand how a bad organization (Golden State) can mangle marketing. The contrast here is significant...
That's neat. Somebody important from the Rockets organization participates in this board. I hope he doesn't read all the bad stuff about Rudy. I like the uniforms! They don't look that bad. They aren't as bad as the Lakers' white jerseys! Please don't change them completely!
Better live eh? uhhhhhhhh no, no it's not. It was all I could do not to strangle those guys. They're extremely irritating. Wait until they're right in front of you. Hopefully, you'll show the same restraint as me.
I think bringing doing grassroots programs and shocasing them at half-times are good and all, but I don't get entertained by that at. I remember the days of seeing incredible enterainment which would draw standing ovations. That was unique entertainment. I spend $100+ dollars at each game I attend. When I bring friends, family or business relationships with me, we enjoy the most the special half-time entertainment. Sorry, but as far as entertainment goes, drum bands, cheerleaders, free throw shooting or basketball shooting everynight makes me feel cheated. Sorry, but that is how I feel and I know for people that I sit around which is usually sections 110 or 124 feel the same way.
I was at the Knicks game drove down from Austin. First game all season for me and I thought the drums were really lame. I didnt even really notice it too much during the intro, but during halftime.. it was just awful. Their performance was very boring and the act they did with it was probably worse. When Clutch brought out the long pipe, I had hopes that it would be something cool. However, that dissappointed me as well. Turned out to be a rip off of the pentium blue guys and that was also ended up being boring. I did enjoy most of the games that involved little kids. The one where they lined for a race to put on oversized jerseys and shoot the basket was especially enjoyable. I remember one game I went to last year, the halftime show was great. It had BMX bikers doing all sorts of tricks and jumps. That was very entertaining. Tim, just my 2 cents. Thanks for caring.
Hey, I like the drumming at the intro. But then, I'm a little biased (see screen name). What ever you do, don't bring back the tired techno-jock jam of a few years ago. "Why don't you just make ten louder?......Ours go to eleven!"
