As some of you know, Jeff, Another Brother, Cato13 and I are on the Rockets Fan Council. Mostly, we have been filling the role as focus group for the Rockets, but many of us also hope the council can have more of a direct impact on helping fans enjoy the Rockets and Be Part of Something Big--excuse me for being corny, but it is a nice line. I've tossed around the idea of organizing an afternoon Fan Appreciation Day at the park followed that night by going to the Rockets Official Fan Appreciation game and Photo Night. This year is for the April 12th Seattle Game at 7:30. This game coincidentally falls on the same day 40 cc.netters have already purchased tickets, from which we have a pool of money to have a picnic for ourselves at the park (where: to be determined). So, with 40 members already going to the game and a picnic in the works on Fan Appreciation Day, it seems natural to extend a broader invitation. I have passed this idea by Tim and the Rockets Creativity and Planning Director to maybe use this Smeggy game to show the Rockets that an official Fan Appreciation Day (followed by a Game) is a great way for fans to celebrate ourselves, while gearing up for the playoffs (don't say it). If enough have interest, I'd petition the Fan Council to make this an official event every year to celebrate fans who (for whatever reason) can't go to many games. If successful this year, can you imagine fans throughout the city meeting next year at a rejuvenated Root Memorial Square park next to the stadium for picnic, family fun, pick-up games, etc, followed by a real Rockets game next door. <b>Here's the Two-Part Invitation for April 12th</b> <ol><li><b>I'd like to purchase a ticket only</b> Our section is Section 208 at $28.35...a discount of $6 ... paypal transaction fee included. <li><b>I'd like a food voucher for the picnic.</b> (eg, you already have seats in another section). Food/Drinks/Beer are $5. Vegetarian will be available. <li><b>I'd like both a Section 208 ticket and a food voucher.</b> You pay the normal face value for Section 208 at $34, picnic is no additional charge.</ol> Again, location is to be determined, but it will include a basketball court and suitable for SOs/kids (many wives are coming). If you join Section 208, there is a good chance the entire section might make it down for Photo Night on the floor with the players.
I forgot to add #4 4. I can't make it this year, but I'd love to see an annual Fan Appreciation Day to coincide with the Fan Appreciation Game.
Thank you so much for the invitation.Unfortunately I don't live in Texas anymore.I'm glad to hear that the fans will have a chance to meet each other.
HP!! This is very anti-clamatic my friend. I fully expected you to go down in grand fashion like you had predicted. All you had to do was wait till Sept 11th!!
The picnic/hoop-it up sounds great. I'll take #2, I have tickets but want a picnic voucher. I will need 2 of them. What's your paypal? Thanks for all the hard work.
I would definitely do this. One suggestion... Whatever park you pick should have some type of covered area somewhere in the event of rain. Mid April in Houston has the distinction of being rather wet at times. I think it is an excellent idea, however, and I bet anything the Rockets would be very up for it. Having it translate to Root Memorial Park next year is a really clever idea. Nicely done.
I'm already in with my 34 dollars, so I should be good for section 208, and a picnic voucher. This will be great. Rockets on saturday, then I have Astros-Cards tix for Sunday.
Sonny, I'm going to wait to see if there is enough interest to warrant RSVPing through paypal. If not, people who respond in this thread can just pay me game day in person. also Sonny, how's the UofH group been for pick-up games...B's been handling that, right? You guys want to start a thread in Hangout to make the monthly game on April 12th (for anyone, whether you have a Rockets game ticket or not), since there will be a lot of cc.net players in from out of town. And what is the UofH rec center like as far as having picnic tables nearby? I have some park candidates, but that is the only indoor one that seems possible. RM95/DV ... yeah, you are covered. btw: the beer thing might limit our park selection. so beer with me. (pun intended). Jeff, yeah, I first started thinking of something annual when you posted on the Council site about wanting the Rockets to reach the Rockets Fans who can't go to games. If the Fan Appreciation Game is always the last weekend game of the year (like this year), it just seems perfect for a Fan Festival of sorts at Root Memorial Square to get the fans hopping, <b>right before the playoffs start</b>. It's simple. Buy a ticket for that game in designated sections, and get a free picnic and day of basketball and fun at the park with your stub. It can't cost anymore than the discount they give out to large groups anyhow. codell, ok, you won our playful bet to see who could hold out not starting a thread the longest. It means you get a game on me, right? Let's discuss via email.
I don't know of any picnic/park facilities at the UH Rec Center. There are some fields close by but no real parks that I know of. If you want to do a hoop-it up on the 12th or 11th at UH Rec Center we can get a thread going and get a good showing I am sure. Maybe we could play at UH in the morning and then meet at the park in the afternoon and then head to the game that night?
Sonny, cool. Go ahead and start a thread, and make it an early game at UofH, and point to this thread for the invitation to the mid-afternoon picnic for those who purchase a voucher....say around 3 or 4pm (at a to-be-determined park). If we can find an all-in-one park, we can always change the location, later. btw: I can also rent out Valhalla at Rice University with legal bartenders. And might do that regardless of where we play the pick-up game. Just telling you so that if people would rather just play at Rice, that would be all-in-one...but that risks rain. thx, for the help.
heypartner, I understand you met my childhood best friend at a pick-up game...he posts here (well, hasn't in awhile) under the handle hatershaker.
Hmmmmm..... 1. Blow my cover by attending Fan Appreciation Day or 2. Remain covert and miss such a salivary event? Hmmmmm.......
I think I'll go for option 2 since I have season tickets. I'll check the hangout for the pick up basketball game details. UH is a good option for smaller groups, but it may get to be a nightmare trying to get 20-30 non UH students in to play. I think we'd need to reserve a court to pull that off. B
Jeff, No worries, I won't be drinking for a multitude of reasons, first being that I am only 19. However, playing a game of basketball I can and will do .
Heyp - Let me just say this is an outstanding idea. I really like the idea of doing anything that ultimately brings the community together. I will plan on being at the park and hopefully can bring my banged up knees into a game or two. I will think about the food option, but already have my game tickets. Also, having worked for the City in the not-too-distant past, I'm pretty sure that beer is allowed on parks but cannot be SOLD on city property. Nice job. RRU
