Guys, Kirk Rhinhart, the Rockets Event Services Manager has agreed to answer questions about the in-game entertainment. As I've told you before, he is their promotions person and handles all the details of the in-game entertainment - music, sound effects, intros, introductions, Turbo, Clutch the bear, fan games, prize giveaways, power dancers, halftime entertainment, etc. If you have questions you want answered, ask them here and I'll include his answers in an upcoming feature. By the way, he cannot answer anything about ticket sales, internet stuff, broadcasting, team uniforms or team issues (trades, etc). That is out of his area. I know some of you have posted questions in the other thread (Info on Intro), so I'd kindly ask that you move your questions over here. Thanks. Fire away! ------------------ Me fail English? That's unpossible.
um, 1. what do "bears" (cute and cuddly, at that) have to do with teeth-gritting "rockets"? 2. why don't we concentrate more on the adults than the kids with our promotions? i know kids wear jerseys, but the last time i checked, the adults buy tix, and the adults buy the kids the damn unis. let's drop the kid act and be more entertaining for adults! BRING ON THE XFL STRIPPERS! j/k. seriously, though, i would like to see the bear "axed". just thought i'd axe those questions.
would he be interested in a dating service between the rockets dancers and the posters of the bbs....we can have clutch there for play-by-play.. then we can have a special forum where we discuss the events of the date, cup size, etc.. "the second one on the left with the red hair...she's a maniac.." or names and phone numbers would be fine.. i was told that it never hurts to ask... ------------------ "no matter how good she looks someone... somewhere..is tired of her sh*t"
WoW! Thanks Kirk! Now I feel like the organization really wants to hear and respond to fans. Let me start with Mobley's quote in the Chronicle today: Speaking of "atmosphere", the college and HS atmosphere in the Midwest is equal to any football atmosphere we experience in Texas. Speaking of "one big family", my hometown had a 5,000 seat stadiumm for the HS basketball team. They sold season tickets. My mom took me to every game before I got to high school. I've been hooked on live basketball ever since. TV does not come close to providing a similar experience. Our HS's intro was the funnest thing I have ever seen at any level, especially when I was a kid fan sitting with my mom. The players would come out of the tunnel and show immediate enthusiam for the game. They would entertain us and psyche us up with a fancy-passing layup drill done to "Sweet Georgia Brown". I remember the band going straight from that song to a pounding "William Tell Overture" (our school song, we were called the Silver Streaks--hence, High-Ho Silver, Away!). This was a very loud atmosphere started by the players and the band. There is really nothing that canned sounds, emcee's, cheerleaders or acrobats can do to match that. Not only did our HS do this, but everyone in the powerhouse Western Big Six did it. One year Quincy, Il was in the midst of a 55 game winning streak in the top flight class in Illinois and ended up ranked number one in the nation after winning state by no less that 27 pts each game...incredible. We were the last team to beat them. They came to play us at home with a packed house that had completely arrived easily 15 minutes before tip. They came and played a "who comes out of the tunnel first" mind game with us. We eventually did, and went into our Sweet Georgia Brown layup drill, et al. In the middle of our "William Tell Overture" shootaround, Quincy's players came out with a blue and white ball and circled the court, and went straight into a superior layup drill that was simply amazing. They totally psyched out the fans, and needless to say they drilled us with a glorious fastbreak. A simple lay-up drill and a brass band pounding a pre-game cadence for us may not work. But a motorcycle bear??? I know people come to eat at Rockets games as much as anything, so often aren't in their seats early. And entertainment involving volunteer bands and the players is surely beyond your sole decision-making ability. Consider that HS and College gimmicks are often initiated by the coaches, to get their fans involved. I mention it, because you always hear that the NBA is not like college and HS, so I thought I'd toss out one of my fondest memories of rooting for basketball. It is about family, as Mobley stated. My question is: Do you think any of the entertainment gimmicks in college and HS can translate to the NBA? What have you considered? [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited February 16, 2001).]
At the risk of offending Houston's gay community, the Clutch Bear is probably the gayest thing I have ever seen with Mini-Clutch running a close second.I'm not saying the bear has to be killed off completely just relegate him to off court antics much the way his Houston counterpart Orbit(who is pretty gay in his own right)is.Do not be offended by this post, here is the obligatory to show it was in good fun. ------------------
Kirk I have a question. For the past two years I have been involved on the other side marketing and promotions (selling) when it comes to sports franchises, and I have been interested in in getting involved in the maketing/promotions dept. of a sports franchise. I can't think of a better one to be involved with. Could you please tell me who I would need to send a resume to, and if you are currently looking for such a person. My e-mail is sriley@mcaprint.com. ------------------
heyp, i think some of it already has. the whole "and the rockets red glare" thing is really cool. i think we need more of that. more things to get people off their asses. hmmm, ideas off the top of MY head: 1. how about someone coaxing the crowd to yell the opposing player's name when they're shooting free throws. remember "daaaaaryl", "daaaaaaryl" for daryl strawberry? 2. how about each player for the rockets selecting his own music for his intro? something that gets the crowd involved, ya know? DMX! or....or....Beach Boys...nevermind, bullard doesn't start ....
verse, I don't want to hear the players favorite song, like they are above the game. I would rather see their favorite basketball tricks and drills before the game. I want to see them pay tribute to their sport by showing us what they love. I want them to consider every game that it is ultimately their entertainment and love for the sport that will get us out of our seats to make each night funner for them.
Turning the lights off might ought to be a special occurance that would make say Playoff Games or other big regular season games more exciting. Not necessarily an obligatory every-game issue. Clutch Bear has to go. Period. Maybe play highlights of each player as their names are announced? Introduce Dan Langhi as the Rockets sixth man at every game. Whataburger give-aways for 110 pts or so? ------------------ "He said hop on his back and he was goin' ta take us to the promise land...and that's what he done." -- Robert Horry '95
The cute little teddy bear we call Clutch is an eyesore to witness, especially in person. He doesnt have the persona like the Gorilla, or the Coyote and his actions are too juvenile (giggly, happy, and playful). In the dictionary you would find a picture of him next to the word cheesy. I dont think that Clutch the bear is an appropriate mascot for a professional NBA franchise. You need to pick up that fat furball of glee, and drop him off at Astroworld, Chuck-E-Cheese, or some 6 year old kids birthday party. ------------------ "Chucky who?" Charles Barkley
Ok another thing is how come you see other teams with those ballon looking things waving behind the goal when players shooting free throws. Houston needs those to give to the fans before the game. ------------------ "Break off the block like Maurice Green" --- Steve Francis President of the Moochie Norris fan club.
Well, Sacramento has cow bells... can the Rockets use smog? Perhaps the mascot could come out w/ a fire extinguisher filled w/ carbon monoxide. He could just poar it into the free throw shooter's face. ------------------ Good night everyone, Canadian or American. Just remember that we're all bound together by basketball, the internet and the mullet. (My attempts at trying to sooth over an international incident).
I don't think our seats are close enough or high enough to be seen through the backboard. This brings up a good point: I think there is one huge thing that would help our fan experience...get rid of Hockey!! The hockey dimensions push the seats too far away. Of course, this can't be done...sigh! I am hearing good things from Les. Remember to design the new stadium for closeness of seating all around the court.
If the redskins can have a band...the Rockets can have one too! That "Defense" chant machine is actually somewhat frightening. ------------------ Big A, little a bouncing B, The System might have got you, but it won't get me.
Valio, If I'm not mistaken, the cheerleaders in pro sports work for free. The band would, too. If I played the tuba and the Rockets gave me an audition for a free seat doing what I love; I'd jump on it. Think of all those ex-HS and college band members going through mid-life crisis looking to regain their youth. ...and one time...at band camp.
That's a good point, HP...I imagine there would be plenty of volunteers willing to play at the games. I would definitely dust off my old trumpet to get a seat. ------------------ "I think the people who believed the world was flat were pretty stupid. You would think at least those living near mountains would know better." - P. Mesku
Could we also lose those swirling lights on the court during gameplay? ------------------ "He said hop on his back and he was goin' ta take us to the promise land...and that's what he done." -- Robert Horry '95
In all seriousness let's get a hip hop theme song. Not with any words but maybe just an instrumental. That would really get Steve and the gang really keyed for a game.If you think about it Steve and Cuttino are two of the most hip hop guys in the NBA. A perfect choice for the theme song would be by Ruff Ryders: Name: World War 3. Dont pay attention to the name. Talk to the guys about I'd bet they'd be all For it. Trust Me. ------------------ "Holy Pig Knuckles" Mobley scores Again!!!!!!
Steve likes it when they put on "He did that" by silk da shocker. ------------------ "Break off the block like Maurice Green" --- Steve Francis President of the Moochie Norris fan club.
Nothing gets the players more "keyed" than fans roaring! Nothing is more enjoyable for the fans than to see the players get pumped based on our cheering. I believe you keying on the players is off base, and is typical of what is wrong with pro sports. All ideas should focus on what the fans want--what it takes to get them cheering. That said, the TSU marching band is outstanding! They would get everyone pumped. And they can play some serious hip hop. I have nothing against live hip hop.
