News: Cedar Point to show the Ohio State vs. Iowa football game on the giant outdoor screen

Hockey may have had higher attendance, but outside of the fans that go to the games there is very little interest. The TV ratings even when they were on ESPN were poor at best, provideing some of the lowest ratings on the channel. Hockey, in the US anyway, is a fringe sport anymore.

-Tambo

What data is that based on? John was speaking with regard to last season (05-06), and there are no ratings for the NHL on ESPN for that year, because it was not on ESPN. Interest actually increased last year, so I question your analysis.

When it was on ESPN. I didn't see the actual ratings for the games on OLN (now VS.) from last year, but I don't remember hearing about them being horrid. They're never going to be NFL or NBA numbers, but I doubt they were as bad as the ESPN numbers. There's a couple reasons for this.

A) There was a renewed interest, not only among the hardcore fans, but also among the casual fans as well.

B) OLN put more behind the NHL than ESPN. ESPN covered it because it was a sport. But for OLN it was their new flagship. That was their primetime draw and so they had a reason to market it and get viewers.

The NHL is never going to catch up to the other 3 (barring a complete financial collapse by one of them) however its future is looking much brighter than it was just a couple years ago.

I found somewhat hard data about the decline in TV ratings.

^I despise OLN. I was very glad to see that FSDHD is carrying more games this year (or at least it appears that is the case).
*** Edited 10/3/2006 3:04:39 PM UTC by djDaemon***

In one way, I'm surprised. In another, I'm not.

OLN doesn't have the visibility of ESPN. Nor does it have the coverage as not every cable and satellite company carries it in their basic package. EVERYTHING includes ESPN.

Now, the good new is that in game attendance was up. There's more money for the league there than there is in the TV deal.

The other side of the coin could be that OLN went out and hired the retards from ESPN. Mostly, having Bill Clement do your intermission updates is like shooting yourself in the foot. The only thing they could have done worse is to sign John Davidson for in-game commentary.

I did see good news, as Dave Strader has been added to the OLN play by play team. I just hope he gets to do more than a couple games. The next good thing they could do is to dump Clement and add "Chicken Parm" Ray Ferraro to the studio team.
*** Edited 10/3/2006 3:22:05 PM UTC by JuggaLotus***

Jugga, I'm sure somebody pointed this out already, but your AL central wild card prediction that was once in your signature came true. The wild card did come from the Central and it wasn't the Indians, Twins, or Royals. It was the Tigs! On to get bombed by the bombers.

Check my blog for how I think this series could unfold.

Tigers can beat em, just need to play Tigers baseball.

It's like you're begging for a punchline. :)

I don't think so. The Yankees are beatable. Do I give the Tigers much of a chance? No (15-20%). But the Yankees can be beat. (Just ask the 04 Red Sox).

Besides, who wouldn't want to see an '84 rematch. (For those playing at home, that would be a Tigers/Padres matchup in the WS).

I meant the part where you said they "just need to play Tigers baseball."

... which means they'll win the first two, and then fall apart?

... they'll remember what "Tigers baseball" meant over the last five seasons?

The possibilities are endless, but the phrase "Tigers baseball" doesn't seem like it would inspire anyone - even though they had their moments this year. :)

*** Edited 10/3/2006 6:52:38 PM UTC by Walt***

Yes, I guess that could be taken different than what I meant it to be. :)

But if they settle down and play the baseball they've shown they're capable of, this'll be a great post-season.

Well, it inspires me.

To write some better punchlines. :)

Yawn. I wonder if they're talking about Cedar Point over at sportsbuzz.com

Hey, just because the Trekkies got beat up by the jocks in school is not a reason for you to get upset. I was lucky to be in both groups. Nerdy enough to be a Trekkie, coordinated enough to play sports.

*** Edited 10/3/2006 7:44:46 PM UTC by JuggaLotus***

JuggaLotus said:

OLN doesn't have the visibility of ESPN. Nor does it have the coverage as not every cable and satellite company carries it in their basic package. EVERYTHING includes ESPN.

Shouldn't that in itself tell you how far hockey's appeal has fallen? They had to settle on OLN. It's claim to fame was broadcasting Lance Armstrong's final Tour de France victory.

-Tambo

They didn't settle on OLN. They were unhappy with the contract ESPN was offering. They were able to get better coverage (more games, more nights) on national TV by going to OLN.

Sure you lose the households that don't get OLN, but it was an all around better deal for the NHL.

Well think of this for all of you NHL supporters. One of the closest teams to CP, the Columbus Blue Jackets, can't even sell out there opening night game. Albeit the game is in three days, there are still plenty of great seats and not so great seats, they have been pushing the advertising quite hard, especially the radio markets. They're would never be this problem in another sporting event all across Ohio for an opening night match up.

JuggaLotus said:
Hey, just because the Trekkies got beat up by the jocks in school is not a reason for you to get upset. I was lucky to be in both groups. Nerdy enough to be a Trekkie, coordinated enough to play sports.

Hey, I ran cross country years ago in high school. Okay, maybe 'ran' is too strong a term. More like...lumbered. ;)

Woohoo, a fellow CC runner! Of course, I only ran in jr. high...but regardless, I am/was a runner.

I wouldn't be surprised to see some Calvs games, or Indians games should they make the playoffs nest year.

How often would they show such sporting events on the big screen? It would be cool if every Saturday they showed the primetime Big 10 game or some marquee night matchup. I'm glad Cedar Point considers this a success.