while this is a great sponsorhip opportunity for RAA and great to see the club create strong corporate relationships, this lounge area thing to me was not great at the opening game. It seemed to lose all the atmosphere of the crowd down that end of the court due to no fans/spectators being near the play and I would question how good the view is for those VIP's that are sitting in the RAA lounge as it is ground level, base line and about 15 metres away!/ :(

is this just me? plus it sacrifices what i would assume to be about 200 or so pretty good seats?

The ends were always a bit sparse. And there's not really anywhere else they can put courtside tables without getting in the way of other seats. I don't mind it.

Seems like a reasonable idea to double up the blue seats behind one basket and create a new area at the other end.

Makes the stadium look bloody shocking, they could have easily removed a row or two of seating not the stand.

I actually thought it looked good and liked it!

Much better than having predominantly empty seats behind the backboard and I think it gives a better atmosphere around the rest of the stadium as those sitting in those spots would now be relaocted to other areas filling those up.

For those people who did not renew because their seats were taken away dont sound like true supporters to me anyway. Sounds like an excuse as who would really want to sit in that location to begin with?

Put it down the other end and there would've just been a different story from someone else about a different Olympian.

The decision to remove the seats is a business decision but it is a gamble. Would be really interested in knowing whose decision it was.

Obviously more dollars now become available, but it detracts from the atmosphere, and takes a lot of noise away from one basket end. The original design of putting sponsor boxes up high was a fantastic idea, and this detracts from that.

I am not a fan of this decision. Its a Shocker.

It needs to be layered in my opinion so say 3 tiers so you can actually put more people in there as it looked terrible as probably only 20 to 30 people there. If it was layered then have long trestle tables and sit in rows so then everyone gets a good view. Companies that are in there could also add signage to the table cloth facing the rest of the crown as in corporate boxes.

Good idea just didn't look right. If done right would look better than a empty stand.
I always thought they should give away the seats at both ends to fill the joint. Give them all balloons to wave to reLly create an atmospher during free throw shots. Surely would make more off merc and food etc with the place full than having 2000 empty seats. Would also make people but tickets earlier as currently you can still get a decent seat from the door on game night.

Just my opinion and im no financial strategist.....

One question about the RAA competition. Is this ONLY for the game on the 21st, or can I get tickets to a different game later on?

I already have tickets to the game on the 21st, so not much point unless its for a different game.

Good on the club for giving it a go, but agree it takes away some of the atmosphere at that end.

Always wondered why they dont have any floor seats or boxes behind the baskets?
Seems to be heaps of room for it without obstructing the view of the people in the first row.

Was never any atmosphere at that end of the court anyway, puts more people on the sides of the stadium here they are needed. Great idea for the club to make some money and actually be viable!

I agree, I can't recall ever hearing much noise from the western end last season, and it had a designated "sprint auto cheer squad" section. The stadium looked well patronized on the tv coverage, especially the eastern end, which I prefer to seeing instead of mostly empty seats.

When you have the best basketball stadium in the country, why, why cheapen it with garbage like that. In my opinion you have many other possibilities to do similar things like that without having to clear 1/8 of the stadium.

Very unique offering by RAA and the club.

Its gotta be said that it works fairly well in Auckland for the Breakers. Years ago before the title was won, they had this idea utilised and it was a winner.

I thought it was classy however it does have a drawback that those behind that ring miss out on being close to the game. And the tables that are in the second row, lose out because theyare behind another table blocking their view.

But a good idea nevertheless

Such as? Tables courtside would otherwise block views from those in the lower rows.

Would they actually block views?

haha Isaac re the different story re the different Olypian. Adelaide being what it is, it's just as likely someone who knew Jesus would have been relocated. In fact I might have run into someone in Stockholm last weekend who knew someone who knew someone from Adelaide who got relocated. 2 degrees and all that.

A, I think so. I think they would've tried it otherwise at some point in the last decade or so given it could fairly trivially make them more money.

lockstock, how've you been? Must've been a while away from the forum?

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I don't want to ignore the fact that someone (Olympian or otherwise) was upset at losing their seats, but any change is going to piss someone off. See the beer thread for an example of someone complaining because the free chocolates being thrown out into the crowd weren't their favourites.

Reminds me of the Louis CK video where he describes a reaction to in-flight internet. Everyone should watch this once a year. Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy

Yes, been great thanks mate! All is good in Londontown. Has been a while indeed... want to get back into it somewhat (time differences permitting)!Same e-mail address - drop me a line and let me know how things are for you.

England lockstock???!!! Cool.

I like the idea...

Although given that is the end opposition teams shoot at in the 4th Quarter, would hate to think they have an easier time at the foul line in a tight playoff game without fans behind the ring having any chance to put them off?

I think it's layered , when I was in this morning looking for Diamon. I better go back in this afternoon and have another look at it and see Diamon

Too right DC... lived here 3 years now. Ps way to take my boys to a championship after the best I could get was 5th!!

As a season ticket holder for the last 20 years at the Powerhouse/Dome/Arena(7 rows back)I was lucky enough to score a spot in the RAA lounge last home game.

It created a different perspective on the whole night. You are able to socialise with others, move around freely and enjoy a drink right in amongsts the action.

I say good on RAA for obtaining such a great spot!

Only improvement would be to put everything on a 1 meter high stage just to give a better veiw when play is down the other end.

Get on board guys it was a great way to spend the night!

I sat at the eastern end for many years, and I have tix for the RAA Lounge this week. Very much looking forward to it!