Johnstown wins Hockeyville USA

[Crimson's Ghost]

I actually think you and I agree on the biggest issue here. I look at it as a negative thing, you look a positive thing.

Those 2 venues will never, ever, ever be profitable to the city, county, or state. They may be OK now but in 10-15 years they will again be looking for a multi-million dollar tax payer grant to be renovated. The city once again will probably cling to this "landmark attractions" and pull some strings in Harrisburg to get them more funds.

You have ties a lot closer to the city than me and look at it as a way to bring some sort of tourism/fans to the city and create some revenue. You also get to see your high school play sports in a nicer venue than nearly all the other schools in the area.

I look at it this way. Why keep dumping millions into these old archaic downtown venues? Point Stadium could be a simple $2,000,000 brand spanking new multi sport complex and serve the exact same purpose at 25% the price tag. What does the war memorial bring to the city? Galactic Ice could serve the same purpose and I doubt it would have cost $8,000,000 to construct. A small manageable arena for local high school and club hockey teams. How many times in the past 3 years has an event actually filled the War Memorial to capacity? When was the last time a "headliner" concert was held there? Have be tomahawks ever sold out? I like the competition of the Tomahawks but honestly what do they do to help the city?

1. The Point Stadium is essentially brand new. The turf is brand new, the left field wall is brand new, the structure itself is all entirely new. The funds seem off with the construction, but putting some money to finish the product wouldn't be dumping it into an old failing project. The stadium is halfway done, but to say it's old and falling down is hardly accurate.

2. So you want to tear down the war memorial, which wouldn't be cheap, to build amother planet ice type facility?


I just don't know many sports venues that go 12 years regularly that don't see an upgrade here and there, maybe that's what I don't understand with your argument.

2.

[konjo78]

only in backwards Western PA would they see getting an honor, Receiving free money, and having a future night to host a NHL preseason game as bad....

Some of you are complete morons and need to look around and see how this positively effects the community even if its nothing.... 1 the game will be sold out i guarantee you that.... 2 its free money for renovations so again no harm to you..... 3 that game will for atleast one day get people out in the community and potentially be a big Economic day for local business owners......


its stupid how some of you want to think this is a death sentence.

[JustWrestle]

I don't think anyone thinks winning hockeyville is a bad thing, it's just not a big deal at all.

[say_oww]

How many people really care? Or don't care?

[Crimson's Ghost]

That's a good question, over 7,000 people "like" the Johnstown Hockeyville Facebook page, 3,500 people showed up in person to watch the announcement live at the arena, and Johnstown had the most nominations (I think over 1,000?) of any of the 10 finalists, and of course, out-voted those other 9 other arenas.

So you stack that up against the two people on Bleachercoaches against it, and it paints a pretty clear picture.

[Crimson's Ghost]

In my own personal dealings and interactions with people whether in person or on the internet, I have yet to meet a native Johnstowner that doesn't like the idea of winning the national contest.

[PortagePride]

In my own personal dealings and interactions with people whether in person or on the internet, I have yet to meet a native Johnstowner that doesn't like the idea of winning the national contest.

Agreed with you 100% Crimson. Not seeing the reason for the negativity towards it here. But honestly you're going to have people that feel this way about ANYTHING positive no matter what the scale or subject matter.

[abpk2903]

Am I really being negative in asking why am arena that just had over $8,000,000 in renovations less than 12 years ago doesn't have a functioning scoreboard. Has Johnstown really WON here? Great, they have a trillion Internet clicks and texts but that same community didn't support the ECHL team in town just a few years ago. Maybe my group of friends and colleagues in the Johnstown area are just awful people but I personally know many that have these same questions and concerns.

I'm happy Johnstown gets a preseason game but let's see how accessible these seats really are for the general population. I see a ton of politics when handing down these 3,500 seats. My guess is less than 1,000 will go to the true local hockey fan that wants to see the game.

[Manfred]

Exactly. Mark Pasquerilla will get his 500 first, along with Calandra's 500, etc. Not much left for smallville Joe Shmoe, yet he has to shell out big $ for a ticket, parking, that 10 buck beer and 10 buck popcorn, 5 buck program, and $$$ for any other souvenirs. Pat yourselves on the back, but don't break your arms.

[Crimson's Ghost]

$10 beers at the War Memorial, when is the last time you were there?