Post by Mike FletcherPost by Eric OppermanPost by Mike FletcherDamn, that's dedication. I guess the Grizz really were smart in
moving to Memphis. Doubt they'd see that in Vancouver.
I just wish the games had started earlier than 8:30...getting in at 3
wasn't great, but oh well. I'd do it again.
How's the general overall vibe towards the Grizz over there? Are crazed
fans like you commonplace or are you a bigger Grizz fan than most?
I'm not completely sure. I know there are quite a few, and that the
number is growing. I'm a bigger Grizz fan than most, there's no doubt
about that, but they're becoming more popular. There's still a bunch of
people set in their ways that Memphis should never move forward, but oh
well.
Post by Mike FletcherPost by Eric OppermanPost by Mike FletcherWhat thinks you about the Great Eastern Forum? I heard it's in a much
better area.
From what I've seen, it's going to be awesome. I can't wait to get
inside it. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a bunch of games (money is
an issue, lol). Won't have to worry about the 7-hour roundtrips next
season, though, I will be in Memphis all year.
Nice. I can imagine those weren't the most fun. Opening a new arena is
really exciting. I remember being very sad when I left the Forum after
the last Laker game there, but very excited when Staples opened it's
doors. And ya know what? The Lakers have won titles three out of the
four years they've played there so it all worked out pretty well.
I'm not sad at all that the Pyramid is closing...just like I'm not going
to be sad when Busch Stadium closes in St. Louis and is replaced by a
properly-done stadium.
Best description I've ever heard about the Pyramid was that it was a
brilliant idea, poorly executed. It was built in a relatively dead area
and surrounded by giant parking lots, rather than having places to go
before and after (it's about a 10-minute walk to anything else when
you're outside). Because of the design, they had to build the seats too
small and too close together, resulting in narrow chairs and *NO* leg
room (I'm 5-10 or so and my knees were always in people's shoulders
upstairs), and it's too steep upstairs too. They also didn't
flood-proof it enough...I think its first event ever (a concert) had to
be canceled due to flooding inside the building. It was supposed to
have a lot of other things that would have been cool (an inclinator to
an observation deck, a restaurant above the arena, etc.), but the
developer bailed quickly, and they did everything too cheaply.
I can't wait for the Forum. It's going to be world-class, rather than
"it looks cool".
--
Thanks for your time,
Eric Opperman
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national
anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear
that song, I have a bad game,'" - Jim Leyland, about Opening Day 1986
with the Pirates