The Winds of Change

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Apr 11, 2007 12:00 AM EDT in Feature Stories

This morning I attempted to get tickets to the first two Raptors’ playoff games. At 10:00 AM, I set up shop online and prepared to pay ticketmaster’s egregious fees for a shot at something that the majority of us on this site have waited for for what seems like an eternity.

To my dismay, not a single ticket was to be had.

I find it hard to believe that the Raptors’ season ticket holders bought up all of the near 20,000 ACC seats available but try as I did, I was relegated to "stubhubbing" it for Sprite Zone seats.

Immediately afterward I couldn’t help but be a bit frustrated at my lack of success getting tickets. I mean if Raptors.com insiders were unable to get tickets, how was the general public going to get a crack at some playoff action?

Interestingly, the experience made me think back to the previous evening.

After finishing up the course I had been taking at Ryerson University, our instructor, the sagacious DB Scott, took our class to a local pub to properly wrap things up. Upon entering the bar I noticed that all of the televisions in the place were showing the Jays against the Royals instead of the Raptors taking on the Timberwolves.

"Here we go again" I thought to myself. "No Leafs so instead, we’ve gotta watch game 5 of 555 in the baseball season instead of watching a Raptor team fighting for playoff seeding amongst the NBA’s top clubs!" Yes, if you were within earshot you would have heard my usual anti-local media rant begin.

However to my surprise, one of the local pub dwellers interrupted my train of thought with a resounding: "hey, the Raps game’s on in the other room...on the big screen. I’ve been running back and forth to check the score and they’re only down by four!"

Woah. Now this wasn’t what I expected. The big screen?

I wandered down to the back and sure enough, there was the game and a handful of people gathered around it talking Raps ball and playoff implications. The crowd was small but the whole scene brought a smile to my face.

And got me thinking.

Was what I was witnessing a glimpse of things to come for the Raptors?

Was the tide slowly starting to turn in this city of die-hard hockey stick wielders?

And going back to this morning, were the assumed mass sales of Raptors’ playoff tickets another indication that things were looking up for the franchise beyond their recent on-court play?

For as long as I can remember, no matter how successful this team has been in the NBA standings and even at the gate, the pundits love to point to the television numbers. Even in the midst of their Eastern Conference best record since the start of the new year, the local media was quick to point out that the Raps’ television numbers were somewhere around the area of swimming and university hockey.

Yes, that sounds pretty bad. But considering Toronto’s attendance this season is 13th overall in the league at an average of 18,136, a number that has steadily been growing as the season has progressed, it looks like a ripple effect is beginning to take place.

Hell, even the local media which we vilify so often here at the HQ is showing sings of ever so slowly switching gears. Dave Feschuk, the journalist for the Toronto Star who has exuded negativity concerning the Raptors for the past few years, has switched to castigating the Leafs as of late. Seems like Bryan Colangelo’s success is drying up all his subject matter.

And south of the border, things just keep getting more and more interesting as the playoffs draw near. This morning on ESPN.com much of their Daily dime was spent discussing the Raptors and how they may be the "most complete team" in the East that no one really wants to face. Judging by the performance a Shaq-less Heat put on last night against the Bobcats, who am I to argue?

On top of this, Henry Abbott at True Hoop, who did the introduction to the Dime Magazine NBA season preview we participated in, has recently been discussing the Raptors’ surprising season as well.

For those of us long-suffering fans, it’s great to see this kind of exposure.

Coverage of the team has traditionally been wedged somewhere between curling and the Toronto Rock. The Raptors’ performance in their brief tenure, the hockey history of the city and even it’s baseball legacy have all lead to this "weding" and it’s no real surprise as to why the Raptors are still struggling to compete with the likes of swimming.

Last night Chris Bosh threw out the first pitch at the Jays’ game and apparently the whole Raptors’ team had a box at the Rogers Centre. Increased exposure such as this is great for the team, and hopefully a trip to the playoffs will really get the ball rolling.

So maybe I didn’t get the tickets I wanted for the playoffs.

And maybe MLSE will yet again next season put far too many games on RaptorsTV.

But if in the end that means a larger audience, league-wide respect and (GASP) some games on TNT next season, I’m more than willing to put up with some short-term pain for long-term gain.

Move over Lakers, step aside Suns, here come the Raptors.

FRANCHISE

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yeah baby!

by axl on Apr 11, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

im hyped. thank the gods for bryan colangelo

by kev on Apr 11, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

No kidding. I still have to pinch myself when thinking about this team's turnaround. When the 2005-06 season kicked off did ANYONE EVEN IMAGINE that we'd have BC in charge like Charles and be on the way to being a dominant Eastern Conference team?

And yeah, local media sucks but who cares. This team has always had a solid core group of fans and we're headed for TNT next year baby!!

Also - big respect to you guys at the HQ, love the constant updates and analysis to keep junkies like us going.

by rucka on Apr 11, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

season ticket holders were allowed to purchase extra playoff tickets... I have four tickets for the season but the club let me buy 10 to each playoff game.

by raptorville on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

In my opinion, the Raptors have one of the most interesting fan bases in the NBA, if not in all of North American sports. We are passionate, intelligent, active, knowledgeable and capable of expressing ourselves. This is obvious throughout the NBA community, and it has to be one of the major reasons why Colangelo decided to come here.

As for the media, they are always a step behind and cannot be expected to keep pace - your Ryerson journalism school is a good window into this. The distance between the media and the community, although improving, is still too large to give a proper representation of reality. This is why it is blogs like this that are the most important source of information to the community today, not Dave or Doug or even old Chuck the mascot. Just think - we're in the playoffs, we'll have a top-3 seed, and we have a legitimate chance at a title in the next 5 years. Who do you think this matters more to, the community or the media?

You guys are the pioneers, you lead the way and give the rest of the community a chance to be heard. This is what's important, and your job will only get more challenging as the rest of the media starts to jump on the bandwagon. Fortunately, we are all here to support.

Go RAPS!

by Vlad on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

As the Greatful Dead once sang, "What a long strange trip its been", the Raps have arrived and feel right on top. The players are gushing, the fans are gushing. And deservedly so. Lets enjoy the moment. And then let it pass.

Lets stop acting like pig-tailed schoolgirls henceforth that we have made the playoffs. Raps have a history of playing down to teams and that is my fear with the matchup with the Wiz. They will have nothing to lose. Kinda like our last playoff stint against the Pistons when the Raps took them to 5 games even without VC (thanks Childs for the bad memories). A NJ series would get the fans, the players and the city up in arms and I know Raps will be merciless with the team. As a bonus, we may not be even favored by the US media to win the series, which is always a huge plus.

by Rubik Kube on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Vlad - I dunno. Raptors fans are definitely emotional and passionate, but I'm not sure about that intelligence thing at times. For example, the Raptors RealGM board is full of proof to the contrary. Just look at how the opinion of Sam Mitchell, a guy that's done the same thing since day one, has completely swung around since that whole "NBA Stories" coverage on ESPN 2 came out. But I think we're getting there. Leafs fans, on the other hand.... :p

by Kinnon Yee on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Don't look now but as Jerry Sloan's Jazz tumble and the Raps continue to play well, Mitchell could be a serious candidate for COY.

Oh...and for anyone who wants the full version of that hilariously sentimental NBA Stories segment on the Raps... go to http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H2VMGVGE

I have no idea what the hell this site is, but it works.

by MazelTov on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I’m very happy we are going to the playoffs. With all the player turnover and the bad start this year I am pleasantly surprised. What I am really having trouble with is seeing us as possibly the 3rd best team in the East. I guess what I’m seeing is that you don’t need a roster littered with superstars to become a good team. Team chemistry and unselfish players seem to be more important than the number of players you have with big shoe deals. Hats off to BC for assembling the current squad. It’s been fun scoreboard watching as teams jockey for playoff positions, we haven't had to worry about that for a while. Go Raps.

by Cooker on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I think the one major variable which will affect the following the Raps get is US exposure. Once the T dot realized that the Raps are kind of a big deal south of the boarder, they will be more than happy to bask in the glow.

It is really nice to read positive stories about the Raps. There was a good 2 years where i read nothing positive about anything in the Toronto sports sections. This ended when I started reading blogs and forums, and stopped reading the crap that gets printed.

by TJ Caino on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise, love the links to sites I wouldn't regularly check out (i.e. TrueHoop).

A slight correction: "Dave Feschuk, the journalist for the Toronto Star who has eschewed negativity concerning the Raptors for the past few years" is incorrect, as "eschewed" means "abandoned." I think you wanted to state the exact opposite, as Feschuk had consistently ripped the Raptors BC (Before Colangelo). So you probably meant "embraced" or "indulged in".

Regarding season's tickets, I just upped on a Lower Bowl split with a buddy for 2007-2008, but I work full-time so I can handle it. I know you guys are still students, but if the Raps continue on their path to success I think you and Howland should spring on some $855.00 Balcony Corners, so you'll have first dibs on (hopefully) next year's playoff tickets. There should be no problem hawking them to scalpers or friends when you can't attend the games, assuming the Raps continue on their upward trajectory. Something to think about, because if you think tickets are scarce now.... (this city loves a winner).

by jjdynomite on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

JJ Dynomite -Thanks for catching my misuse of eschew ha ha. Meant to say exuded, will switch that up.

Rubik - Nice greatful dead quote - I was going to go with a Bob Dylan "Times are a changin'" type line but I guess my title ended up more on the Scorpions tip...

by Franchise on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

For those interested, here's the full ESPN video on the Raptors:

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v377540PmrMq8Fh

Hopefully, they don't remove this like they did on Youtube for copyright infringement.

by enigma0t2 on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

How did Bosh look on the mound?

by Ryan on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

JJ...Howland works full-time man. He can afford it!

by Ryan on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

For the record, I checked in on the season ticket holder window to purchase extra playoff tickets around 2pm on Tuesday and there were no pairs left for either game at any price, only singles (the window was Monday 10am to Tuesday 4pm).

So it would seem they did all get bought up before the Raptor insider window started - which doesn't surprise me, between the recent string of sellouts, playoff excitement, and lack of upcoming Leaf action outside of the golf club.

by MattK on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I live in California, and I seem like the only raptor fan in California. I still remember the first time I became a raptor fan. I was watching I think the 2001 playoffs on NBC. They were in a playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. I started watching, and the team that caught my attention was the Toronto Raptors. I just liked the way played. I really liked watching Alvin Williams, and of course, Vince Carter(ughhh...)Boy, were those great times.

Now, here come them Toronto Raptors, back in the playoffs after a five-year absence. I am really excited!!! I really do think the Raptors will surprise in the playoffs. I hope you guys can help represent the Toronto Raptors for me, here in California. I want the ACC to be rowdy than ever, I am calling out all Raptor fans, IT IS TIME TO SHINE, wear red, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone send this message to the raptors' organization, marketing department, and tell them to hand out free red t-shirts. I am sure the raps' fan will be that sixth man on court that can help the raptors succeed in the play-offs. Opposing NBA teams better watchout for the raptors, b/c we are back!!!!! LET'S GO RAPTORS!!! LET'S GO RAPTORS!!! LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!

by Sandeep on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hopefully, Sandeep, you don't live in LA, cause I don't want to change my name.

by LAs Only Raptor Fan on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Rubik: are you psychic?" A NJ series would get the fans, the players and the city up in arms and I know Raps will be merciless with the team. As a bonus, we may not be even favored by the US media to win the series, which is always a huge plus."
Just watching the pregame on TNT and they're all saying how NJ will get the 6th seed and take the Raps out. BS i say. Raps Rule!!!

by cory t on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hmmm...looks like we got two Raptors' fans in LA now...

Matt K - Interesting about the ticket salesand extremely frustrating for the average fan. We'll be discussing tomorrow...

Ryan - Bosh looked good on the mound...funny thing was seeing Vernon Wells standing on a stool next to him for pictures...

Dirtiest game between the Cavs and Nets right now...it's like a score you'd see between North Texas and Denver in the NCAA...

by Franchise on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I live in the US and I am so excited, the Toronto Raptors are the biggest news in the sports world in the US all the channels are talking about the Division Champions THE TORONTO RAPTORS, Sam Mitchell Coach of the Year, Bosh Division Player of the year, Barginia Rookie of the Year.... I love it.....

by Marcia on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

enigma0t2, thanks for the link. Am I the only one who had a tear in their eye watching that NBA Story? Raps fan since day 1, god this is sweet.

Franchise, loved the piece, keep up the good work.

by Spred on Apr 13, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Barginia?

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by diller on Aug 4, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

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They were surprised to find in 49 of the 50 states the last words of drivers in 61.2% of fatal crashes were, "Oh, Shit!"

Only the state of Texas was different, where 89.3% of the final words were, "Hey Y'all, hold my beer and watch this!"

by Dj on Feb 23, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions