tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post5948884653482934687..comments2024-03-29T10:36:34.157-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Our Phantom Economic DevelopmentBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-13012313134709650022016-04-22T14:11:12.323-04:002016-04-22T14:11:12.323-04:00"Many of the seats are 'bought' by co..."Many of the seats are 'bought' by companies" <br /><br />I can only speak from my experience which is that I would agree with you when you reference companies buying many of the seats in relation to the boxes and suites at CCP but at least in the section I sat in (109) it was all individuals. Most of them, myself included, had bought their plans as soon as tickets went on sale prior to the inaugural season in '08 with a five year contract to lock in the per ticket price + seat location and then after the third or fourth season the Pigs offered either a three or five year extension so in essence in 2018 you could still be paying 2008 prices.<br /><br />The rub is that if you signed up early enough and for a large enough plan it equaled some great seats but quite honestly it becomes a PIA to go to that many games especially since the Pigs have overall been miserable throughout most of their history and unlike most people there, I actually came for the baseball not to stuff my face with six big porker sandwiches, eight beers and three cobs of corn.<br /><br />In the end the family no longer cared unless there was a "good" giveaway and unless it was a "good" giveaway or a weekend game I couldn't give the tickets away even with great seats but I knew that I would never be able to get seats like that ever again if I stopped renewing which is what kept me going my final two years. Finally I just decided that the seat location was no longer worth it but A LOT of people I know personally choose to pay for them year after year and maybe go to 1/3 or 1/4 of the games on their plan.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-5148322340189879422016-04-21T22:21:52.546-04:002016-04-21T22:21:52.546-04:00I've been to three or four games this season. ...I've been to three or four games this season. The games were all announced as sell outs, but the arena was never filled. The one game it looked like the place was half empty. All the games had atleast one empty luxury box. <br /><br />Hank_HillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-83718394733752583322016-04-21T08:32:51.050-04:002016-04-21T08:32:51.050-04:00Translation: "And tell the genius that yes, t...<i>Translation: "And tell the genius that yes, the governor needs to raise taxes. Anyone who is a non-contributing sponge and/or a PSEA sychophant can see that.</i><br /><br />I'm happy you are fine with the crumbling infrastructure. You must be ready to kick the bucket, right grump grandpa?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-24686327466785705942016-04-21T08:28:55.881-04:002016-04-21T08:28:55.881-04:00I prefer to take the money I earn and invest it fo...<i>I prefer to take the money I earn and invest it for my retirement. Not give it to the government, sorry.</i><br /><br />I prefer saving for retirement AND having safe roads, good schools, and a nice community. In my older years, it's not all about me me me. Sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-24186693782595641322016-04-20T22:49:18.751-04:002016-04-20T22:49:18.751-04:00Just spit balling...
...imagine if all that money...Just spit balling...<br /><br />...imagine if all that money was spent on a solar array and the electricity would have been given away to the locals free minus the maintenance costs, at least you'd be getting something on the investment and helping save natural gas reducing the need for nasty pipelines, not to mention the savings of other resources instead of the tax payer money pit it is becoming.<br /><br />Oh wait it's call the PPL center.... never mind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-33286454927632576742016-04-20T21:14:55.147-04:002016-04-20T21:14:55.147-04:00I was happy to post it. I was happy to post it. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-36970088134897449752016-04-20T21:10:34.753-04:002016-04-20T21:10:34.753-04:00Not everyone who sends you an email deserves to ha...Not everyone who sends you an email deserves to have it posted...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-19397725598109601742016-04-20T21:08:05.846-04:002016-04-20T21:08:05.846-04:007:21...I understand what your are saying, and you ...7:21...I understand what your are saying, and you are making my point. Many of the seats are 'bought' by companies that are losing interest in the Iron Pigs. What a shame that these 'fans' can't find a neighbor kid or youth group to give their unwanted tickets to. At some point, and we may be getting there, those folks will feel less obligated to continue buying their ticket plans. I am not rooting for that, but it's just how it is. Just look at the 'sold' luxury tickets behind the plate at Yankee Stadium: they are sold but rarely used and most often not even passed on to employees of the companies that own them. Disgraceful on all counts.George Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14913633538326352398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-7974417364357177082016-04-20T19:21:18.474-04:002016-04-20T19:21:18.474-04:00"I saw that last Sunday at the Iron Pigs game..."I saw that last Sunday at the Iron Pigs game where they announce a sell-out yet there were a couple thousand (at least) seats that were empty. They have been around longer than the Phantoms so the bloom might be off the rose a bit."<br /><br />Not really. The Pigs have a huge season ticket base and in general and a lot of them don't show up to a lot of the games especially early in the season. I know because up until last year I was one of them. I had a 36 game plan from day one and maybe I went to half of my games at the most. Yet, my seats got counted towards towards a sell out whether I was physically there or not. Multiply that by a thousand or two and that's how you get a bunch of games especially in April where they announce a sell out when there's only seven thousand physically at the game.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88881023820628010192016-04-20T16:17:47.679-04:002016-04-20T16:17:47.679-04:00"And tell the genius that yes, the governor n..."And tell the genius that yes, the governor needs to raise taxes. Anyone with eyes and a brain can see that."<br /><br />Translation: "And tell the genius that yes, the governor needs to raise taxes. Anyone who is a non-contributing sponge and/or a PSEA sychophant can see that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-37751679663275449712016-04-20T15:02:19.705-04:002016-04-20T15:02:19.705-04:00Sell-outs of games is fine for the team because th...Sell-outs of games is fine for the team because they get the money whether the 'fans' go to the game or not. I have been to more than a few Phantoms games and there are always tons of empty seats, no doubt purchased by the valley's movers and shakers at the behest of local politicians and Tony Ianelli's Chamber of Commerce. Once the arm-twisting wears off I can guaranty you a few thousand of those tix will not be sole...t least on a season basis. I saw that last Sunday at the Iron Pigs game where they announce a sell-out yet there were a couple thousand (at least) seats that were empty. They have been around longer than the Phantoms so the bloom might be off the rose a bit. Having said that it is a positive part of living in the valley to have this entertainment. However, I would rather not have it if the owners and players don't pay for it. After all: who pays to have you live in your home? This pro sports team blackmail and/or bribery of states and municipalities must end.George Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14913633538326352398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-30713626399897603832016-04-20T14:51:32.344-04:002016-04-20T14:51:32.344-04:00I have enjoyed two great seasons of hockey at the ...I have enjoyed two great seasons of hockey at the PPL arena.<br /><br />The Allentown Brew Works has great attendance before all of the games. After the games, we get a small crowd. I don't know why they feel the need to close and block so many streets around the arena. Do they block the streets after a game at Madison Square Garden? Traffic police are helpful but the streets should be left open. It feels like a ghost town on Hamilton Street after a game or concert.<br /><br />Attendance at the games has always impressed me. Most of the 200-level seats always appear to be "sold" and there are people in the seats. The season ticket seats are sometimes visibly bare.<br /><br />The Phantoms players play a solid game of professional hockey. I went to a few Flyers games in the 70's as a kid. I now love walking down the block to a Phantoms game.<br /><br />Now...How did we get an arena? Who paid for it? What is going on with the NIZ? Let's wait to see what the FBI has to say about all of that.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16689614615334224597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-76974885889502452262016-04-20T13:47:45.337-04:002016-04-20T13:47:45.337-04:0011:07 facts are facts. The Phantoms had 24 sellout...11:07 facts are facts. The Phantoms had 24 sellouts and are ranked #4 in attendance. You don't need the Morning Call to verify that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58868987253975132042016-04-20T11:07:56.828-04:002016-04-20T11:07:56.828-04:007:43, you believe what the MC prints? Call me late...7:43, you believe what the MC prints? Call me later. I have lots of swamp land for sale.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-16486623966344854292016-04-20T10:46:33.845-04:002016-04-20T10:46:33.845-04:00As a Phantoms full season ticket holder I have no ...As a Phantoms full season ticket holder I have no complaints about the team or game experience. Sure, we would like a winning team and playoff appearances. That could come next year. Meanwhile, the fan experience is better than any other arena I have visited. There is tremendous energy and fun for fans of all ages. I have spoken with fans from Hershey and Wilkes-Barre who came to see their teams play at PPL. They all marvel at the facilities and game-related activities, especially the "Hometown Heroes" segment that honors veterans. It is a first-class operation as witnessed by sellout after sellout and the fourth-best attendance in the AHL v. larger arenas and championship teams (i.e. Hershey). So anyone who criticizes the Phantoms or arena is clueless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-42762235906389913412016-04-20T10:15:08.826-04:002016-04-20T10:15:08.826-04:00@9:59 AM. If you believe you are under-taxed, th...@9:59 AM. If you believe you are under-taxed, then please, you can write Wolf a check for as much money as you want. <br /><br />I prefer to take the money I earn and invest it for my retirement. Not give it to the government, sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-14265973844152616442016-04-20T10:04:09.809-04:002016-04-20T10:04:09.809-04:00We often go early to the games and go a local rest...We often go early to the games and go a local restaurant. The Hamilton inside the hotel the arena is attached to is a nice spot. I don't hang around after but would if there was a reason to at 10:00 at night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-47744346901327013272016-04-20T09:59:50.852-04:002016-04-20T09:59:50.852-04:00Congratulations on posting an email devoid of any ...Congratulations on posting an email devoid of any actual point. As long as it bashes downtown Allentown. <br /><br />And tell the genius that yes, the governor needs to raise taxes. Anyone with eyes and a brain can see that. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-34965033030762067572016-04-20T09:10:14.505-04:002016-04-20T09:10:14.505-04:00I have to agree with the commenters on this one. I...I have to agree with the commenters on this one. I have been a Phantoms fan since they played in the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Despite their poor season, they do sell out the arena. I went to the final home game with my family and had a great time. Win, lose or draw it's a fun family-oriented night out or even a cheap night out with the guys. Not for nothing, but they did make a run at the end of the season and have some promising young talent. I wish the arena could have been built without public money, but I'm glad the Phantoms are close to home.Rudy Millernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62212500195905704122016-04-20T09:00:58.812-04:002016-04-20T09:00:58.812-04:00I've been to a Phantoms game. Parked in the g...I've been to a Phantoms game. Parked in the garage. Enjoyed the game. Left immediately afterward, as did the overwhelming majority of garage parkers. Traffic was well directed and sent game goers quickly out of the area, following the game. Not much synergy with the surrounding neighborhood. Iron Pigs games are the same story. The MC story acknowledges the season ticket packages that equate to good attendance in the first several years. After that, it's anybody's call.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-33790051376454090982016-04-20T08:39:12.241-04:002016-04-20T08:39:12.241-04:00http://classifieds.mcall.com/classifieds/city-of-a...http://classifieds.mcall.com/classifieds/city-of-allentown-zoning-announcement-allentown-1<br /><br />2. A-67628 1528-1552 Linden St Special Use Appeal of CHOR Youth and Family Services, Inc. to use 4,535 sq. ft. on 1st floor for OUTPATIENT HALFWAY HOUSE for up to 30 youths ages of 12-18 years, & share parking with Masonic Temple, being a use permitted by Special Exception under Article 1313.01.D & shared parking being permitted by Special Exception under Article 1321.01.0, located in a High Density Residential (R-H) & Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay (TNDO) District.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-77222158670644249842016-04-20T08:34:39.779-04:002016-04-20T08:34:39.779-04:00How revolting, the thought of throngs of meat eati...How revolting, the thought of throngs of meat eating, beer swilling hockey people fouling the foundation of The Strataaa as smoke permeates the atmosphere. This cannot be, the EPA will be informed and appropriate action will be taken.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-76710200082001377592016-04-20T08:19:09.801-04:002016-04-20T08:19:09.801-04:00It's not the Phantoms hockey team that is the ...It's not the Phantoms hockey team that is the problem downtown. They're not winners, but they do pack the arena, which means there are a lot of hockey fans in the area. Now if they make a profit for the season is something we don't know, the Flyers do. But as long as the Flyers are happy with the team in Allentown, they'll be there. From all indications they do.<br /><br />The problem downtown IS all the b.s. that is put out about the success of the NIZ. It's an exercise in taxpayer funding of a building project, that if done in a traditional manner, would not get funding from commercial means. We have basically one developer who picks and chooses who sets up shop in his buildings and who doesn't. All construction is done on the taxpayer's dime on the premise if he builds it, they will come. <br /><br />Hint, Allentown is a lot more than the few blocks of the NIZ. Three are a thousand other city blocks that make up the real Allentown north of Linden. Where is the benefit to those residents; not the few yuppies who live in the ratified air of the Strata Flats ?Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05753485153237507244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-71475961043061461232016-04-20T08:08:03.145-04:002016-04-20T08:08:03.145-04:00and you brought up the gasoline tax which was oste...and you brought up the gasoline tax which was ostensibly passed so our decaying bridges and roads could be fixed. Unfortunately it was reported in ap awhile back the Pennsylvania state police are syphoning about half of the increase. <br /><br />http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-highway-dollars-free-police-20160312-story.html<br /><br />Now I don't begrudge state police funding, but i do desire an honest transparent process. <br /><br />Another peeve of mine is turnpike tools spiraling upwards. Users of the turnpike are being charged above and beyond the road costs to fund mass transit and other highways across the state. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-27975598364958377172016-04-20T07:43:45.973-04:002016-04-20T07:43:45.973-04:006:28 am There was a Morning Call article last week...6:28 am There was a Morning Call article last week saying that the team had 24 sell outs and is in the top 4 for attendance in the AHL. <br /><br />Hate the NIZ but the Phantoms are the wrong folks to point the finger at. . I get the authors point on the NIZ, but the team has done its a fallacy to tie tax incentives spent to wins.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com