I have now read more than 2000 emails from my Wizards, Caps, and personal accounts related to the Wizards. I have also been reading message boards, blog comments, and media reports.
I also have started to call some Wizards fans to talk and have scheduled many meetings. I held a 2000 person conference call on Friday with Wizards customers, and tonight I will host 500 plus former Wizards season ticket holders at the Verizon Center.
I am serious about listening, interacting, and learning. We will NOT be defensive about anything. We will listen and hope to act and fix all issues so you can embrace our team and become passionate fans.
I plan to publish “101 things to do to help you fall in love with the new Wizards” list soon.
At present, I thought I would publish just a quick synopsis of some of the concerns and ideas that have been sent my way. Thank you. We are all grateful that you care so much. Here is a sample, but not in any particular order.
Here you go…
Play more organ music at the games.
Reset the lighting.
Retrain the staff to be more sensitive to game dynamics.
Delete “Defense” chants.
Play less loud music during the games — want to hear the sneakers on the floor.
Redo game presentations to be more family oriented.
Make cheerleading squad more family oriented.
Change colors for team uniforms.
Consider name change of team.
Paint the stairs.
Announcers to be more professional and less “cheerleaders.”
Improve security outside of building.
Many more season ticket holder benefits.
Consistency in pricing — don’t discount tickets next to me.
Colder beer and more choices for beer.
Kosher food.
Vegetarian fare on menu.
More vendors come into stands to service customers.
Refill the ketchup.
Refill the mustard.
Clean the bathrooms more in game.
Windex the mirrors.
Make sure toilet paper is refilled during games.
Make sure paper towels are refilled during games.
More Wizards history evident in building.Want to see more alumni at games.
Want more web analytics made available — don’t be afraid to publish stats.
Want more access to players.
Market more in Baltimore.
Market more in Virginia.
More youth basketball tie-in.
Continue Pollin legacy for charitable efforts.
Open the second floor to all fans.
Paint and freshen up the building.
Clean the windows.
Stop the scalping.
Help customers resell tickets they can’t use via online services.
Create cross team sales packages — all three teams.
Create GM online blog.
Create coaches online blog.
Find a way to open some practice sessions.
Create more and better merchandising options.
Consistency in team structure and rebuild.
Commit to draft and develop young players.
Work on infrastructure for health and well being of players.
Re-embrace Gilbert Arenas.
Don’t trade your first round picks.
Add more first round picks.
Owners must sit in stands.
Owner must sit in seats on top level to meet fans.
Owner must meet and greet fans.
Owner must read and respond to emails.
Fresher hot dog buns.
Manage crowd control at vending stations in an improved format.
Communicate the rebuild plan — stick to it.
New clothing for in-game employees.
Do deals with local merchants to help fans save money.
Embrace the blogosphere.
Sign free agents.
Make the playoffs.
Win a championship.
The list goes on and on and on.
This is a very healthy process for us all. We will continue to listen and publish to do lists.
We will do our best to show how much we care.
Keep those emails a coming. I look forward to our interactions.
I hope you will support us.
