Netting Update

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We took a closer look at the Verizon Center protective netting today, and it clearly isn’t what we had anticipated. It hinders the fan experience and it is not an asset to our local rights holder, Comcast SportsNet. Therefore, starting with Friday’s preseason game, we will reinstall the black netting that had been used last season. We were attempting to improve the arena and television viewing experience, but we fell short of that mark.

19 thoughts on “Netting Update”

  1. Ted- I’m from Baltimore and Peter Angelos NEVER would have even cared what the fans thought. Honestly, as a fan, as a STH, I can’t thank you enough for listening to your fans. Great respect. Thank you for taking it down- great decision!

  4. Thanks for listening to the fans Ted and working quickly to find a solution! As someone who has sat behind both nets you have made the right choice!

  5. I think this response, as prompt as could have possibly been expectced, just points out why the Washington area has come to love this team, and it’s owner. I do not believe there is another major pro sports owner as responsive to the needs and desires of the folks that keep the turnstiles turning.

    I live in Maine. The netting didn’t matter in the slightest to me. But what does matter to me is, after the mismanagement of the Redskins by Mr. Snyder (and to some extent the Orioles by Mr. Angelos), which have soured me on two of my favorites growing up in suburban MD, it is a wonderful change to have an owner we can point to and say “See… that is how it should be done.”

    Kudos and gratitude to you, sir.

  9. Thank you Mr. Leonsis, I sincerly appreciate it. I posted what would of been comment #21 yesterday afternoon (I think it is still waiting moderation or was not posted because you had made a decision. Again thank you for being available and reseptive to your fans thoughts and opinions.

    Robbie

  10. Thank you Ted for hearing the fans, for listening to us and most importantly for putting our experience at the games first! Now can we get some veggie burgers at one of the vendors :)

  12. Ted,

    I agree that this new white net is not the right fit. I love the white netting used in Philly, which is made of an almost clear fiber, but this net was white, really white, and the “mesh count” was too high. I could not read the names on the back of the jerseys from my seats in Section 408. If you can acquire the same netting that is used in Philly, I think that would be a welcome improvement.

    Was the additional cooling at Verizon Center also something new? It felt like a walk-in refrigerator in there. Good way to boost sales at the stores. I ended up buying a long sleeve shirt since I was freezing. Hope it is this cold during regular season. We could use better ice.

    Thanks,
    Bruce in Germantown

  13. Ted, we have been season ticket holder 107 K7 and 8 for the last 4 years , but we have been serious fans since jim carey goalie days at landover. “friends” with the old Slapshot jeff deceder.
    Last nite sitting in our seats (which I have boasted about with dozens of people who have become partial ticket holders because of us ) was the worst viewing experience I have had I moved to another section because I had such a headache by the mid second period. THANKS for listening to us and gone back to the old neting

  14. Ted, Thanks for going back to black! I have season tickets in section 116 and the view with the white netting was terrible. Besides that, it was shorter, there was a line through the far goal, and a distracting diagonal imperfection in the white net. We appreciate the fact that you listen and respond to ticket holders and wish you and the organization much success in the upcoming season. Best regards, JTS

  15. I was going to send you an email with my concerns after the game about the netting, but I saw the line at guest services and heard the roar of complaints. Bravo to you sir and your staff for acting so quickly on this matter. You are truly the best owner in professional sports.

    Steve H
    sec 107

  18. Thank you! This is why I love coming to Verizon Center. Everything is done in such a way as to enhance the fan’s enjoyment. You guys are the best!