There are so many more reasons people attend sporting events than for just the game itself. People want to be entertained with things other than what is going on the ice, so what is everyone so afraid of? The Fargo Force are in their second year and Fargo Force staff and some fans have taken criticism of game atmosphere with a grain of salt.
This year we have seen the addition of the Party Pit to add to the atmosphere in the south end of the rink which has helped. They have also added an organ (the Zamborgan). Force fans have taken it upon themselves to create more interest in the Force. We have seen Force fans bring in signs, cowbells, and even a very LOUD Fargo Force drum. Force fans have even created their own "Chaos Corner" that usually produces a decent amount of vocals game in and game out.
The question is, why isn't everyone else participating? What does it take to get the average attendance of around 3,000 to participate in the "Let's go Force" chant or the "Sieve" chant that is attempted on the south end of the rink. Do we have to educate our fans on how to be fans? Do we need to give pamphlets out to get people participating? How can we get casual fans to leave the games with a feeling of excitement and desire of wanting to come to another game to take part in that atmosphere once again?
Strides have been made since opening night last year with all of the additions that are mentioned above, but it would be the best place to hold a game if we were able to get that ultimate atmosphere that sports fans desire when they purchase the ticket. Players will also feel the effects of added atmosphere. Ask any player that has played in the USHL and I am sure they would tell you that the places that they had the most fun playing in, was the facilities that had the best atmosphere. Let's make the Urban Plains Center the best place to watch/play a game in.
Rumor is that the Fargo Force and the Urban Plains Center might be putting on a Fargo Force Pond Hockey Tournament on New Year's Eve, before the Force play later in the evening. Games would be played on the pond directly east of the Urban Plains Center. I am sure there will be more news to come soon, if it all works out as planned.
The Urban Plains Center officially has a paved parking lot. There will be 525 paved parking spots available for this weekend. This has been the biggest operational hurdle in Fargo's short two year existance. On-site parking will make for a better Fargo Force fan experience for all.
Now let's all get going to the games and supporting the Fargo Force...no more mud!
The Fargo Force will begin their 2009-10 season, Friday, October 2, at 7:35 at the Urban Plains Center in Fargo, ND. The Force will be looking to improve upon the successful Clark Cup Finals runner-up season they had last year.
The Force have sixteen players committed to NCAA Division 1 programs. The most hype has been produced by USA U18 Select Team players, Cody Campbell (goaltender, committed to UNH) and Colten St. Clair (forward, committed to UND). Force players Matt Leitner, Corey Leivermann and Chase Grant are headed to MSU-Mankato. Nate Schmidt and Nate Condon will be playing in the WCHA for Minnesota. Joey Benik and Nick Oliver will be going to St. Cloud State. Cole Gunner and Joe Rehkamp will be attending Air Force Academy. Eamonn McDermott is going back to his home state to play for Colorado College. Gavin Hartzog will be playing collegiate hockey for Wisconsin. Blake Doerring will travel far to play for Vermont. Alex Lippincott is set to play for Ohio State and Chris Stafne will play for UMD.
The expectations are high for the Fargo Force, returning 14 players from the team that took them to the Clark Cup Finals. The biggest hole to fill has probably been the goaltender position with USHL Goaltender of the Year, Mike Lee, heading to St. Cloud State. Lee was also drafted in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. Cody Campbell proved that he could be a solid backup last year, filling in for Mike Lee nicely. Campbell is expected to carry much of the load for the Force this year.
Stay tuned!
