Saginaw Questions

[spiritguy80]

My new wive and I are beginning our tour of OHL rinks this weekend when we make our first trip to Saginaw for the Spirit's home opener on Saturday night (September 20). I have a couple of questions if a few of you wouldn't mind helping me out with some answers:

1. I have advertised the features of "movie theater-style chairs" to my wife as well as a great arena atmosphere and good food. Now, we're currently 5 minutes from an AHL arena (the Grand Rapids Griffins) where we have padded seats. So, are the seats really that great, or would they only be an upgrade for a longtime OHL fan who has only ever known seating to be wooden benches?

2. Plainly put, how dangerous is Saginaw? I mean, if we go, are we going into a REALLY bad locale or was it really bad but is now not nearly as bad as it once was?

3. How does the Spirit do attendence-wise? Should I order my tickets right away or is it definitely going to be far from sold out?

4. Will there be a place that I can buy a Spirit jersey during the game?

Any responses/answers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[mccartystillsuxs]

Just my thoughts on some of this...

I have no complaints about the seats..

Safety is another thing though. Try to get there during the day light hours and leave after the game.. You won't have to worry about the sidewalks and parking lots being icy because it's still nice here..

I wouldn't worry about sell outs unless there is a special event going on that night, however its always better to get them ahead of time.

Order a jersey on-line, it pretty easy, and that way you have more beer money at the game...

[SaginawGensFan]

Well, first of all, our home opener is Wednesday (vs. London), not Saturday. Saturday is game #2.

1) The seats are pretty comfy!!! THICK padded seats, at least in the Upper & Lower levels. The Executive level is still padded, but not as thick.

2) Safety-wise, there is good police presence downtown during games. Park in the parking ramp directly across the street from the arena, or in the lots right out in front of the arena & you will be perfectly safe. I would stay at a place like the Sheraton out in the Bay Rd./Tittabawasse Rd. area - there is everything you need out there. Plenty of food choices, mall & other shopping. It's right off of I-675 & pretty safe out there. You can just jump on I-675 from there & go South right to the exit at the arena & drive right in to the parking lots or ramp. Not really a safety issue. When we go, we park a block or two away & usually feel pretty safe, especially when leaving with the crowd. Never had a problem there myself, & I have been going to games there since I was a kid in the 70's.

3) The game should be close to a sell out, I wouldn't chance it - order tickets in advance, but go through www.saginawspirit.com, not TicketBastard. TicketBastard really kills you on fees!

4) You will absolutely be able to buy a jersey at the game - they have several merchandise stands throughout the outer area of the arena. Your other option is to come into town early & head out to the Spirit Store on State Street (a pretty safe area).

Hope that helps.

[donjohnson]

Sept 14, 2008 18:49:10 GMT -5 mccartystillsuxs said:

You won't have to worry about the sidewalks and parking lots being icy because it's still nice here..

where the heck did this come from??? The guy didn't ask it and it's the second week of September...i don't even think it's cold in Canada yet

[spiritfan8]

Just to add to the safety thing--I usually end up attending several games a season by myself. I usually park either on the street or in the bank lot a couple of blocks south of the arena. Never had any problem whatsoever.
Glad to hear a Griffins' fan is coming--my son works for them. And of course all Spirit fans are hoping that Jan Mursak, former Spirit and current Wing draft pick, will be an outstanding addition to the Griffs this season.

[spiritguy80]

Thanks for all the helpful responses! I can't wait to get there on Saturday and see the Spirit take it to the Spits!