You mention your benefits getting slashed, but what specifically? I'm getting more food/bev than previous years for renewing early and the perks program offered me more benefits that I actually got to select myself.
In terms of atmosphere, I doubt the Devils Dancers would be pumping the crowd up much. And people complained to no end about the Diablos even though they brought noise to an otherwise quiet building. The team is allowing the You Suck vuvuzela, so no one can honestly complain that it's gone, when really they could easily ban the damn horn if they wanted to... What gets the atmosphere back to what we're used to is a team as successful as what we've been used to. Last night, the arena was fairly dead until that first goal. The crowd got way more into it, and after the second goal it was practically game 6 of a playoff series. There's nothing anyone, other than the team on the ice, can do to replicate that without a winning and exciting team.
Trekkie, you are the perfect example of how "winning makes the burgers taste better". The STH experience was garbage until Eric came here in 2010, but no one cared that much because we didn't know any better and the team was winning.
First, I miss Eric.
First slash: When renewing my account, I would select "upgrade 4 games" This would get me 4 tickets into the ice/fire lounge. Last season, they changed it where I had to pay in full to get it. Remember, no more free food in lounges. This benefit looks like it is gone (I didn't see it in my renewal).
Second slash: Opportunity at the best rewards/prizes. Before the points system, I had a 1% chance to get a suite for a game. Since I'm at 13 years, I have a lot of people picking in front of me, thus removing any opportunity of having a suite.
Third slash: I am a gold circle member. All team signings were exclusive to me at the meadowlands. At the Rock, they became exclusive to me and club seats. Then under Eric, they opened it up to everyone, but limited how many player events people could select (I had every event being a gold member). I honestly didn't mind, I felt it was good for the fan base. BUT now I have to use points for events that I am contractually guaranteed access to AND everyone can go to every event, that it has now overcrowded them.
Fourth slash: Ice cream suite. It used to be held in suite 233 (or 234), in a double wide suite designed for 40 people. Rarely, would the suite be jammed packed. Now they moved it to a 16 person suite, that seems like they overbook for every game. The one time I was in there, they had put 30 people into a 16 person suite. Now due to me having the ice cream suite (or when I'm upgraded), I always give my reps my tickets so they can upgrade someone from the 200's to downstairs tickets. I ended up having to sneak back down to my seats (I sat right in front of them). On a side note, if I can't make a game due to weather, I will email my rep and tell them to print my tickets and upgrade someone for the evening.
5th Slash: In-game presentation. I can't speak for others, but my normal work week is 60 hours. I go to have fun. I'm not paying $10k+ per season to strictly watch hockey. If that were the case, I'd just go watch the local high school team. But I go for fun. And yes, I can admit, in years past, I'd still have fun when they lose. Here's a list of fun things that have been removed: Goal song, dancers, Happy gilmore video, Tony soprano video, David buddy video, Kevin Smith video, Danny Devito video, Beatles night, original ending to kiss cam where it shows opposing team's fan seating by themselves, fan no longer selected to open up game with let's go devils chant (I was actually the first one when they implemented it), NJ-opposing team location where we get to cheer and boo, Birthday list is no longer one name at a time (now it's just a list), score-o (these races are minor league garbage). The real sad thing, this is so easy to correct. A lot of what I listed, is what added to the atmosphere at the rock. When talking to many different fans, the general consensus I get back is that something is missing when going to the games.
6th slash: This can probably be combined with slash #5, but de-deviling the arena. What do I mean by this? Pictures of the NJ Devils have been taken down this season, all in the name of showing that this arena caters to concerts as well. I doubt Bruce Springsteen cares if his picture is on one of the pillars at the Rock, I highly doubt that is a consideration if he plays there or not. I LOVED when I went to concerts before this season, and everywhere you looked it was NJ Devils everywhere. I always felt it was their best advertisement.
7th slash: The word no. Every time I have asked my rep for something extra, the answer has been no. what boils my blood about this, is that I spend $10k+ on my season package, plus the several thousand more on extra tickets, and several nights during the season I let them use my tickets to upgrade people. No offense to anyone else, but I do feel like the season ticket holder that needs to be duplicated.
8th Slash: Goal Bar. For concerts and shows, the goal bar was exclusive only for season ticket holders of the Devils (unless it was someone like the Stones playing). Now that they are being converted to mini-suites, we lose out on that benefit.
Overall, I feel like children are running the business side of this team. Prior to Hugh Weber, I always felt the attitude of the team is that they were fortunate to have all of their season ticket holders. Didn't matter if the plan was $2k, $5k, $10k, or $20k. Now, it feels like they have the exact same attitude as the Jets, and that is that WE are lucky to be a season ticket holder of theirs. I can't be the only one who felt like part of a family under Vanderbeek and feel like a number under Hugh Weber.
Don't forget, prior to 2010, we still had a great atmosphere in the building. The benefits side was lacking for the fan average fan, that can't be disputed. On a side note, I also have season tickets to the Jets. Until this season they never had a rewards program...theirs, IMO, is just as bad as the Devils. I'm a big fan of the benefits system Eric put into place. I hate what was implemented this season. From people I have spoken to, seems like anyone who wasn't a day 1 selector hates it as well.
Seems like a weird comparison to make.
