The Omaha Supernovas (Pro Volleyball)

[Greg S]

Anyone know how the ticket sales are going?

[nebugeater]

Anyone know how the ticket sales are going?

In a replay of an interview from, I believe, yesterday on KFAB that I heard this morning, the ticket numbers were mentioned.

The person from the team said that they were around 4000 in season ticket sales. They also said for tonight's Season, League, and first ever pro volleyball federation match they are at around 11,000 tickets sold.

[nebugeater]

News Channel Nebraska will be televising the first match tonight.

It should be available on cable systems that carry it along with streaming. They state that streaming will be free for this.


https://metro.newschannelnebraska.com/s ... ibe-ncn-tv


https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/

[Greg S]

Anyone know how the ticket sales are going?

In a replay of an interview from, I believe, yesterday on KFAB that I heard this morning, the ticket numbers were mentioned.

The person from the team said that they were around 4000 in season ticket sales. They also said for tonight's Season, League, and first ever pro volleyball federation match they are at around 11,000 tickets sold.

Sharp and Handley were talking about this some on my drive in this morning. Not surprisingly, Omaha appears to be the leader in ticket sales. Sounds like they can make a go of it hear with 5k or more for the average. There did seem to be some concern on the league as whole. They mentioned Atlanta as possibly having an uphill battle (not surprised, Atlanta isn't necessarily a great sports town).

Hopefully the league is able to make it. Sport league start ups are always risky.

Greg

[nebugeater]

Anyone know how the ticket sales are going?

In a replay of an interview from, I believe, yesterday on KFAB that I heard this morning, the ticket numbers were mentioned.

The person from the team said that they were around 4000 in season ticket sales. They also said for tonight's Season, League, and first ever pro volleyball federation match they are at around 11,000 tickets sold.

Sharp and Handley were talking about this some on my drive in this morning. Not surprisingly, Omaha appears to be the leader in ticket sales. Sounds like they can make a go of it hear with 5k or more for the average. There did seem to be some concern on the league as whole. They mentioned Atlanta as possibly having an uphill battle (not surprised, Atlanta isn't necessarily a great sports town).

Hopefully the league is able to make it. Sport league start ups are always risky.

Greg

I had heard somewhere early on in the talk of the league that they were funded for 2 -3 years without concern. No idea of the fact or basis of this being true. If it is, that lends well to getting their feet under them to be established.

EDIT: This was in a radio interview with someone involved with the league and not just someone talking in a sports bar.

[Coyote]

[Coyote]

https://www.youtube.com/live/KmOX85g6pt ... 6l_WM4SILO

The attendance of 11,624 tonight is the largest crowd in professional volleyball history in the United States.
Supernovas lose the match 24-26, 23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 13-15.

[nebugeater]

Did anyone go or watch the TV streaming coverage? I had planned to watch it, but life got in the way, and it didn't happen.


Thoughts from anyone that did...

[Coyote]

Inaugural Game for the Omaha Supernovas

[Coyote]

Tom Shatel's Press Box:
Pro Volleyball debuts in Omaha



The Omaha World-Herald's Tom Shatel breaks down the Omaha Supernovas' inaugural game against the Atlanta Vibe and the start of Pro Volleyball in Nebraska.

[omaha79]

The crowd looked awesome for the opening game. I hope they do well. I do have some concerns on the league, as a whole, similar to the Nighthawks/Mammoths situation, but we will see on that. I'm also not a huge fan of the ownership group for Omaha. But, hope they do well. more sports entertainment options are always better.

I could see them selling in the range of about 5-6k a game, at least to start. I do know that the Omaha corporate community has been on board with this and companies have bought season ticket packages.

My biggest concern is the single game cost. I don't know that it's sustainable long term. I was looking at one of the upcoming games, not the opener, and the lowest price for an upper bowl end zone ticket was something like $22. But, after the Ticketmaster convenience fee, facility fee, and sales tax, it almost doubled the ticket cost. The cost of ended up being in the $75 range for a pair. That is not reasonable. That is not sustainable for the long haul. That is nowhere close to in line with other similar sports entertainment options in the metro....and no, I don't consider this on par with something like Creighton basketball. All in, I consider this about a $15-$17 ticket for an upper level seat, not $37. That pricing is a recipe for failure. I assume you can go down to the arena and buy a ticket to eliminate most of those fees, but how many are going to do that?

I was looking at the Feb 3rd & 7th games. With about a week to week and a half remaining to both, a ton of tickets remain. It will still be a decent crowd, but unless they have a massive walkup, I'd see this settling in closer to 5k. Also, many of the seats that are showing sold for those matches are in the club areas and corporate sections. So, I wonder when they are saying they have 4k season tickets sold if they are including those in the club which I thought were more personal seat licenses. Could be some fuzzy math on that.

I do wish them well. I don't want to rain on their parade, but the pricing and business model leave me in a to be determined mode on this.

[Greg S]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

And, from what I've always read, the WNBA still has never made a profit and relies on massive subsidies from the NBA to stay in business. They would have folded multiple times without the NBA keeping them alive and helping them with ESPN tv deals, etc. I've heard the women's pro soccer league also requires subsidies from USA soccer. Does this league have any of that? I'm not sure. I'd love to see a world where there would be enough interest for women's leagues to survive on their own merit, pay players a living wage, and make a profit....but, we may be decades and even generations from that truly coming to fruition, if ever.

[ricko]

Did anyone here go? Lots of negative doom and gloom about the league’s prospects, but no support from you guys.

[omaha79]

Did anyone here go? Lots of negative doom and gloom about the league’s prospects, but no support from you guys.

I'd go, but not for $75 for a pair. That's just well beyond my interest level in this.

For me, this is about a $10-15 ticket investment. Beyond that, I'm more inclined to just put my resources in the things I know I enjoy like Union Omaha, UNO basketball/hockey, and Storm Chasers.

At some point, the market dictates and even if I like the idea of something, I have to vote with my wallet if the prices are out of line with the marketplace.

[ricko]

I don’t think $75 a pair is a lot for a pro level team. This isn’t college level. Most of you would drop more than that for a night out for two, so I’m not buying that argument.

[skinzfan23]

$75 is pretty steep for this. If we were talking NBA or NFL that would be relatively cheap, but for an unproven professional volleyball league, that is out of the price point for most in Omaha. Like mentioned above, I would say that Creighton is the premier ticket in town for sports and you can get into any game for usually $20-30.

As a side note, you can buy tickets at the box office and avoid the ticketmaster fees (the only fees will be the facility fees) We went to Monster Jam and the tickets were almost double through ticketmaster from what we paid at the box office.

[omaha79]

I don’t think $75 a pair is a lot for a pro level team. This isn’t college level. Most of you would drop more than that for a night out for two, so I’m not buying that argument.

What are you comparing as "pro"? If you are trying to put this on the level of the NFL, NBA, NHL or even MLS because it's the top level of the sport in the US, I'm can't buy into that line of thinking. Yes, I'd pay $75 each even for a ticket to one of those leagues, maybe more, but they have a pedigree and are accepted as truly major professional sports.

This is niche and in the minds of the public more on par with minor league sports. This is on par with Union Omaha which is professional and I can walk in there for $17 and with fees about $20. This is on par with the Omaha Storm Chasers and I can get in there for about $13 with fees.

And yes, I will regularly spend more than $75 for a night out for two. But, right now, I just don't see the value in this in terms of sports entertainment compared to what I can already get in the marketplace with Union, UNO, and Storm Chasers at the pro level. I have a different threshold for a nice meal vs. sporting entertainment which is closer to being on par with a night at the movies to me.

And, ultimately, if we are talking just volleyball, I'm happier just buying a ticket to UNO volleyball at Baxter for a fraction of the price and supporting my alma mater. And, that program won their league and went to the NCAA tournament. So, unless you are really invested in pro volleyball, there are better values in the city between Creighton and UNO for the sport than spending this much on the Supernovas.

[Louie]

I don't think we're doom and gloom here, I think we all just don't see the Nebraska volleyball fandom translating directly to this league 1:1. Happy to be wrong, and I am not their demo by any stretch.

[skinzfan23]

Yah that is a good way to put it. I see this as a minor league sport. No tv deal, very little following except for the home team market.

[omaha79]

Yah that is a good way to put it. I see this as a minor league sport. No tv deal, very little following except for the home team market.

Honestly, at this point, Union Omaha even has a leg up as their games have been seen, since inception, on ESPN Plus. That will change a bit with the new USL deal with CBS sports, but the fact is that you can watch that on television. Still, Union is a minor league team with or without a TV deal. Even if the Supernovas end up on a streaming platform, I'll still consider them a professional minor league entity. I look at the WNBA the same way, but maybe a half step above as they can at least piggyback off the NBA name, but does anyone consider the WNBA on par with the big 4 in the USA or even MLS? And, they have 20 plus years behind them. I don't really see the WNBA much differently than the G League in terms of mainstream interest.

[Greg S]

Abby Barmore, how covered the match for on3.com (Huskers Online) stated that the break even attendance mark for the Supernovas is 12k.


Greg

[Louie]

Abby Barmore, how covered the match for on3.com (Huskers Online) stated that the break even attendance mark for the Supernovas is 12k.


Greg

12k for each game?

[skinzfan23]

If that’s true, it ain’t gunna happen.

[Louie]

If that’s true, it ain’t gunna happen.

Yeah, that is not going to happen at all. The huskers average like 8-9k per home game and thats about as fervent as any college fanbase in the US.

[omaha79]

Abby Barmore, how covered the match for on3.com (Huskers Online) stated that the break even attendance mark for the Supernovas is 12k.


Greg

That will never happen. Where was that stated?

[Greg S]

Abby Barmore, how covered the match for on3.com (Huskers Online) stated that the break even attendance mark for the Supernovas is 12k.


Greg

That will never happen. Where was that stated?

In the article she wrote on the on3.com website. Someone posted part of it in the college volleyball group I am in.

[nebugeater]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

[nebugeater]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

I've found the tickets to not be reasonable, at least for single game with the Ticketmaster fees and an over $20 cost for upper bowl, with lower bowl being $30-$60.

[OmahaRedWing]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

I've found the tickets to not be reasonable, at least for single game with the Ticketmaster fees and an over $20 cost for upper bowl, with lower bowl being $30-$60.

Every team locally either uses Ticketmaster or has the fees. I don't remember us ever talking about a team and constantly invoking the fees? Same for concerts?

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

I've found the tickets to not be reasonable, at least for single game with the Ticketmaster fees and an over $20 cost for upper bowl, with lower bowl being $30-$60.

Every team locally either uses Ticketmaster or has the fees. I don't remember us ever talking about a team and constantly invoking the fees? Same for concerts?

Strangely, UNO uses Ticketmaster, but I've never paid a ticket fee. I don't know why, but the price is always the face value only with no other fees beyond it. I can't say if my experience is the same.

I recall the fees for Storm Chasers and Union Omaha with Tickets.com being less than $5 a ticket.

The Supernovas fees are beyond anything I'd call reasonable for a night out. As I mentioned, $22 tickets for a pair, which would be $44 became roughly $75 after fees. That's 70% over the cost of the tickets. That's a different level.

[nebugeater]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

I've found the tickets to not be reasonable, at least for single game with the Ticketmaster fees and an over $20 cost for upper bowl, with lower bowl being $30-$60.

Every team locally either uses Ticketmaster or has the fees. I don't remember us ever talking about a team and constantly invoking the fees? Same for concerts?

Strangely, UNO uses Ticketmaster, but I've never paid a ticket fee. I don't know why, but the price is always the face value only with no other fees beyond it. I can't say if my experience is the same.

I recall the fees for Storm Chasers and Union Omaha with Tickets.com being less than $5 a ticket.

The Supernovas fees are beyond anything I'd call reasonable for a night out. As I mentioned, $22 tickets for a pair, which would be $44 became roughly $75 after fees. That's 70% over the cost of the tickets. That's a different level.

I would hope not since it is not sold out but is there a chance that you are looking at a resellers ticket price that buys and then resells on the Ticketmaster platform? They often look like the originals and end up in the same search results. May even be near the top of the list if sorted by best available.

Really underhanded way for Ticketmaster to make their fees more than once for selling the same tickets

[Coyote]

Omaha Supernovas Make Their Debut In Omaha
Pro Volleyball Federation Inaugural Match



On January 24th, the Pro Volleyball Federation inaugural match was played in Omaha, NE between the Omaha Supernovas and Atlanta Vibe. Hurrdat Sports was there to capture this exciting match.

The Supernovas host the San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024. Get your tickets at http://supernovas.com

[nebugeater]

I saw that their next match is on Youtube.

[omaha79]

Yeah it's going to be interesting to see the crowds going forward. Obviously rent isn't cheap at CHI. There were a bunch of discounts in the weeks leading up to the home opener. Would not surprise me to see some as we get closer to the next home games.

New pro leagues are always a gamble. I know they have stated they have money for 2 years, but I am sure that's based on attendance and financial projections. The WNBA was propped up in it's early years by the NBA. I am hopeful this makes a go of it, as I think it's good for Omaha and especially the area around the CHI, especially the Capital District.

Greg

When this was announced, my immediate thought was, "oh, this feels like a great fit for Ralston Arena or Mid America Center." I was shocked when they announced CHI with all of its 17,000 seats as the landing spot. I also scratched my head and wondered how they would afford the rent there (knowing full well they might get some kind of sweetheart deal on it as the optics of having another tenant for MECA and promoting women's professional sports are a good look).

But, business is still business. If this settles into where I think it lands at about 4k to maybe 5k total attendance, it wouldn't shock me if they moved in a few years to a more "right sized" building like MAC or Ralston. Some might mention Baxter, but I'd have similar concerns on Baxter as those who mention Morrison Stadium for Union Omaha. I'm not sure that UNO would want a tenant due to increased scheduling and changeover and not sure of the tax implications if they ended up with one.

They have stated that season tickets sold are at 4K and that was a few days before the first match

But, will that sustain long term? A bunch of businesses seem to have gotten on early and bought seats. Will that hold for years 2, 3, 4? That's more the question. The Nighthawks proved you can certainly come in and sell a lot of tickets right away for a new offering if it's something that's marketed well, but sustaining is always the harder part. The salaries in this league are on the higher end. The travel costs, being a nationwide league, are likely high. They have rent in the biggest building in the city, which has to be high. I'm inclind to believe they need an average attendance closer to that 12k mark that's been stated, maybe a bit lower, but they will need to build something where it's sustainable.

Look at UNO hockey. In 1997, they sold out the Civic in a couple of days, almost entirely with season ticketholders. That dwindled over the years and by 2001, they had dropped season ticket numbers and were selling single game tickets. They propped up their sellout streak until they moved to Qwest with giveaways and pushing student tickets. Student tickets weren't available until roughly year 4.

The Lancers were the hottest ticket for about a 5 year period, but even in the later AkSarBen days, that number dwindled. Some of that was UNO hockey taking away their monopoly, but some of it was just the newness wearing off and by roughly 1995, tickets were way more accessible than they were a couple years prior.

So, yes, they have 4k season ticketholders now. But, how many single game tickets will they sell game to game after the newness is off and the high ticket prices become apparent? Will they sell 4k season tickets next year or will it drop to 3k? All things to consider. Is there still talk of a 2nd pro volleyball team in Omaha or is that quietly going away? There was an announcement, but nothing since.

I agree with your concern. I have no idea if the numbers will hold, go up, or fall. Since the tickets are reasonable, I also wonder, of the 4K sold, how many will be at most matches.

Another big question is how will the other locations sell. This area is a volleyball hotbed. No matter how well it ends up doing in Omaha, I don't think it is going out on a limb to think this could be the bright spot for attendance. To state the obvious, it is about much more than how Omaha does, and the success of the league will depend on all (or most) of the teams doing well.

I've found the tickets to not be reasonable, at least for single game with the Ticketmaster fees and an over $20 cost for upper bowl, with lower bowl being $30-$60.

Every team locally either uses Ticketmaster or has the fees. I don't remember us ever talking about a team and constantly invoking the fees? Same for concerts?

Strangely, UNO uses Ticketmaster, but I've never paid a ticket fee. I don't know why, but the price is always the face value only with no other fees beyond it. I can't say if my experience is the same.

I recall the fees for Storm Chasers and Union Omaha with Tickets.com being less than $5 a ticket.

The Supernovas fees are beyond anything I'd call reasonable for a night out. As I mentioned, $22 tickets for a pair, which would be $44 became roughly $75 after fees. That's 70% over the cost of the tickets. That's a different level.

I would hope not since it is not sold out but is there a chance that you are looking at a resellers ticket price that buys and then resells on the Ticketmaster platform? They often look like the originals and end up in the same search results. May even be near the top of the list if sorted by best available.

Really underhanded way for Ticketmaster to make their fees more than once for selling the same tickets

They weren't resale tickets. Just take a look at the regular seats on Ticketmaster. The convenience fee is insane. Beyond that, there is tax and a facility fee. I think the $22 ticket for a pair becomes $73.

[Greg S]

So on tickets for UNO and Creighton here's what I found.

Creighton basketball was about the same as the Supernovas. With the three fees tacked on (Service-Facility-Order), 2 $23 tickets (nonresale) the total ended up $71.95. When I checked for 2 Supernovas at $22, they were $71.15.

UNO also put 3 fees onto their tickets, but is a little cheaper (assume that's because they control Baxter, they do still use Ticketmaster) for the total for 2 $23 tickets was $63..00.


Greg

[Coyote]

Supernovas' Shelton Collier full press conference on Feb. 1, 2024