As most of you are no doubt aware Lions' President Dennis Skulsky co-hosted on Team 1040 with Matt Sekeres today for two hours in his third annual instalment to 1040's Presidents' Week series. The podcast audio can be found here:
https://soundcloud.com/sekeres-and-pric ... 0th-hour-2 (1st hour, 11am)
https://soundcloud.com/sekeres-and-pric ... 0th-hour-3 (2nd hour, noon)
I listened live and took some notes on the highlights as per below the posts below. I decided to break things up with one post per segment to better facilitate any further discussion. I wrote these somewhat quickly as I was listening so please keep in mind remarks attributed to various individuals are only paraphrases and may not necessarily reflect the tone with which they were made (doubly so since this is a written recap where it's hard to capture tone in the first place!). Since I spent a bit of time on this, with only one exception I won’t be offering any response here to any of what was said at the moment... maybe a little later.
Skulsky episode of 2014 Presidents' Week Series on Team Radi
Moderator: Team Captains
Last edited by sj-roc on Wed Jul 30, 2014 2:14 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 1, intro, Matt Sekeres & Dennis Skulsky
DS just came from a CFL BOG conference call so MS asks him about what was covered in the call: Bills in Toronto, efficacy of new PI rule.
DS’s thoughts on having Ottawa back in the league: has full confidence in their ownership group. Lauded their diligence in making it all happen.
MS laments the Wpg game outcome. DS: we weren’t ready to play. Too many turnovers, penalties; not enough discipline. We have some work to do but we can play well in Cgy.
MS: revival of fortunes in Edm & Wpg is good for the league. DS agrees but would selfishly want BC above them in standings.
MS: Edm is a great sports town for any sports event. DS agrees but also sticks up for Vancouver.
MS: CFL has an east/west imbalance. DS: it’s still early in the season and east has more QB instability so far.
DS just came from a CFL BOG conference call so MS asks him about what was covered in the call: Bills in Toronto, efficacy of new PI rule.
DS’s thoughts on having Ottawa back in the league: has full confidence in their ownership group. Lauded their diligence in making it all happen.
MS laments the Wpg game outcome. DS: we weren’t ready to play. Too many turnovers, penalties; not enough discipline. We have some work to do but we can play well in Cgy.
MS: revival of fortunes in Edm & Wpg is good for the league. DS agrees but would selfishly want BC above them in standings.
MS: Edm is a great sports town for any sports event. DS agrees but also sticks up for Vancouver.
MS: CFL has an east/west imbalance. DS: it’s still early in the season and east has more QB instability so far.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 2, Tell Me I’m Wrong
MS teases two breaking news developments, one “huge”, from the Lions to be announced at noon.
TMIW: MS: Is the rest of the team playing too tentative in TL’s absence, waiting for his return? DS: Kevin Glenn has had to deal with some challenges as a Lion, new OC, new teammates, etc. He’ll bounce back in Cgy.
TMIW: DS: Everyone should take in at least one GC. MS gushes about the greatness of GC week as the ultimate expression of Canadiana.
TMIW: Emailer: Bills in Toronto is less likely with SkyDome soon to go baseball-only. DS: TO is a long shot for a NFL team. They need a new stadium and there are other US cities ahead of them in line.
Listener tweet: BC Lions should emulate Seahawks 12th Man concept. DS: we’re working on that and also invite fans to suggest related ideas.
MS teases two breaking news developments, one “huge”, from the Lions to be announced at noon.
TMIW: MS: Is the rest of the team playing too tentative in TL’s absence, waiting for his return? DS: Kevin Glenn has had to deal with some challenges as a Lion, new OC, new teammates, etc. He’ll bounce back in Cgy.
TMIW: DS: Everyone should take in at least one GC. MS gushes about the greatness of GC week as the ultimate expression of Canadiana.
TMIW: Emailer: Bills in Toronto is less likely with SkyDome soon to go baseball-only. DS: TO is a long shot for a NFL team. They need a new stadium and there are other US cities ahead of them in line.
Listener tweet: BC Lions should emulate Seahawks 12th Man concept. DS: we’re working on that and also invite fans to suggest related ideas.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 3, MS & DS:
MS grouses about Geroy Simon working in Ssk. DS: Surprised by level of his visibility in their organisation. Puzzling they don’t use their own heroes for that stuff.
MS: The team drew more fans under Bob Ackles. You’re no Bob Ackles. DS: true, he was one of a kind. I’ve never tried to fill his shoes. He and I had/have different professional backgrounds and networks. We were very fortunate to have him while he was here.
MS: Where should new TSN monies be invested by the teams? DS: Many areas can be served better. E.g., using chartered flights for road trips, investment in technology for better coaching, team facilities. MS wants to see nurturing of young business ops talent, Neil McEvoy & Kyle Walters types.
MS: Is it time to upgrade the Surrey practice facility to keep up with the rest of the league? DS: it’s a constantly ongoing process to improve it. A new facility is a possibility, requires some co-operation with City of Surrey.
MS grouses about Geroy Simon working in Ssk. DS: Surprised by level of his visibility in their organisation. Puzzling they don’t use their own heroes for that stuff.
MS: The team drew more fans under Bob Ackles. You’re no Bob Ackles. DS: true, he was one of a kind. I’ve never tried to fill his shoes. He and I had/have different professional backgrounds and networks. We were very fortunate to have him while he was here.
MS: Where should new TSN monies be invested by the teams? DS: Many areas can be served better. E.g., using chartered flights for road trips, investment in technology for better coaching, team facilities. MS wants to see nurturing of young business ops talent, Neil McEvoy & Kyle Walters types.
MS: Is it time to upgrade the Surrey practice facility to keep up with the rest of the league? DS: it’s a constantly ongoing process to improve it. A new facility is a possibility, requires some co-operation with City of Surrey.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 4, Hashtags
This is a short segment with little CFL content, except:
DS trumpets CFL naming Andrew Harris as player of month. He’s playing with purpose. MS traces his ascendancy from when he started playing junior on the island to CFL starter.
This is a short segment with little CFL content, except:
DS trumpets CFL naming Andrew Harris as player of month. He’s playing with purpose. MS traces his ascendancy from when he started playing junior on the island to CFL starter.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 5
DS makes the “huge” announcement: We will officially retire the numbers of Brent Johnson (97) and Jamie Taras (60). Brent Johnson in on the phone for his reaction. BJ: totally honoured. Said all the right things.
DS: There will be a ceremony at an upcoming game tied to this announcement.
sj-roc comment: WADR to Johnson & Taras, great players they were, this is totally underwhelming given the way MS teased it. It’s basically just admitting they didn’t handle their initial RoH inductions properly in the first place. TBH, with football rosters constantly growing and with only so many uniform numbers to go around, I’d just as soon see things done the way it first was with BJ & JT, i.e., all numbers should be merely honoured rather than retired outright.
DS makes the “huge” announcement: We will officially retire the numbers of Brent Johnson (97) and Jamie Taras (60). Brent Johnson in on the phone for his reaction. BJ: totally honoured. Said all the right things.
DS: There will be a ceremony at an upcoming game tied to this announcement.
sj-roc comment: WADR to Johnson & Taras, great players they were, this is totally underwhelming given the way MS teased it. It’s basically just admitting they didn’t handle their initial RoH inductions properly in the first place. TBH, with football rosters constantly growing and with only so many uniform numbers to go around, I’d just as soon see things done the way it first was with BJ & JT, i.e., all numbers should be merely honoured rather than retired outright.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 6, questions from listeners
Caller Chris in Kits: why weren’t BJ & JT #’s already retired. DS: an oversight. Chris: voiced attendance concerns. Thinks lower-bowl-only is the way to go for at least pre-LD. DS: Lower bowl isn’t enough seats. We don’t want to turn fans away. Fans tell me leave upper deck open.
MS points out the paradox of smaller crowds for Whitecaps but BC Lions have the perception problem.
DS: We only open a small part of the upper deck but have opened extra space up there for the Ssk game on Aug 24th.
Caller Rob in Vancouver: (1) how soon will CFL expand in maritimes? (2) next gunmetal grey jersey game? DS: (1) That needs passion from local interests to get it off the ground and done right. (2) Answer will come later (related to 2nd announcement).
Caller Jazzy: asked about players getting out in community. DS: we get them out in schools and many other places. Sometimes the players get an honorarium for these appearances to recognise their commitment. Many players also volunteer on their own.
Caller Chris in Kits: why weren’t BJ & JT #’s already retired. DS: an oversight. Chris: voiced attendance concerns. Thinks lower-bowl-only is the way to go for at least pre-LD. DS: Lower bowl isn’t enough seats. We don’t want to turn fans away. Fans tell me leave upper deck open.
MS points out the paradox of smaller crowds for Whitecaps but BC Lions have the perception problem.
DS: We only open a small part of the upper deck but have opened extra space up there for the Ssk game on Aug 24th.
Caller Rob in Vancouver: (1) how soon will CFL expand in maritimes? (2) next gunmetal grey jersey game? DS: (1) That needs passion from local interests to get it off the ground and done right. (2) Answer will come later (related to 2nd announcement).
Caller Jazzy: asked about players getting out in community. DS: we get them out in schools and many other places. Sometimes the players get an honorarium for these appearances to recognise their commitment. Many players also volunteer on their own.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 7, more questions from listeners
Caller Keith in Coq: asked about swag, lunch boxes, etc, used to see more of it in the past in his schooldays in the last few years, any more to come? DS: Only a small percent of fans is into this stuff, but we should revisit it as a way to attract young fans and turn them into hardcores. He also pointed out good TV ratings for the Lions and social media initiatives.
Rod in Van: Do early game starts attract island & interior fans at the expense of even more local fans who don’t go for afternoon events? DS: caller is right, but we also have our TV obligations to worry about in timing of games.
Caller Ken: Why don’t all CFL games go on Wed & Thu to avoid competition with weekend events? DS: our fan base would not respond to that. We’re a Fri & Sat market, esp Sat. Besides, CFL games rule the weekend sports TV ratings.
Caller Carl: concerned about GC tix cost, almost same as ST’s. Onfield product has been subpar so far this year. Game pace is too slow at the stadium, almost 3-1/2 hrs at times. Matt: GC is a premium event, that’s how it goes. DS on other two points: agreed, these came up at the BOG call today. Invited caller to email him his concerns to continue conversation off-air.
Caller Keith in Coq: asked about swag, lunch boxes, etc, used to see more of it in the past in his schooldays in the last few years, any more to come? DS: Only a small percent of fans is into this stuff, but we should revisit it as a way to attract young fans and turn them into hardcores. He also pointed out good TV ratings for the Lions and social media initiatives.
Rod in Van: Do early game starts attract island & interior fans at the expense of even more local fans who don’t go for afternoon events? DS: caller is right, but we also have our TV obligations to worry about in timing of games.
Caller Ken: Why don’t all CFL games go on Wed & Thu to avoid competition with weekend events? DS: our fan base would not respond to that. We’re a Fri & Sat market, esp Sat. Besides, CFL games rule the weekend sports TV ratings.
Caller Carl: concerned about GC tix cost, almost same as ST’s. Onfield product has been subpar so far this year. Game pace is too slow at the stadium, almost 3-1/2 hrs at times. Matt: GC is a premium event, that’s how it goes. DS on other two points: agreed, these came up at the BOG call today. Invited caller to email him his concerns to continue conversation off-air.
Last edited by sj-roc on Wed Jul 30, 2014 1:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
SEGMENT 8, FINAL SEGMENT
DS makes another announcement: Lions will wear gunmetal grey jerseys on the road for the first time in Toronto on Aug 17, then again back here vs Ssk on Aug 24. We’ve tweaked them to make the numbers easier to discern.
Listener tweet: can the team do anything to help promote the tailgating culture immediately outside the stadium? DS: we’re limited by liquor laws and lack of control of the property. Possibility of a beer garden at the Lions street party.
Listener: will Angus Reid get his # retired? DS: have to wait and see on that one.
MS: how much do the local sports teams communicate with each other? DS: we’re on good terms and communicate regularly with Canucks & Whitecaps, and other teams as required.
Jason in Bby: used to get discounted 7-11 tickets in pairs, can we get it back? DS: touted the $30 all-in tickets and the gemstone deck.
Closing comments: DS voiced confidence in the financial health of the team, thanked the fans for their patronage.
DS makes another announcement: Lions will wear gunmetal grey jerseys on the road for the first time in Toronto on Aug 17, then again back here vs Ssk on Aug 24. We’ve tweaked them to make the numbers easier to discern.
Listener tweet: can the team do anything to help promote the tailgating culture immediately outside the stadium? DS: we’re limited by liquor laws and lack of control of the property. Possibility of a beer garden at the Lions street party.
Listener: will Angus Reid get his # retired? DS: have to wait and see on that one.
MS: how much do the local sports teams communicate with each other? DS: we’re on good terms and communicate regularly with Canucks & Whitecaps, and other teams as required.
Jason in Bby: used to get discounted 7-11 tickets in pairs, can we get it back? DS: touted the $30 all-in tickets and the gemstone deck.
Closing comments: DS voiced confidence in the financial health of the team, thanked the fans for their patronage.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
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TheLionKing
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Excellent summary sj-roc. Caught the last segment.
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Toppy Vann
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I also read in the paper that Dennis says the Lions won't take the Whitecaps lead and segment a smaller stadium allowing few walkups.
"Ability without character will lose." - Marv Levy
Great synopsis, sj-roc. I listened to most of the program. I was encouraged that Skulsky recognizes that fans prefer Saturday night games. He said Saturday afternoons help attract fans from the Island and Interior but they don't draw as well. He also acknowledged that summer is a tougher time to sell tickets, although I don't know if anyone asked why the Lions schedule five home games and four road games before Labour Day every year and four home games and five road games after Labour Day.
In acknowledging the legacy of Bob Ackles, Skulsky said Ackles had to rebuild the fan base when he returned, and one of the ways he did it was to give out free and discounted tickets. There's not as much of that now. He said ticket revenue, along with other sources of revenue, are higher now.
In acknowledging the legacy of Bob Ackles, Skulsky said Ackles had to rebuild the fan base when he returned, and one of the ways he did it was to give out free and discounted tickets. There's not as much of that now. He said ticket revenue, along with other sources of revenue, are higher now.
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SammyGreene
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Great job here sj-roc. Skulsky is a polished businessman and passionate about the Lions/CFL which came across in the 2 hour segment and also when I have talked to him on the Operation Orange trips.
As club president and at this early stage of the season, the last thing he is going to do is express a lot a concern and disappointment about the attendance thus far but instead keep pointing out the positives — large TV audiences, excellent corporate sponsorship, healthy bottom line. That's the image and perception of the club he wants out there.
I thought of all the calls, Carl brought up the best points from the costs of Grey Cup tickets( equal to the cost of his season tickets), the games taking too long and the on field product not being good enough so far. As you said, his points hit home with Skulsky who told him to email to discuss further (perhaps sensing these are the kind of ST holders they have been losing).
You sense the Lions are putting a lot of stock in the Riders Aug. 24 visit being the launching pad for bigger crowds the rest of the season which means they are also writing off the Aug. 8 Hamilton visit too. From the opening of additional sections to the 3rd jersey season home debut. Just hope it's not the same result as last October when the Lions were dominated by the Riders in the gun metal blacks — squashing their home playoff game hopes.
And agree the "big announcement" was overhyped to say the least, not that's not deserving for either of them. But haven't those numbers not been in circulation recently anyways?
As club president and at this early stage of the season, the last thing he is going to do is express a lot a concern and disappointment about the attendance thus far but instead keep pointing out the positives — large TV audiences, excellent corporate sponsorship, healthy bottom line. That's the image and perception of the club he wants out there.
I thought of all the calls, Carl brought up the best points from the costs of Grey Cup tickets( equal to the cost of his season tickets), the games taking too long and the on field product not being good enough so far. As you said, his points hit home with Skulsky who told him to email to discuss further (perhaps sensing these are the kind of ST holders they have been losing).
You sense the Lions are putting a lot of stock in the Riders Aug. 24 visit being the launching pad for bigger crowds the rest of the season which means they are also writing off the Aug. 8 Hamilton visit too. From the opening of additional sections to the 3rd jersey season home debut. Just hope it's not the same result as last October when the Lions were dominated by the Riders in the gun metal blacks — squashing their home playoff game hopes.
And agree the "big announcement" was overhyped to say the least, not that's not deserving for either of them. But haven't those numbers not been in circulation recently anyways?
Kato has kept No. 97 out of circulation but No. 60 has been given out to an international OT at training camp each year. Rico Forbes had it this year, Tavaris Jeffries last year and Jordan Mudge in 2012. I don't know if any of those players made it to a regular season game.SammyGreene wrote:And agree the "big announcement" was overhyped to say the least, not that's not deserving for either of them. But haven't those numbers not been in circulation recently anyways?