Bahamut

Jamal Craffitt. He'll put up impressive nimbers.

I remember mentioning Chillz a few weeks back, so you all can blame this one on me. My bad, bros.

It would make sense for them, but it sucks for us. There was practically nothing on last night besides a game on ESPN, and local sports fans could have stumbled upon this great Hawks game by chance and given the hometeam a second look. As far as price, which isn't the only factor as you said, the Hawks should have flexible pricing like the Braves (f*ck them, btw) used last year. That way, less compelling matchups would simply cost less from the start. Tickets in my usual seat were nearly half-price for games vs. weak baseball teams. Since I tend to prefer Hawks games against no-name teams just to avoid the bandwagoners/hipsters/nuthuggers, I'd get to many more games if these matchups had their prices slashed. I paid $90 each for the homeopener against the Raptors, and based on the prices, I may not get to another game this season (unless I make it to London). Speaking of the Raptors, I made it to a Raptors-Nuggets game while I was in Toronto for Falcons-Bills, and it was a great crowd for a Sunday afternoon (the Maple Leafs had a road game the night before and weren't in town). In some towns, having a popular team, or a winning team (even if it was decades ago), is enough to win and maintain enough goodwill with the fanbase. Moral victories like taking big name teams to 7 games and playoff berths (when half of the NBA makes the playoffs) doesn't amount to much in a town with one title in 50 years and 1,000's of options any night of the week, especially during the holidays. Whether a factor is an excuse or a solid explanation is simply a matter of whether it supports or undermines your point of view. I know Atlantans aren't bad sports because I am an Atlantan and actually know Atlantans, unlike almost everyone that I hear bashing our fans, and that includes many people that call themselves "Atlantans."

I used to work in Charlotte, and the area around the train terminal (i.e. directly across the street from TWC Arena) was full of panhandlers. I saw panhandlers all around E. Trade, in fact.

Solid post on all accounts. And A$G used the same lazy argument to cover their asses when they sold the Thrashers. People that live here use that same lazy argument, especially in sports media. The party-town factor is something that only people who live here (and intown) would fully understand about Atlanta. Plus, in today's NBA, it's all about stars to generate walk-up fan interest. "Just being a fan of basketball" is more of a Midwest/New England/blue-collar thing, especially in cities that have sniffed the Eastern Conference Finals, well, ever.

I read the game summary this morning and was furious. What was broadcast instead on our TWO regional sports networks? Men's and women's college bball, and not even any local teams. Unreal.

Another great game that wasn't broadcast. According to the paper schedule, it'll be the last untelevised game this season at least. I tried listening to the game on 92.9's website, but their two links were to sports talk and a V-103 broadcast. What the hell?

I see your Iron Giant and raise you one BIG O!!!

I see your Omer Asik and raise you one Iron Shiek:

Elton Brand is DA FUTURE!!!

Bye, Jeff.

Is he related to Keith Brookings?

Post of the Year.

I've taken plenty of girls to Philips, including to Thrashers games years ago, but I've never been to RED. We need more and better restaurants around Philips, although Luckie-Marietta is getting better. A real pizzeria would be nice. Also, SkyView Atlanta seems to be a romantic spot before a game, and they have Christmas lights and ice skating at Centennial Olympic Park right now.

Holy Thread Necromancy, Batman!!!

Sports ownership is still predominantly white.

I see what you did there!

Budz: "Is that guy in the blue shirt still behind me? Maybe if I stand real still... There, I'm invisible!"

Cal Ripken, Jr. Yeah, unless you're winning, who cares if you dressed out.

That's a hard act to follow. Damn, you raised the bar high!

Glad to see a much better online shop now. I wish they'd bring back those yellow authentic jerseys from 2005 or so while they're at it.

Hawks will win by 4. Take it to the bank.

Good timing! We need him! Too bad the damn game won't be televised locally!!