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Fred Windish

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Everything posted by Fred Windish

  1. cowtown, I think you are over oversimplifying the problem (and the solution). Dan Acheson was hired by the top 12 (at that time) DCI directors to carry out the wishes of those same 12 individuals. He's done that, and maybe more. Afterall, it is those same 12 who pay him, and can let him go. He's also a drum corps guy. If those same 12 wanted 2009 DCI Finals held in Iraq, Dan would have worked just as hard as he did for Indy, to make Iraq happen. Let's all calm down. Please.
  2. How 'bout this - All of DCI Championship week in Bloomington, EXCEPT Finals in Indy? There IS something to be said for a Finals event that can't be disrupted by weather conditions. This way, the outdoor venue proponents can see the corps at their best Thursday, Friday (if it doesn't rain) and the corporate, networking types can do their thing in downtown Indy along with any drum corps fans, and locals, who don't see "perfect sound" as the ultimate requirement, above all else. Include live theater telecasts of Finals in both the Indy and Bloomington regions. Something for everyone!
  3. WOW! Let's all take pause from our complaints about Indianapolis (and anything else) to thank our service men and women in Harm's Way now, and before, who STILL hold drum corps as something important in their conscience. Despite where they are and what they face, to these brave soldiers, drum corps remains an important part of their lives. God bless them all! Thanks for your service. See you on the fifty!
  4. Some VERY excellent responses, so far! I'm having second thoughts about using the terms "how bad was it"? Should have used " how good/bad was it", to be fair. I just found all of the past few days' negativity here troubling. Now that it's over, perhaps responses will be a little more predicated with "All things considered . . . ." Besides, can there ever be a perfect location for this event?
  5. Now that some who actually attended Finals in person are waking up, can we get a few comments on this years TOTAL championship experience? For example, did the sound improve with more fans in the stands? Did you feel you paid way to much for your seat location? Did you like the back curtain? Was the temperature inside comfortable, seats wide enough, etc. Did you have enough post-show opportunities to unwind, like adult beverages and food within walking distance? Your overall impression of the Indy downtown, vs. spending your time on a college campus? Most importantly, are you anxious to return next year? Thanks!
  6. To clarify, Based on the information (and inducements) DCI had to consider, I firmly believe DCI made a good decision in choosing Indy. First of all, without ever having held its main event in this dome, DCI couldn't possibly be certain of the sound/viewing conditions. What DCI DID do, is select a "somewhat" central location, a brand new, state of the art facility, a facility that ensures their event can never be rained out. An air-conditioned, comfortable enviornment. DCI also selcted a host city that is regarded as the amateur athletics capital of the world, has more than enough hotel rooms, a clean and compact downtown, and experience hosting the largest spectator event (the 500) in the world. Finally, a city that has plenty of other amusements to keep fans satisfied over multiple visits. For those who complain about the Indy airport, ask the 350,000 fans (from all over the world) who go to the 500 how they manage. I'm saying the sound issue you describe ('m not there) could NOT have been fully anticipated at the time the Indy-hosting agreement was signed. Same for the glass panels. The "Ticketmonster" thing is a requirement outside DCI's control, as are concession prices. As for the roof being closed, I'm thinking DCI and the stadium management thought the large backfield curtain was a key new ingredient. Unfortunately, the curtain can't be used with the roof open. I predict, next year DCI will go without the curtain, with the roof open (weather permitting), and hope for a better in-stadium experience.
  7. You see, geluf. . . your $300 investment is no longer enough to give you DCI Nirvana. I'm sorry it's that way, but accept it for what it is. I did. I went to several DCI Championships over the years, but no more. The product no longer justifies (to me) the investment I once made. Trust me, I can well afford the going rate. I just choose not to continue. You can do that, too. Similarly, I have NO interest in going to a Super Bowl. I could do it financially, but , I choose not to participate. May God bless those who do!
  8. This is all well and good, BUT, do any of us truly believe our unassuming neighbors would get much out of this for their own $30 per person, first view? Don't think so.
  9. This is all very sad to read. Yes, Indianapolis (the city) is an outstanding destination for this event. I'm not there right now for several reasons, but I do go there every year for the Indy 500. Indy IS a city you can go to for several years in a row and still be satisfied. I believe DCI made the right choice. Is this a case of EVERYONE expecting to sit on the 50 yard line, to have no worries?
  10. Bottom line, there IS a process to follow. If you follow it, you' ll be fine. The Allentown/Lehigh Valley is loaded with practice facilities. No corps should expect to arrive here and have the community fall all over them. The greater community has little, to no appreciation for who you are. Why should they? Trust me, if the Allentown committee was aware of the practice needs for any corps, WEEKS IN ADVANCE, they would deliver. Let's no confuse securing overnight housing sites with securing practice fields. TastyWaves, who were the two corps you refer to? I'll investigate and get back to you here with what I find.
  11. Liz, Who, specifically, are you talking about? There might well have been issues over housing, as the Allentown School District has most of its buildings ripped-up in renovation, but I saw MANY adequate fields idle that weekend, each within 5 miles of the stadium. If a certain corps could not find a suitable location, I'm thinking that corps didn't do what it needed to do BEFOREHAND.
  12. MrFun, Actually, the Allentown area has an incredible amount of practice sites, more than DCI would ever need. During the 80's this Allentown DCI event hosted 58 corps, more than the current 21-22. Besides, the recent DCI event here included local housing for just 8-10 corps. But, thanks for your input!
  13. How 'bout a neat and tidy, 5 corps DCA show at J. Birney Crum, at noon, on the Saturday of DCI? With the new field turf, no damage problems. DCA event rain or shine. The DCA event would be pretty much out of there by 2:30pm. Plenty of potential new customers for DCA already in place, plenty of additional DCI ticket buyers (DCA fans and participants in town). Despite what many think, DCI and DCA already work together nicely. A DCA component in Allentown that same weekend could help the bottom line of BOTH organizations. Worth a look!
  14. Drum corps' survival is dependent upon MORE people "jumping out of their seats." It's an entertainment medium, not a science project.
  15. Blue sky over Allentown stadium right now with lots of clear weather (radar images) to the West. Rain should not be a problem whatsoever!
  16. Eric, I really hope your trip to Scranton is problem-free. I also thank you and your organization for "throwing down the gauntlet" and adding so much spark to the DCA circuit. For our Minnesota friends who travel here (and have the time), I suggest you stop by Cooper's Seafood at 701 N. Washington Avenue. It's about 5 blocks south of the stadium. A truly unique restaurant/local museum kind of place offering the best seafood in NE Pennsylvania. Huge selection of beers, a local tradition for many years! Ask to sit in the Old Room. I have no connection to Cooper's other than visiting a couple times per year. Best rice pudding I've ever tasted! Good luck guys and gals!
  17. Before I start, let me say, I once did march with the Reading Buccaneers. Don't know why I need to say that, but I'll play along. On the matter of reviews . . keep them coming! Better still, keep them coming so long as what you write is truly what you saw, what you believe to be true. That has value. Tippy-toeing does not. I would think any performer wants to hear ANY observation. Otherwise, what's the point displaying your talent in public? The reader (performer) needs feedback to maintain their interest and stoke their effort. Drum Corps Planet provides this need to our active participants. Drum Corps Planet needs reviews to spark a desire to visit this site. Let's help Drum Corps Planet maintain its readership by welcoming ALL contributions. If you don't like a contribution, respond and say why not. NO holds barred! Here's mine . . . The Reading Buccaneers are still the class of the field. I expect them to win again. The battle for 6th through 12th is the most intriguing aspect of this season. I would be thrilled to have Kilties secure a "voting-member" position. I would be thrilled to have Alliance emerge as an Open Class "player." Now, give me H*LL, and thanks!
  18. Guys, gals - Lupo's location (as described here) is a little misleading. The bar is actually behind the BACK sideline, across the park, and on the other side of busy Hamilton Street. It's on the south side of Hamilton Street across from the Hamilton Family Diner. If you sit high on the concert side you can look over at it, behind the performing corps. Also, crossing Hamilton Street on foot is VERY dangerous. Cars usually travel by at 40 mph, or more. It's a horrible accident waiting to happen. Another tip, parking in the neighborhood (safe) behind Lupo's is usually plentiful, but be careful crossing Hamilton Street on foot!
  19. I enjoy, and encourage, predictions. Thank you, Lee! Here's mine, repeated from June 4: 1. Buccaneers 2. Empire Statesmen 3. Hurricanes 4. MN Brass 5. Caballeros 6. Bushwackers 7. Brigadiers 8. Renegades 9. CorpsVets 10. Kilties 11. Music City Legend 12. Alliance That's it. . . . .and I'm sticking to it! Let's all just hope the CORRECT corps wins, and for all the RIGHT reasons.
  20. I am much more intrigued with reviews like the one "Storkysr" provided, than reviews that tell us everyone was great, the sky is always blue, and critical, honest thought is simply not fair. Thanks, Bill!
  21. I think we we see here are two different viewpoints. One from the promoter, the other from the competitor. Each has different needs.
  22. But guys, how much lost time are we talking about here? Maybe 2 hours away from your normal schedule? If a corps can pick-up an extra $1000 (or more) for that time period, I'd say it's worth it. Hey, those same 2 missed hours even include warm-up practice and an actual run-through. If the event is a non-judged, drum major only Retreat, I don't think the concept is so difficult to accommodate.
  23. Harry is correct. The idea is similar to what the circus does when it comes to town. Those circus groups that still appear in one city after another, spend a great deal of time, effort, and expense to transport their "attraction" to each stop on the tour. After erecting the massive tent, putting everything else in place, they maximize the return on their effort by presenting more than one show per day. Drum corps go through something similar to present their attraction, yet only use the venue, the bus expense, etc. one time. Adding an afternoon show doubles the opportunity for locals to participate, doubles the availability of great seats, and provides a second payday for not much more that the price of one. There are other benefits. The afternoon show could be priced a little lower, use general admission roll tickets. The day show could be used to provide all the typical comp tickets required, radio ticket giveaways, etc. Best of all, the locals who attend during the day, go home about 3pm and rave to their neighbor how good the show was. Maybe, 5 hours later, the neighbor family gives it a try.
  24. Jeff, I thought of that, but then there are 2 stadium bills, an overnight requirement, etc. We'll figure this all out, won't we?
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