Block 17 - 'Loud & Proud'

[blockseventeen]

You may (or may not) have seen this on Twitter / Facebook but a few of us have gotten together to start promoting the idea of a 'loud block' at Nottingham Panthers home games. I wasn't going to post here due to the *ahem* reputation surrounding this forum BUT I figured that I may find a few 'loud & proud' panthers fans here regardless.

What is this about?

I've been a Panthers fan for a while now, compared to other barns & arenas, the Panthers & the Steelers have by far the most boring fans in the elite league when it comes to both atmosphere and chants, away fans almost ALWAYS out sing us constantly, even when they have 100~ fans in the away block. The introduction from this season is pretty much sorted, I think it's one of the best we've ever had (kudos to Ken & co for that). The biggest problem now is that during games, the atmosphere is awful, this isn't something Ken can fix alone.

A few of us from the old loud block have been discussing and organizing a way to get more 'loud' Panthers fans into ONE block to create a new 'loud block' which will hopefully entice the louder fans to come over and get chants/songs going all the way through a match. We're in discussion with the Panthers to allow us to use banners/flags during the intro and to really push the boat out when it comes to the light show during the black out.

Why?

Block 17 was chosen because this block already has a loud following of season ticket holders, this makes our job easier as we only have to attract 200~ more people to the block in general. We wanted a season ticket block close to the home bench with as many seats as possible, this one fitted the description perfectly.

We know that some people will not care, understand and may find it a stupid idea but we're just a bunch of people who pay for our tickets/season tickets and regardless of the result, we just want to enjoy our evening out at the Panthers and give our boys the support they deserve at home, other teams do it, so why can't we? We do not need drums or squeaky toys, just old fashioned voice boxes and our hands to make a difference to the match night experience.

When?


We are aiming for the home game against the Yorkshire Puddings on the 3rd of December in Elite League action. We chose this game because we knew the part time fans would be out in force, which means we need to be extra loud to make a difference in the arena. It also means that people can be ready to buy tickets in block 17 the morning they go on sale, hopefully we will see the block sell out in quick time and hopefully we'll start to see the difference game by game in atmosphere improving.

#PanthersNation #LetsGoPanthers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/panthersblock17
Twitter: twitter.com/block17panthers

[texpef]

What "reputation" would that be then? and from whom?...

[Pies]

Oct 19, 2016 17:09:23 GMT texpef said:

What "reputation" would that be then? and from whom?...

Yes I'm intrigued.... manages to insult the fans, the forum and the Steelers in one post...

Clearly we're boring fans!

[kezypanther]

I'm glad this is happening again as it did help last time.

If what I hear is correct in that the Panthers attempted to try sell this block as a gold seat is absolutely one of the major problems with this organisation. Here some fans want to improve the atmosphere at home games, which in turns makes more people come, I know let's put an end to this and charge them more ... pathetic. *Rant Over*

I hope this works out for everyone involved as our games really need it.

As for the forums reputation, think it's a little harsh but I understand it can go overboard sometimes on here. Only as much as Facebook does though.

[wgray]

Sounds a good idea, I'll be in there for sure! It will be good to get some noise going in the arena, will it be a regular thing from that point onwards?

[deke]

Think it's a good idea. Block 4 and 5 are usually pretty loud and seem to always start chants and songs this season. May be wrong but certainly seems that way to me. Right behind the idea though

[wgray]

Oct 19, 2016 17:24:23 GMT deke said:

Think it's a good idea. Block 4 and 5 are usually pretty loud and seem to always start chants and songs this season. May be wrong but certainly seems that way to me. Right behind the idea though

I sit in block 13 and I can tell that the majority of chants are started from those blocks

[kievthegreat]

Oct 19, 2016 17:24:23 GMT deke said:

Think it's a good idea. Block 4 and 5 are usually pretty loud and seem to always start chants and songs this season. May be wrong but certainly seems that way to me. Right behind the idea though

I'm in block 17, but definitely most chants get started in that direction it seems. However I'm fully behind raising the noise level.

[Deleted]

Oct 19, 2016 17:24:23 GMT deke said:

Think it's a good idea. Block 4 and 5 are usually pretty loud and seem to always start chants and songs this season. May be wrong but certainly seems that way to me. Right behind the idea though

I agree with this and given that block 3 is now a home block(apart from Sheffield games when it becomes 50/50) then surely placing yourselves in block 3 next to these fans is a better ploy?

Just a suggestion. Best of luck though, better to be proactive rather than just complain of a lack of atmosphere.

[deke]

Agreed starting in an already loud block and moving outward would make sense but welcome any attempt to increase noise from other blocks

[kievthegreat]

Oct 19, 2016 17:14:44 GMT Pies said:

Oct 19, 2016 17:09:23 GMT texpef said:

What "reputation" would that be then? and from whom?...

Yes I'm intrigued.... manages to insult the fans, the forum and the Steelers in one post...

Clearly we're boring fans!

The cage has a reputation for being a bunch of uber-negative moaners. In reality it's pretty similar to the Facebook group with a spread of opinions, except here is more civil.

Also I don't think we are ALL boring fans, but I think we have less die hards as a proportion compared to most of the league (I think we have more in absolute terms). We also don't encourage an atmosphere with things like singing blocks or clappers, etc... Instead we actively try to stop the singing block as with block 18.

[cjmatt42]

Sounds a good idea. The amount of noise made the number of people in the arena is disgraceful at times. Only thing I'd say is this should be at our end so either block 8 or 12 which goes on general sale and with a larger amount of Panthers fans either side. Generally when you watch the game abroad behind the home end is where you find the standing sections flag wavers etc near where you attack twice.

[spik]

Have to add that whilst Panthers fans can be 'classed' as boring.Just remember it's not a law to have to chant.
The AWAY fans visiting our barn are perhaps loud at times because they are the dire hard travelling breed as I assume we 'still' are AWAY in their building.

The Nottingham home fans would be of all types.Dear old gits (Like me?) who like to view the game and others who may be unclear as to know how,why and what to chant and when....I do think that Panthers fans get behind their team but all are not of the 'loud' variety you want when fitted amoungst a mass of people who may be quiet.As I mentioned about the fact that the away games have us sat together and clearly can all join in together.

But I wish you well, that you can cojole people into a bit more 'support'.




By the way, can we also declare who is the fan of the week too while we're at it. The Panthers programme seem to think that they know who is a/our 'super fan' - someone who is from the inner sanctom - we could just do it all ourselves.

[kievthegreat]

Oct 19, 2016 19:27:43 GMT spik said:

Have to add that whilst Panthers fans can be 'classed' as boring.Just remember it's not a law to have to chant.
The AWAY fans visiting our barn are perhaps loud at times because they are the dire hard travelling breed as I assume we 'still' are AWAY in their building.

The Nottingham home fans would be of all types.Dear old gits (Like me?) who like to view the game and others who may be unclear as to know ho,why and what to chant when....I do think that Panthers fans do get behind their team but all are not of the 'loud' variety you want when fitted amoungst a mass of people who may be quiet.As I mentioned about the fact that the away games have us sat together and clearly can all join in together.

But I wish you well, that you can cojole people into a bit more 'support'.

TBF I don't think this should be seen as a we're all rubbish. Like you say people go for different things and support in their own way. I think this is more an attempt to gather like minded individuals together because getting chants going is difficult if you spread the 'loud' fans across the entire arena. Go to most sporting events and they usually have a vocal section and it's odd that we don't. It's actually quite frustrating when the club/arena actively try to discourage it by hiking prices for block 18 like they did when Belfast, Braehead and Coventry actually try and help them.

[spik]

Oct 19, 2016 19:35:13 GMT kievthegreat said:

Oct 19, 2016 19:27:43 GMT spik said:

Have to add that whilst Panthers fans can be 'classed' as boring.Just remember it's not a law to have to chant.
The AWAY fans visiting our barn are perhaps loud at times because they are the dire hard travelling breed as I assume we 'still' are AWAY in their building.

The Nottingham home fans would be of all types.Dear old gits (Like me?) who like to view the game and others who may be unclear as to know ho,why and what to chant when....I do think that Panthers fans do get behind their team but all are not of the 'loud' variety you want when fitted amoungst a mass of people who may be quiet.As I mentioned about the fact that the away games have us sat together and clearly can all join in together.

But I wish you well, that you can cojole people into a bit more 'support'.

TBF I don't think this should be seen as a we're all rubbish. Like you say people go for different things and support in their own way. I think this is more an attempt to gather like minded individuals together because getting chants going is difficult if you spread the 'loud' fans across the entire arena. Go to most sporting events and they usually have a vocal section and it's odd that we don't. It's actually quite frustrating when the club/arena actively try to discourage it by hiking prices for block 18 like they did when Belfast, Braehead and Coventry actually try and help them.

Totally agree with regard the hike business.

[wgray]

Oct 19, 2016 18:57:05 GMT cjmatt42 said:

Sounds a good idea. The amount of noise made the number of people in the arena is disgraceful at times. Only thing I'd say is this should be at our end so either block 8 or 12 which goes on general sale and with a larger amount of Panthers fans either side. Generally when you watch the game abroad behind the home end is where you find the standing sections flag wavers etc near where you attack twice.

I agree that the blocks towards that end would be better

[blockseventeen]

Regarding the 'boring fans' part, it was more of a general joke than anything, it's very obvious that it is MUCH harder to create atmosphere in an arena than a 'barn' and Nottingham fans aren't given the chance to do so since the organisation think it's 'OK' to charge extra to the fans who will do anything to give support to our team, very odd.

The reason block 17 was chosen over a block closer to 8-12 (as suggested) was because there is a massive batch of tickets given out in random bronze blocks at that side of the arena (schools & sponsors) and it has the two non ST blocks in 8/12 sandwiched between, a lot of new fans sit in these seats as they are the cheapest ones too. We didn't think having a loud block right next to the away blocks was a good thing and we preferred to be closer to the Panthers bench than anything, to let the boys hear our support. There is also a massive bunch of loud fans sitting in the front rows of 16/17 and it would be nice to build on it. The final decision was made because block 18 worked brilliantly last time but it would be harder for the Panthers to change the pricing on a silver block (we think).

I'm already designing an A4 'leaflet' which will display all the words for the Panthers chants and some information on 'loud block' which hopefully the arena will allow me to place on seats in block 17 when the doors open. This will explain what we're trying to achieve and help the new fans understand what we're chanting or singing (just can't get enough, we're the nottingham panthers during goal celebrations, etc).

[deke]

I'd have thought block 4 area was your best bet to be honest definitely one of the loudest and starts more chants and songs than other blocks. Plus it's next to the away lot so with enough noise you can drown them out similar to Coventry. However we would be singing not banging annoying drums in kids faces. That said I welcome another loud block. Means block 4 don't have to start all the songs!

[kezypanther]

I imagine block 4 is already packed with season ticket holders so any fans wanting to get in on the loud block wouldn't be able to buy tickets for it. Block 17 being the opposite imo

[spik]

You may understand the blocks pricing structure is being readjusted as we speak/write of course and a ban on people entering the building with an idea to leaflet distribute....

[PantherB]

We need a couple drums really, even Paws should walk around with a small drum just to go block to block and start a few chants. The Arena can hold an awesome atmosphere but there is far too many occasions when it's dead. Sunday for example, best Sunday crowd i've seen for a long time, almost like a Saturday night crowd, it was dead.

Having it around Block 8-12 wouldn't be a bad idea but that's generally where Panthers dump their freebie recipients and 'schools' so vast chunks of Block 8 and 12 are usually sold a few weeks in advance.

As Spik said though, if this catches on then expect a price increase of Block 17 next season.

[wgray]

Oct 20, 2016 9:33:41 GMT PantherB said:

We need a couple drums really, even Paws should walk around with a small drum just to go block to block and start a few chants. The Arena can hold an awesome atmosphere but there is far too many occasions when it's dead. Sunday for example, best Sunday crowd i've seen for a long time, almost like a Saturday night crowd, it was dead.

Having it around Block 8-12 wouldn't be a bad idea but that's generally where Panthers dump their freebie recipients and 'schools' so vast chunks of Block 8 and 12 are usually sold a few weeks in advance.

As Spik said though, if this catches on then expect a price increase of Block 17 next season.

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I'd heard the arena's policy doesn't allow drums in the arena, if they are allowed I'm all for them though. If the prices go up this time then the club are taking the wee wee and there will probably be a backlash

[PantherB]

Oct 20, 2016 10:15:04 GMT wgray said:

Oct 20, 2016 9:33:41 GMT PantherB said:

We need a couple drums really, even Paws should walk around with a small drum just to go block to block and start a few chants. The Arena can hold an awesome atmosphere but there is far too many occasions when it's dead. Sunday for example, best Sunday crowd i've seen for a long time, almost like a Saturday night crowd, it was dead.

Having it around Block 8-12 wouldn't be a bad idea but that's generally where Panthers dump their freebie recipients and 'schools' so vast chunks of Block 8 and 12 are usually sold a few weeks in advance.

As Spik said though, if this catches on then expect a price increase of Block 17 next season.

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I'd heard the arena's policy doesn't allow drums in the arena, if they are allowed I'm all for them though. If the prices go up this time then the club are taking the wee wee and there will probably be a backlash

They aren't allowed unfortunately but hopefully its something they'll consider if more and more people would like them. It's not like we need massive drums, just a couple small ones so i don't see why they have the problem :/

[Yotes]

Oct 20, 2016 6:43:20 GMT deke said:

I'd have thought block 4 area was your best bet to be honest definitely one of the loudest and starts more chants and songs than other blocks. Plus it's next to the away lot so with enough noise you can drown them out similar to Coventry. However we would be singing not banging annoying drums in kids faces. That said I welcome another loud block. Means block 4 don't have to start all the songs!

I'd assume the big gobs (in the nicest possible sense) from 4 and 5 are probably involved in this effort too. I'm pretty sure they were with the block 18 attempt.

I wish you luck, there should be an area where fans who want to make the noise can congregate, and if you can get a few more to actually learn the words to our version of Just Can't Get Enough you deserve a medal

[deke]

Haha Im all for more people singing the songs! I hear mumbles and then a loud chorus quite a lot!