When It's Not About The Game...Then What Is It About?

That's the question people that actually pay money to see the New Jersey Nets play on a semi-regular basis have to ask themselves.

Last night I also attended a professional basketball game, in my home state, to see the Nets play my favorite team, the San Antonio Spurs.  Tickets weren't too expensive, only 30 bucks to sit in the lower bowl of the arena.  Arena, of course, is a loose term.  More like airplane hanger, as it seems as if the roof is about 700 miles above you, giving you that real warm and cozy atmosphere.

The Izod Center.  That's where the Nets play their home games.  Formerly Continental Airlines Arena.  Formerly Brendan Byrne (former NJ governor) Arena.  This eternally deserted arena used to house the Devils (they're a hockey team), but even they have since split.  Apparently, the fans have followed suit.  On average this year, the Nets have failed to sell at least 25% of the seats for home games.  And that's what they've been unable to sell, not the actual body count.  Unless people are dressing up as seats, that percentage of empty chairs is definitely a bit higher.

And so, it begs the question, when it's not about the game, what is it about for fans at Nets games?  This one featured a top Western Conference squad (albeit a boring one), a near triple double (That's Mr. Duncan, to you), good execution (only 13 turnovers total for the two teams), great defense in spurts (the Bowen/Carter battle is a fun one for those that like one on one defense), and Vince Carter playing like he wanted to get traded--right then and there in the second quarter.  As far as regular season games played not between any combo of Lakers/Celtics/Cavs go, it's not terrible.

One of the NBA's slogans over the past year or so has been, "The NBA, Where Amazing Happens".  

Taking a cue from the league, the Nets should adopt their own slogan for their arena:  "The IZOD Center, Where People Come To Remind Themselves of Why They Hate NBA Basketball on a Fairly Regular Basis".  

No atmosphere, no fans, more screaming for the T-shirt toss than the game, and a luxurious food choice that is highlighted by bone dry chicken tenders.  Sounds like a recipe for some ol' fashion NBA fun.