Official Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club Takes Wing
A number of die-hard Thrashers fans have put their heads together, joined efforts and launched The Official Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club…a club, “founded by fans and will be run & operated by fans”. Among those at the heart of this fine endeavor are Lisa Lewis and Rose Mikalonis of The Thrashers 411, Sean Grace Garguilo of Blueland Roar & current Thrashers 7th Man Award winner, Stan Hauseman who is affiliated with the Recreational Adult Hockey League and Sally Cersosimo…who has also been honored with the 7th man award, (or would that be 7th “fan”).
Thrashers fans infiltrate RCB Center last January. The OATFC will look to coordinate more road trip like this (Photo by Stacy Garguilo)
Lisa has told me that the official launch of the fan club will be on June 26th during the NHL Entry Draft Party…however they are currently accepting members now. She’s very excited about the response and has been pleased with the number of supporters that have enrolled so far.
I asked her to tell me exactly what was behind the whole concept of The Official Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club. “The concept of starting a fan club back when the season first started”, Lewis replied, “Myself and Rose were talking about the new ‘Become One In Blueland’ slogan and at the time I had read all of the fans comments about the slogan having no meaning to them. One fan’s comment stood out out to me and it kept replaying in my head over and over… “How can we become one when we do not even feel like we are a part of the team?”"
And what would Lisa like to see happen as a result of the fan club?
“Our hockey club was one of the few in the league and the only one in the Southeast Division that did not have a fan club and as young as our franchise is, bringing the fan base together in a club that everyone can be a part of building seemed to be the right choice”, Lisa told me. “A fan club would bring together fans to be able to socialize and get to know each other and build a stronger bond. In turn, they would also be a part of the team and allowing a little more interaction withthe players, coaches and other Thrashers personnel. Bringing all of these aspects together would make not only the fans feel a stronger connection withthe team but [also allows the team] to build a stronger bond with their fans on a different level, hence ‘Becoming One In Blueland”".
And when did this idea move from “concept” phase to “action” phase?
“Several of us die hardstalked about getting something like this together to rally the fans to get behind the team and the fan club emerged. The huge road trip to Carolina was a real defining trip for many of us involved in forming the start up of the club. If 151 of us fans can drown out an opposing teams fans in their arena, imagine what Philips would sound like full of the home team fans all rallying behind the team. It would be intimidating and a force to be reckoned with. This fan club was started by fans and will be run and operated by the fans. Every member will have a voice in the club and their voice will be heard. All of us together as fans will build it. We want to see it grow strong into the hundreds. We also want it to be a club where every fan of any age will enjoy being a part of”.
The OATFC wants to bring together supporters of the Atlanta Thrashers inside and outside of Philips Arena (Photo by Stacy Garguilo)
She wrapped up her remarks by saying, “2009-2010 season marks the 10th anniversary of the franchise here and what better way to bring it in as fans? The team is getting stronger and we as fans are becoming stronger”.
In a recent interview with Ben Wright of the Blueland Blog, Sean Garguilo discussed some of his thoughts about the project he’s been so instrumental in getting off the ground.
“I’d like to see it grow to be hundreds of fans,” said Garguilo. ”The biggest thing to me is to help make Thrashers’ fans more of a force, and bring everyone together. The team should be good next year and that will make it a lot easier. It should help us strengthen the fan base and bring fans together. I like the idea of going on road trips. We’ve done that independently and it’s been fun. It’s nice to see 150 blue jerseys in another arena. I also like the idea of road game viewing parties. They’re great social events and they help fans get to know each other better”.
One possible spot is TJs on Holcomb Bridge Road, a perfect place for such viewing parties. Last season, Tim and Mark Ecclestone were nothing short of great when they worked with me to set up such outings and they have told me they would like to have us all back for more next season.
But there’s more to it than just meeting and hangin’ out with like-minded fans.
“There’s also a charity aspect to it”, Sean commented. “If we get to a reasonable size we should be able to do some good with it, whether it’s helping out the Atlanta Thrashers Foundation or the Dan Snyder Foundation.”
Residents of Thrasherville mingle with a Carolina native (Photo by Stacy Garguilo)
I wondered if the fan club intended to interact with the fan clubs of other NHL teams…especially with some of our southeast rivals…and Sean told me, “We have been interacting with other fan clubs while trying to get off the ground. We have spoken extensively to the Carolina booster club. They have been very helpful sharing their experiences and giving us suggestions”.
He continued, “I’d like to invite the local clubs to games at Philips, especially Carolina, Nashville, Tampa and Florida. Conversely, I’d like to work with our local government on a law that bans anyone wearing a Sabres jersey from being within a mile of Philips arena”.
A most excellent idea indeed.
So, if you’re looking to hang out and interact with fellow Thrashers fans and take your fanhood to a different level, The Official Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club would be worth looking into.
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70 comments Add your comment
Tony C.
April 21st, 2009
8:03 pm
iDK, In their inaugural “open letter” they mention that certain members of the Fan community already have begun some high-school style drama.
While I applaud them being open and honest about challenges they may face, it doesn’t really get me fired up to join:
My first act as his Royal Highness 7th Man is to order a truce. There is petty fighting going on within our ranks and it must stop. Ladies, you know who you are, the time has come to stop this seventh grade level squabbling. No she is not a drunken, braided-hair Bi$#@. Even if you think she is, keep it to yourself. Yes, that one may be on a power trip but we all have our flaws. And yes, we all have a common goal. So please, stop this crap!
From Mr. Garguilo’s blog ( http://bluelandroar.blogspot.com/2009/04/confessions-of-7th-man.html )
But let me say, that this sort of thing is long overdue, and I am excited to see where they take it. I really do wish them well, and the idea of an official cadre of Thrasher’s fans going to “enemy” arenas sounds fun.
Just leery of drama (I mean if it’s that bad already, what happens when things get organized and roles get defined?). I’m still going to sign up.
I’m just drawing my opinion from what I’m seeing/reading in the (always reliable hahahaha) blog-o-sphere. Still going to sign up. If nothing else, banning the fighting Banana Slug image from the city limits is a noble goal.
Alan
April 21st, 2009
8:50 pm
If they’re accepting members at the June 29th draft party, methinks they’ll be at the wrong party. The first round of the NHL draft is the 26th, with the others following the next day.
Rawhide
April 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Alan – Yup…it is the 26th. The post has been updated with the correct date.
Sean Garguilo
April 21st, 2009
11:25 pm
I am happy to report that the drama has ceased and that the natives are no longer restless. We are now living in perfect harmony. The turbulence was merely growing pains and now we are all on same page. The Club is about to hit the 100 mark in membership already and we are very excited that Thrasher Fans have showed so much interest.
We are in the process of organizing with the The Thrashers organization, talking with local restaurants to set up viewing parties and getting ready for the draft party on June 26th. We had a great conversation with the Tim and Mark Ecclestone tonight and we will be partnering with TJ’s. Tim played for the Atlanta Flames and is a great ambassador for the game. Look him up on-line if you don’t know him.
Please take a look at the fan club site, linked above and sign up. We need to strengthen as a group and I think this is a start.
Your Loyal Servant,
Sean
Buzzeng
April 21st, 2009
11:40 pm
Sean and all, Good Luck with the club! I’m looking forward to learning more about it and seeing what the club can offer Thrashers fans, like me, that aren’t in Atlanta (I’m in NC). I do make it to ATL for a few games during the year, so there may be some advantage in seeing some routinely familiar faces on those occasions. Go Thrashers!
Lisa Lewis aka HockeyWench
April 22nd, 2009
1:01 am
Thanks Buzzeng! We are thrilled with how much interest in the club in such a short time. Like Sean said we are approaching the 100 member mark which is extremely encouraging. Tonight we gained our first international member. The comments from the members joining has been extremely encouraging to us and look forward to the official kick off at the draft party.
We have a great group of fans!
Adam
April 22nd, 2009
8:16 am
Y’all remember back when it was the organ-eye-zation that took the lead in organizing fan opportunities, grass roots efforts, viewing parties, etc.? How far have they fallen that they’ve now delegated their own marketing responsibilities to the customers themselves? I applaud the organizers of the Booster Club for their efforts, but at the same time, shame on the franchise for running their marketing and outreach efforts on the super-cheap.
Adam
April 22nd, 2009
8:25 am
OK, I just noticed that they’re charging for membership. Are you serious??? Shame on Spirit (through its formal affiliation with this fan initiative) for expecting people to pick up the tab for what should be one of its core operating expenses, i.e. growing this sport in this city. Disgusting.
kracker
April 22nd, 2009
9:19 am
Buzzeng I think you would be a valuable member of the fan club as a forward scout or spy in enemy territory. Like determining just what Sergei Samsonov’s “lower body injury” actually is.
Thrasher fan
April 22nd, 2009
9:29 am
Sean/Lisa, do you really think the infighting will ever actually stop? Who honestly thinks there isn’t the slightest bit of bickering around here? It’s much worse in other forums I mean people get banned from the Thrasher boards if they say the wrong thing about Kari Lehtonen or don’t agree with certain members opinions about certain players. If I have to sign a decree that says I will only support certain players and not other ones competing for the same position then I’m not interested.
Rob
April 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
What is the website/how do we join the OATFC? (Nasty Nest member AKA RobboThrash)
Rawhide
April 22nd, 2009
9:54 am
Rob – Click on the link attached to the text “The Official Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club” located in the first paragraph and it’ll take you where ya need to go.
Ben
April 22nd, 2009
10:04 am
Why would the THRASHERS allow these rude, foul-mouthed, obnoxious, selfish, self-centered, uneducated animals to organize an “Official” Fan Club with the club’s backing?
These are the same simpletons who, for the most part, do their best to ruin THRASHERS home games for as many people with the misfortune of sitting near them as they can.
As a THRASHERS Season Ticket Holder who genuinely cares about the team, about allowing people at Philips to enjoy the games and introducing new fans to the team in a P-O-S-I-T-I-V-E light, I will not direct anyone to this abomination.
“Official” THRASHERS Fan Club? Organized by trustworthy, competent people?
Not in this case, No.
blankspace6
April 22nd, 2009
10:15 am
Will this fan club have merchandise? I need to find a new inflatable Kari doll because my last one got um punctured.
Pavs rocks
April 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
CLASSIC! Even the inflatable Kari doll is injured. Although I’m sure he took more of a beating than the real Kari.
Mark
April 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
Nice to see a Fan club finally establishing itself for the Thrashers. It’s been sorely needed. Of course as with ANY type of fan club, there will ALWAYS be drama. It’s just not fandom unless the drama is ongoing. No way around it, just the way that people are. And, yes, the days of a FREE fan club have been long dead. Organizations have to have capital to provide any sort of benefits.
Brian
April 22nd, 2009
11:24 am
What a tacky & trashy bunch of people for a professional sports team to allow to run their primary fan club! Clearly, the Thrashers have now given up on trying to win fans and remain viable here in the Atlanta market.
Bob
April 22nd, 2009
12:24 pm
ya gotta be kidding me? We’ve sunk to a new low.
Alan
April 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
I’m not a “Nasty Nest” member (yet); however, I find it appalling that individuals are commenting about the Nest, the “official fan club,” and their affiliation to the organization. If you don’t like it, don’t join.
The Nasty Nest is the loudest, most vocal, and most visibly passionate of all the fans in the house at any given time. Maybe they are crass, at times, but this is hockey. If you want a quiet and polite viewing experience, go watch golf or something.
Sarah
April 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Ben & Brian you are way off base with who these people are. I have met several of them at the arena during games and they are actually some of the best fans I have met. They are not in the group that you are mistaken them for. What they are doing as a group of fans is commendable. They are working toward a goal of bringing fans together to support a team they love. You need to take the time to meet them before you start thrashing them. I for one am happy to see fans who care enough to put together something for all the fans to enjoy. My family has become members already. We are season ticket holders and the additional benefits to my family are well worth it.
Thank you Sean & Lisa!
The Joker
April 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Do the fan club members get discounted tickets or are those offers only available to non-fan club members that attend two games per year?
Will the membership fee get cut in half one month into the season to increase membership?
bigjohnthrashfan
April 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
Does the fan club have an official bar for watching away games? Hopefully someplace with awesome wings (which rules out Taco Mac’s notably mild “hot” wings)
UNLEASH THE FURY!!!
Tony C.
April 22nd, 2009
3:05 pm
Sean good to hear! Hope I didn’t open the door too wide for negativity (yikes).
Anyway, my first recomendation for the fan club? get rid of that GAWDAWFUL 10-year anivesary logo they unveiled this spring!!
That thing looks horrible.
Thrasher fan
April 22nd, 2009
3:08 pm
Are these the goofs that yell during the national anthem? Or are these the goofs that start the goalie chant in the middle of the first when we are down 2-0?
Rawhide
April 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
For those of you that missed Michael Gearon Jr’s comments about Kovy on 790 The Zone…you can listen to it here.
Ben
April 22nd, 2009
5:52 pm
Sarah,
It is no surprise you are defending this band of selfish, savage jerks who behave like absolute ANIMALS at games to annoy as many true THRASHERS fans who are there for the team and not to act as obnoxious as possible just to grab attention for themselves.
I attend every game and see you are not far removed from the rest of them. All that you care about is yourselves, and you reaffirm that notion with each home game.
None of you demonstrate any degree of consideration for the true hockey fans here in Atlanta who, unlike the likes of you, actually put the benefit of the team and the collective fan base BEFORE themselves.
The NHL Life in this town is (much) better off without you selfish losers chasing away new fans to the sport.
Tony C.
April 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
wow.
howbout we just say it’s a club for people who root for the thrashers? I wasn’t aware there was a wrong way to root for your team (provided you’re not teaching the kids some new “sentence enhancers”)….
I feel bad for people who don’t/won’t see what Sean & Co. are trying to do-UNITE all Thrashers fans with a piece of “common ground” for all…but being in a town that still boos a kid who left because he was having a nervous breakdown every time he came home, well I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.
R. Stroz
April 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
It’s a fan club, some of you need to lighten up. Everyone cheers differently, kind of like everyone has different views.
Ben – You are coming across the wrong way. Name calling makes YOU look like the childish one.
Smiles everyone, smiles.
NASCAR Dave
April 22nd, 2009
6:39 pm
Wow, sounds like a big pile of doo doo. Charging for membership? LOL… Please tell me where that money goes to???
NASCAR Dave
April 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
Surely it doesn’t cover costs… A TRUE FAN would run that thing for FREE…
Brit
April 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
NASCAR Dave are you saying that a true fan is someone who would actually pay out of their pocket for you to get the added benefits? If so what are you going to purchase for the entire fan base out of your pocket?
Rawhide
April 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Wow…I have to be honest here, I don’t quite understand some of the bitter, sharp remarks made to those who have simply started a fan club and have invited those who might wish to join to do so.
If it’s not your thing…that’s cool, don’t join. But why the throwing of stones?
As for the Nasty Nesters…I have to say that I have gotten to know quite a few of them personally this year and have found them to be some of the most inviting, fun-loving people that I have come across. They love the Thrashers and love to have a good time.
Last winter when Carolina was in town for a Saturday game, a group of their fans who travelled down and joing the Nesters at their tailgate party and all of us had a wonderful time. That our die hards and their die hards could do so before the game shows a true character and class that so many other sports fans could hope to obtain.
I know Sean and Lisa and find them to be two genuine individuals who also love the Thrashers and have spent a good deal of their own personal time to put this thing together.
Again…if you don’t wanna join, don’t join…that doesn’t make you any less of a “fan”.
But where is all the hate is coming from?…I just don’t get it.
Cheryl
April 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
When I first heard the Thrashers were going to start a fan club, I was rather excited. My family has season tickets to the Thrashers, and it is our favorite activity to do as a family.
Unfortunately, when I heard how this was being “organized” and the disgusting vermin who the Thrashers were entrusting with this venture, my heart just sank. These people are not only ill-mannered and rude, but they are downright vicious to other fans at times… especially when they have more than a few sips of alcohol.
My husband and I are not very wealthy and don’t have much to give our kids. We each work very hard to pay for our tickets and our immensely thankful to be able to share Thrashers Hockey as a family. That is why I so resent these “trailer trash” rejects the Thrashes have inexplicably put in charge of their fan club and with being the public-facing ambassadors to the rest of the untapped hockey fans here in Georgia.
Sadly, this will hurt the Thrashers far more than it will help them, and that absolutely breaks my heart. My family will not be wasting one red cent on this travesty.
Why, Why, Why could the Thrashers not take this seriously enough to organize it themselves?
Shame on those of you in the so-called “Unsanitary Nest” (What a fitting moniker!) for all the crude and pathetic antics you ugly-acting people knowingly do to be divisive and intentionally ruin hockey for me and every other family and fan at Philips Arena.
Thank you for the forum, Mr. Rawhide.
Brit
April 22nd, 2009
10:23 pm
Cheryl,
Like Rawhide I know the fine folks organizing this non-profit venture for the fans. My family happily joined. Before you start judging them you need to at least meet them. How can you judge a person or persons whom you have not met? The club is not being orgaized by the Nasty Nest. However there are some absolutely wonderful people up there.
This is the problem with society today. No one cares to meet a person before they judge them. I find everyones insults to the fans who care enough to bring an opportuniy to every fan out of their own time digusting.
Brit
April 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
And for the record did you even bother to notice the club will be helping the community and local charities? How is that disgusting & rude?
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
10:57 pm
Lost in the “passion” over a Thrashers fan club is the contractual status of one Marty Reasoner. Last I heard, Waddell wanted to re-sign him. And Reasoner wanted to re-sign. And yet, I still don’t a contract. Is there STILL no reason for conjecture????
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
10:58 pm
Err, I still don’t SEE a contract announced. Verbs, they’re a great thing, and an important part of a sentence. I’m told.
R. Stroz
April 22nd, 2009
11:18 pm
Brendan – Unfortunately, I don’t believe we will see any contracts signed until the Maryland court renders a verdict around the middle of May.
And now for a few playoff series predictions…
1) Vancouver sweeps St. Louis
and
2) Boston sweeps Montreal
I’ll issue a few more predictions in a few days…
Anyone, want to bet against me…my technique is flawless.
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
11:21 pm
Rawhide, let’s get ‘er going. New contest time. We all know there’s “accountability” in Montreal. So, let’s start the countdown. How soon ’til Habs GM Bob Gainey gets fired? I’m going with … by NOON on Friday. There’ll be plenty of takers that either tonight, tomorrow morning, or sometime in the afternoon, Gainey will get the ax. But, I think they’ll wait all the way ’til Friday. It’ll give Gainey the weekend to cool off, collect his thoughts, and be able to speak to the media in a calm, relaxed manner.
Calgary just popped in two “quickiest.” It’s 4-1, Calgary. It looks like a series now!! In Game Two, in Chicago, Calgary lead, 2-0, but lost in overtime. Had the Flames held on, and if they win tonight, they’d be up, 3-1. That’s the “effect” of missed opportunities.
Okay, back to the contest. Pick the day and time. I’m going with April 24, at 12PM (Noon).
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
11:29 pm
R.Stroz-I can’t question your methodology. It’s 100% effective.
R. Stroz
April 22nd, 2009
11:42 pm
My methodology is excellent.
The timeliness is a little lacking, bordering on procrastination…which means I could be a GM for the Thrashers someday.
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
11:42 pm
Uhhh. What?? Chicago just popped in three straight goals in a few minutes. At the 2nd period intermission, I kid you not, it’s tied, 4-4. That last goal came in the final 30-40 seconds of the period. This is unbelievable. This is eerily reminiscent of the Miami University Redhawks COLLAPSE to the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA National Title game. In that one, the Redhawks couldn’t retain a 3-1 lead, with 59 seconds left, and lost the National Championship in overtime, 4-3.
C’mon, Calgary. Get it together. You lose this one, it’s 3-1, B-Hawks, with Game Five in the Windy City.
Brendan
April 22nd, 2009
11:49 pm
Chuckling. Well put, R.Stroz. “Procrastination” would be a more apt moniker than “Blueland.” Maybe they’ll wait 76 games before naming you the next Head Coach, Strozie? And, maybe, just maybe, it will go UNNOTICED by Kovalchuk Kamp. That seems to be the prevailing thinking, that Kovy doesn’t notice things around him, like league-minimum budgets, star players walking or forcing trades out, failure to offer players contracts during the season, etc. It’s all, ya know, just happening on TV. Not real.
Brendan
April 23rd, 2009
12:07 am
R.Stroz- Did you see Brian Burke’s comments from about a week or so ago? He said that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be making a play to move up in the draft, all the way up to, and including, making an offer for John Tavares. The reporter asked if ALL players, with the exception of Luc Schenn, would be available to make the Tavares trade a reality. Burke’s response?, paraphrased, “ANY PLAYER can be traded. Wayne Gretzky got traded.” How hilarious would it be if Luc Schenn wound up an Islander after all? Hey, the Islanders claimed they wanted Center Josh Bailey all along. In this scenario, they picked up a 3rd round pick in 2008 and a 2nd rounder in 2009, plus they got Schenn ANNND Bailey. Of course, they also surrendered John Tavares.
Ahhh, one wonders what kooky Isles owner Charles Wang might be planning. Hey, if he gets 5 first round picks out of Toronto, or something equally outrageous, it buys him lots of time before anyone can evaluate the trade. We can’t evaluate players who “aren’t.”
terry
April 23rd, 2009
10:17 am
i have had actually met and gotten to meet several of those nasty nest people at games. from that, i can verify that most i the ones i have personally encountered both up close and from afar are indeed more interested in grabbing attention for themselves than they are about being actual fans of the thrashers. they tell anyone who disapproves of their behavior to “go to a chess match or library” insteading of bringing other fans together. the team could not have picked/allowed a more annoying or dividing group of troublemakers to be the face of a fan club. my friends and are all devoted thrashers fans but we will avoid anything being run by those people like the plague.
Brit
April 23rd, 2009
11:01 am
Terry:
The group that started and are running the fan club are not the Nasty Nest. I do not see where anyone is getting the information that is who is doing this fan club. Sean & Lisa are Thrashers bloggers and do not even sit up in the with that group. You haters have got it all wrong.
Puckwench (aka Mrs. DWTOO)
April 23rd, 2009
11:23 am
Terry, if more people from different areas of the Thrashers fandom would join, the Nasty Nest will NOT be the face of this new fan club (IMHO I don’t think the Nasty Nest face will happen anyway). The more folks who join the fan club who are not affiliated with or don’t care for the Nasty Nest, the more voice folks will have in determining the face of this new fan club and the direction it should take.
BTW, as an aside, I couldn’t help but hear during the Flyers-Pens playoff games that after the organ played its part, a large portion of the Flyers fans/arena audience was shouting “Crosby S*cks!”
Just Call Me "Hater"
April 23rd, 2009
12:09 pm
The Thrashers asking anyone even remotely affiliated with this ridiculous “Nasty Nuts” group to unify the Thrasher Nation makes about as much sense as asking someone as annoying and polarizing as Jesse Jackson to be a beacon of goodness to unite the collective citizenry of every single person in America.
Epic Failure!
NASCAR Dave
April 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
“NASCAR Dave are you saying that a true fan is someone who would actually pay out of their pocket for you to get the added benefits? If so what are you going to purchase for the entire fan base out of your pocket?”
BRIT – There is NO reason they need to charge ANY money, at all… I know many DIEHARD fans who would run it for free. Not to mention, these people are using a .ORG address, which is strictly for non-profits.
If I am going to purchase something for the entire fanbase to enjoy, I would purchase A NEW GM!!!
That’s something THE ENTIRE FANBASE would agree with, and ENJOY!!!
NUFF SAID!
Lisa Lewis ATFC
April 23rd, 2009
4:02 pm
After reading some of the comments above I feel it is time that I address some of the concerns that you are assuming. Neither Sean nor myself are members of the Nasty Nest. I personally have nothing against them; there are some very standup individuals in the group.
You have to take into account that there are fans throughout the arena that get way out of hand that are not a part of the Nest. I myself have experienced them where I sit in 108 and Sean as well over in 119. I have sat in other areas in the arena that had some downright nasty fans. You are going to have those in any sport in every city. If you have ever met or sat near Sean or myself you would know we do not act in an inappropriate manner. I can speak for myself in saying that nasty behavior toward another fan is unacceptable just like some of the nasty comments left above about us are.
The fan comment that I read that got the idea of this club started in the first place (How can we become one when we do not even feel like we are a part of the team?”) actually came from a fan that posts comments on this blog frequently. Both Sean and myself write blogs covering the Thrashers and have for several seasons. Sean used to be the fan correspondent on the Thrashers main page. We started this club out of the passion for the team and wanting to see more fans in the arena supporting the team.
Our goal and objective with forming this club is to be a representation of every fan in every seat in the arena and every Thrashers fan out there. Every person that joins the club gets say so in what the club does and how it is represented. All aspects of the club will be submitted to every member to vote on. Not one person is the deciding factor. It is also our goal to help the community as a group of united Thrashers fans.
As for charging for membership we have to run it like a business for operating costs. Events, locations, merchandise and road trips do not pay for themselves. Every hockey fan club in the league charges membership dues to pay for club expenses. No one in this club is getting one red cent in their pocket. Any monies left over in the club expenses at the end of each season goes to charity. We are a strictly non-profit club hence why our site is .org which we will be raising money & donations for charity as well. We are actually filing for our 501c non-profit license and incorporation.
Sean and I will not always be the ones running the club. Those duties will be changed yearly to other members of the club by an entire membership vote.
Everything to start up this club thus far has been paid for out of pocket by myself and by Sean as well. We were not asked to start this club, we as diehard Thrashers fans started the club. The Thrashers organization does not run this club nor do any other fan groups. This club is run by all the members of the fan club. All of this information is located on our website so please read the information posted before you assume the opposite.
The fans are the face of the Thrashers and that is who this club represents. If you have any questions about the club, my email address is listed on my blog, The Thrashers 411 and Sean’s is listed on his blog on Blueland Roar. I apologize that anyone has got the wrong impression of who we are. I also extend the invitation to at least meet us before prejudging who you think we are. We are Thrashers fans as are you who are not affiliated with any certain group.
Again I extend to anyone who has doubts about the club or who we are to contact us. We have had a great response to the club and have some very outstanding comments coming from those members.
Rawhide
April 23rd, 2009
4:07 pm
Brendan – Put me down for 10:00 am Monday morning April 27 when Gainey gets the boot in Montreal.
Brit
April 23rd, 2009
4:23 pm
NASCAR Dave why don’t you read this… http://www.atlantathrashersfans.org/About_The_Fan_Club.html
Sean Grace
April 23rd, 2009
4:39 pm
Did someone just call me disgusting vermin and trailer trash? Hey Cheryl, I work 60 hours a week as a Sales Manager, live in the poor part of Dunwoody and cut my grass every week. Besides being a fairly loud fella during games I am pretty reserved and I think fairly respectable. You have no idea who you are referring to. Lisa was a little more politically correct than I am going to be. Shame on you! I’m not a Nasty Nester but these folks are my friends. For the most part they are the most passionate, devoted fans we have in Blueland. Have a few choice words fueled by a few adult beverages been uttered from above in the past? Sure they have but these are great fans, real fans, and they are part of US. That’s what we are trying to do, get US together.
Please be informed, or at least read the article, before you spew ignorant crap all over an effort that is meant to unite the Thrasher fan base. Now I want an apology Cheryl. If you can take the time to anonymously vomit your bile in this forum, why don’t you now (wo)man up and admit the err of your ways.
I guess the old adage is true – no good deed goes unpunished.
Also:
All the money not used for Club functions goes to charity – thus the .ORG. At first it will be the Dan Snyder and Atlanta Thrashers Foundation
Lisa and I are just getting this effort off the ground. In about a week, over a dozen Chairpeople and Board Members will be announced. This club is run by the fans who come from all corners, have different backgrounds and sit in different sections. A couple may even sit in the dreaded Nasty Nest. I can assure you they will conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate. We want kids in the club. We want doctors and sanitation workers. We need college students and construction workers. This is who we are. Everyone is welcomed who wears a blue jersey.
Your Loyal Servant,
Sean
Kaija
April 23rd, 2009
5:33 pm
I for one am excited to here this is coming to Atlanta. It seems that these two care lots about the future of this team and the players. I will be joining as soon as possible. Paypal makes paying for things like this so easier from further away!
NASCAR Dave
April 23rd, 2009
6:05 pm
Like I said, I (AMONG MANY OTHERS), would have done it for FREE…
NASCAR Dave
April 23rd, 2009
6:06 pm
Moving along, SOMEBODY needs to start the FIRE WADDELL “Fan Club” (Sic)
Kaija
April 23rd, 2009
6:37 pm
If they are not getting paid and money is going to help others, how is this no free? All money for charity means no profits. It means everyone is helping others while helping support a team.
Kaija
April 23rd, 2009
6:41 pm
I do not understand the problem.
NASCAR Dave
April 23rd, 2009
6:49 pm
There’s not a problem. They chose to charge for membership, and I would have chose not to. It’s really that simple. Ask them why the feel the need to charge. I have no clue. Unless they are planning on buying everyone tickets for road games, I don’t see how “Road Trips” can be associated with “costs”.
NASCAR Dave
April 23rd, 2009
6:51 pm
Hey Kaija, also, why couldn’t they just ask people who want to join to donate to their favorite charity, INSTEAD of charging membership???
Wouldn’t that solve both issues, WITH some accountability involved???
Kaija
April 23rd, 2009
7:00 pm
I understand what you say now. But too, Lisa said what money goes to. When you plan event at somewhere, you need to make sure you will have a place to go, so you must pay before event happens. Maybe with roadtrip you all travel together. Bus or plane = costs?
Too, if everyone has a say, maybe we pick a charity for the money? Maybe pick new each month to spread money around? That way, everyone can help pick where money goes.
Lisa Lewis ATFC
April 23rd, 2009
7:12 pm
NASCAR Dave I can argue down every point you make. The membership dues goes toward all non-profit license which is required by law for collecting and monies going to charity. Operating cost do go toward road trips & merchandise you cannot get anywhere else and are not free either way. Road Trips are considered a cost when you look at the fact we are going to use charter buses for some of these road trips making it less of a cost for everyone who goes on the trip.
Our effort is to bring fans of the Thrashers together. I have been in the ranks of running businesses for over 20 years on both the profit and non-profit side and they do not run for free. We as the fans who help run this do not make a penny it goes toward the help of the community. Let’s say for an example you lose your job and your family is in desperate need of food or assistance for survival. You seek help everywhere else and cannot get help. Now if you had already been a member before times hit tough, you could go to the fan club and ask for grant assistance. It is the membership dues that will help aid the effort in helping.
Unfortunately you think with a one track mind and just want to argue a point just to hear yourself argue. You sound like someone I know who goes by lalalafontaine.
Hockey Biltong
April 24th, 2009
2:20 am
ATFC dont stop. Grass roots politics is very much the same. Lots of armchair quarterbacks. You will get your support and the rest will fall into place. No need to try to convince people who aren’t interested anyways. If they were they would be doing it themselves.
But you beat them to it.
huzzah, huzzah.
B. Thenet
April 24th, 2009
10:38 am
Look, when a team is as bad historically as this one is….I don’t think you can afford to be picky about who is in the fan club.
Can you imagine how few would be in it if they excluded the bitter, angry, and meanspirited ones
That being said, it is tough enough being a fan of this team without having to pay dues for the honor…
BLitz
April 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
If no one is getting paid and the money is going to charity, why is there a need for a fee? Can’t we just donate directly to the Dan Snyder foundation instead of using a middle man? If you say that the fee is for road trips, shouldn’t you charge for those road trips directly to the fans as they go on them? Figure out the costs of the tickets, the bus and whatever else, divide it by the number of people going, and then charge that directly to those who attend. Problem solved.
Don’t force people to pay a membership fee that goes towards a road trip that they may or may not attend. Is there an audit done as to how much this road trip costs? This seems way too shady. And if this is truly a 501c, you can’t demand a fee, you can only ask for a donation. So the fee is optional based on whether you want to donate or not. Or is that little fact being swept under the rug?
NASCAR Dave
April 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Exactly people!!! Think about what you read on their site… That’s all I was saying…
Brit
April 24th, 2009
2:45 pm
BLitz you need to do your business homework before you start spewing off twisted wordage from what they said. I took a shot at looking around the other teams clubs and they charge a lot more and you get a lot less.
NASCAR Dave didn’t I just school you yesterday for running your mouth before you read the facts? You hold zero credit on this subject since you jumped all over them and didn’t even read jack so shutup.
Lisa Lewis ATFC
April 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
BLitz under the 501c laws we are required to keep ledgers in which we are doing and as stated on the website it clearly says these books along with receipts will be available to any and every member that wishes to see them. If an audit is done, we will have no issues.
Please by all means go check out the rules and statues of the 501c Non-Profit laws and the regulations set forth by the State, Federal, County, City & the IRS in which we have done.
No one is forced to pay dues except if you wish to join. It is as simple as that. I even pay them. These do not go to just road trips like it is stated many posts above if you had bothered to read them or the site itself.
Brit thank you for your comments and your email. It is refreshing to talk with someone who does not hide behind an anonymous posting.
j
April 24th, 2009
3:07 pm
Ben….. Shut Up…
BLitz
April 24th, 2009
4:15 pm
Brit my question isn’t in regards to what other teams pay, it is a question as to WHY the Thrashers NON PROFIT should have to pay at all. If the money is going to charity then we should just give directly to the charity, not to a middle man where we have no idea how much of it actually makes it to the charity. If it is for road trips, that should be charged directly to the people going on the road trip, not forcing all the non-attending members to pay for others (unless this is a Socialist group who feels that the wealth should be spread). If it is for merchandise, why should I have to pay for merchandise if I don’t want it or pay for other members to wear the merchandise you are getting? Shouldn’t that be charged to each individual member who wants the merchandise? Or again are the masses being forced to pay for what only a select few may receive?
It appears that there is no reason whatsoever to have membership fees at all. It seems you can easily get 100 people to join (given that you had roughly 150 on your road trip). At about $20/member that’s $2,000. You can’t tell me it costs way more than $2,000 to set up a 501c. Now if you get 1,000 people to join (which should be attainable) how exactly are you going to spend $20,000? Charge for the events, the merchandise, etc. on an individual basis, don’t set up a fund where we all have to wonder how the money is being spent and have to call for an audit.