Wolves Can't Limit Games On TV

Late Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz used to blackout every home date to get fans to go to the games at the old Chicago Stadium and the United Center when that arena was built in 1994.

Wirtz alienated most Blackhawks fans with this bizarre decision, and with the team losing, the Blackhawks became an afterthought in Chicago.

Apparently, Glen Taylor wants to copy that strategy from Wirtz with the idea he may get fans to the Target Center by limiting many home games on television this season.

The Wolves may not have a big TV contract to air every contest this season, but taking 20 games off the air makes no sense, especially if most of the home dates are not going to be aired.

In this economy, why would any fan, especially one with multiple family members, spend his or her money on game tickets? As much as fans like to see a rebuilding team, they would rather be watching it in their living rooms.

People spend their money to go to a game when their favorite team is contending for championships, not when it is mediocre or bad.

No one needs a business degree to figure this one out.

It would be much better for this franchise to promote itself through airing games on TV. The more viewers see them and the more they win, the more interest will come back.

Forcing fans to attend games to see a rebuilding team does not work. People are not going to go to a game even if the Wolves limit their TV coverage for home games. It's silly to even do this.

It's stunning that Taylor and his staff could consider this, especially in the midst of a recession.

The Timberwolves fanbase is not in the level of the Twins, Vikings and the Wild. For Pete's sake, there is more interest in Gophers men's basketball than the Wolves.

The Wolves are slowly getting their fans back with Kevin McHale's departure and David Kahn's proactive approach of improving the team. It should inspire ownership to keep the interest going instead of destroying it with this strategy. 

Hopefully, someone will convince the Taylor to change his mind about taking out at least twenty games on the air this season.

Six or seven is fine, since this franchise does not air all games, but 20 is crazy.

The hope is that it's nothing more than a rumor.

If it's true, then Taylor is out of touch with his customers.