Continuing our look at how to enhance the fan experience for NHL fans, we move away from the arena experience, and focus on the at-home viewer. With just over 18,000 places for fans at the X, and millions of Wild fans around the state and across the globe, the at-home experience may be even more important than for those in attendance. Making fans that are not in the building feel like they are is something the NHL needs to focus on.

The league has experimented with different camera angles, trying an end boards shot while the puck is in an offensive zone, and even picture in picture type shots to show multiple angles at the same time. Still, nothing on TV compares to the experience of being in the building, watching the entire ice sheet, seeing a play develop. While this may be impossible with today's technology, there are still ways to enhance the TV experience.

Make the jump for the enhanced Game Center Live.

Continue reading this post »

Part 2 of the "Enhance Your Experience" feature, sponsored by Samsung (disclosure, I have a Samsung LED TV, and it's fabulous, but I paid for it. If only I could get a free one out of them, hint, hint.)

We decided to reach out to the community to find out what they felt would be ways to make the game-day experience better. I mean, we have our ideas, but we are few, while the community is many.

What do the followers of Hockey WIlderness on Twitter and Facebook think would make the game day experience even better?

@jasondouglas - In person, electronic ordering" scan credit cards, ID's (Need one ID per drink for legal purposes), limit traffic in aisles?

This is brilliant. Seriously brilliant. Jason is onto something here. If the Apple Store staff and Flight Attendants can carry card readers, why can't vendors at the X? How much easier would this make getting loaded in the stands?

@monicamcalister - give aways! in the arena they toss shirts and such - some of us live a little far from the arena to go.

Both the Wild on Facebook and Twitter and FSN on their broadcasts have done a great job in periodic giveaways and contests, but Monica's right, fans love giveaways and it drives interest in the social media channels for the teams.

@TheSuss - A team that plays 3 periods every night. #snarkyanswerstosoftballquestions

Tom Powers doesn't think this is important. #sorrytom

@Happygirl1029 - besides my team winning?

Well, she's a Stars fan, so we disagree with her, but I understand the sentiment.

@redheadzeb - CenterIce package through #Comcast in full HD. Only one HD channel now. SD terrible.

I've never had the Center Ice package through Comcast, but I did watch a couple games on the preview week, and yeah, hockey in SD is the suck once you've had full HD, and I understand that Samsung televisions have extraordinary clarity and sound (cha-ching)

@msconduct10 - Locker room aroma pumped into my living room. Mmmm. #bacteria

We covered this last week Heather. You're gross.

@remedina - In person. With a cold beer in hand.

Agreed.There is no better way to experience the speed and grace of professional hockey. Too bad you can't drink in the press box.

@hjb001 - At 'x' the music btwn face-offs has to change. It's stale and annoying.

Last season I would tend to agree, but this season the music has drastically improved, though Dallas still has the best in-game music at American Airlines Center.

@dshowers - Views from different angles. End to end for example to watch plays develop. Even on replays would be cool.

This is a great idea, one Bryan will be bringing home in a big way next week. Seriously, stay tuned, his concept is genius, I hope you all read it, share it on the internets and send it to the NHL. I am not joking. Michael DiLorenzo will be receiving multiple copies of Bryan's next Friday post from me.

@PredsOnTheGlass - I dislike the sideline TV view and much prefer a high end zone view from the rear of the action, especially on the PP.

Sounds like NHL 95 to me.

@MNhockeyforum - feeling the ice showers sprayed on me through the TV

This could be refreshing, but sets a bad precedent, especially if it continues to Luongo wiping the sweat out of his greasy, stringy hair. I don't need that in my face.

Seth Hovland - I'd love to hear what the players, coaches and officials say to each other during the games. I know the reason we don't though.

Again, stay tuned next week. Bryan has you covered.

Chris Winner - The obvious would be not having to listen to Dumb & Dumberer.

This is why you go to games. I avoid them 41 times a season.

Gabriel Thomas - Ice girls?

You mean something like this?

I'm sorry, The Xcel Energy Center is a family-friendly environment. Only booze, fights, swearing and attacking visiting Chicago police officers are allowed. The line must be drawn somewhere. Won't somebody think of the children??

Okay Wilderness, no holds barred, lay it on us. What would make you enjoy the game day experience more?

As previously seen by the ESPN Ultimate Standings, the Wild have one of the top game day experiences in all of professional sports. However, there are always ways to improve. Thanks to the folks at Samsung for sponsoring this series entitled "Enhance Your Experience"

We all know how much the Wild appreciate their fans, and strive to always provide the latest and greatest in fan interaction and experience. In honor of the ten year anniversary of the Minnesota Wild, we at Hockey Wilderness did some digging and found the Top Ten ideas for enhancing the fan experience that were rejected by the Wild.

Continue reading this post »