Message Board Not Just for Fans
Charliy Nash
Monday January 29, 2001
The reason fans were not shocked to hear from Mr. Bloom, even though this was his first time posting to the board, is that they’ve grown accustomed to hearing from -- and being heard by -- people associated with the Kats at various levels. Regular participants on the message board include:
Chip Hoback, the Public Address announcer for both Kats and NHL Predators games, regularly asks for fan feedback and suggestions.
Eddie Eusepi, Vice President of Sponsorships and Game Entertainment, just gave fans the wonderful news that, after many fan requests, they will not have to hear the song “YMCA” this year. He routinely invites feedback on the multitude of fan activities that are a large part of Arena Football games.
Blake Fulton, WTN radio talk show host and radio voice of the Kats (easily the biggest AFL booster in the local media), gives advanced notice of remote broadcasts and special guests he knows will interest Kats fans.
One of the minority owners, known on the board only as “Katspartner”, kept everyone informed last year when rumors were circulating about the team being sold or moved.
Last season a favorite frequent guest was “Mrs Paws”, known elsewhere as Tracy Pawlawski, wife of then Albany QB Mike Pawlawski. (In fact regulars on the board now refer to him as “Tracy’s husband”.) After being “flamed” on other boards Tracy was very appreciative of the warm reception she received from Nashville fans.
As last season progressed to the playoffs, the board was visited by several Orlando Predators fans. A few were there to talk trash, but far more were there as friendly rivals -- some even acted as hosts to fans who made the trip from Music City to Orlando for Arena Bowl.
Kat fans realize what a rare privilege it is to have this kind of unfiltered access to their favorite team. Likewise, the front office benefits greatly by hearing directly from the fans. So what is the status on Jeff Russell? According to Mr. Bloom the door is open for Jeff to come back after the XFL season. You can’t ask for a better source than that.
Charliy Nash has covered both incarnations of the Nashville Kats, and now has make the 2 hour drive to Huntsville for an Arena Football fix. He also covers the Tennessee Titans as a blogger for nfl.com and still hopes this will eventually lead to a paying gig.
