Some Days are Better than Others

1. They bring a sense of unity to large metropolises like Dallas and San Antonio. The DFW metroplex is huge and sprawling. Crossed from end to end at the longest point its probably a 2 hour drive. Dallas people look down on Fort Worth people and vice versa, but when one of our Pro teams is going gang busters, all of the distance seems to melt away. Cats are running with dogs and we're all united in one thing (our disklike of the Spurs in this case)
   
2. Successful rivalries bring pride to where you live. I think most people who lived in the metroplex in the dynasty of THE Cowboys felt like at least they had that going for them. The economy wasn't great, the weather is hot here, traffic sucks, but our Football team kicks Redskin butt!!!
   
3. It's good for the economy! When rivalries are within a reasonable drive or flight (Cards/Cubs, Yanks/Sox, Mavs/Spurs) people will travel if possible. What could be better for the economy of cities like Dallas and San Antonio than people coming to visit? I think it couldn't be a better rivalry, I think people enjoy coming to Dallas for the great nightlife, shopping and food and people love going to San Antonio for the beautiful city, the tex-mex and the riverwalk (even if they are afraid of falling in). People from San Antonio who otherwise may not be inclined to come to Dallas for a visit, might do so otherwise if their team is playing the Mavs! People who couldn't get tickets pack bars and increase revenue! Its a win win! It's not like its soccer hooligans coming to town!
   
4. It gives our teams TV time. Yeah, I can watch the Mavs on local TV most of the time, but not always and the TV coverage is mediocre. Increased fan interest will lead to increased TV coverage.

1. More women my age have been involved in seriously competitive amateur sports (that aren't figure skating, equestrian or gymnastics) and now even some are legitimately (who could compete with either men or women) involved in tradionally male professional sports...Michelle Wie, Annika, the Williams sisters, Cheryl Swoops, Mia Hamm, Danica Patrick, etc. So females are more involved in amateur and professional sports than ever.
   
2. The NBA in particular has made a concerted effort towards marketing to women. They have a tough female ref, Violet Palmer, the first woman EVER to officiate a major mens' sport at the top pro level. Cheryl Miller, a former bballer herself, is an interviewer (although I did notice last night that she was wearing a mens' shirt). These female faces make basketball feel like less of a boys' club and more of a basketball lovers' club.
   
3. The WNBA, okay its not the most popular thing going, BUT it is a professional, legitimate sports organization for women and they do get air time! Even if I like men's basketball better, as a woman I feel better about the NBA as an organization for their open support of the WBNA.
   
4.  Sports are like the reality dramas and soap operas that many women enjoy. When you have a consistent team like the Mavs, with a steady roster of several excellent players, you get invested in the "Characters".
   
   I have favorites...Stackhouse is my favorite Maverick. Sure it's kind of arbitrary, but I like his "character". He's the old-school star who examines the game from the bench, analyzing what he's going to do and comes into the game and cleans up. That may or may not be what actually goes on, but it's what I imagine. I like Diop because he's the underdog, the player that other teams gave up on, he comes to the Mavericks and is not the best player, but I think the Mavs have brought out the best in him. He makes big plays and delivers, he DENYS Tim Duncan! I like Josh Howard, he looks kind of like Steve Urkel, he's tall and skinny and has braces and is just kind of goofy looking, you put a basketball in his hand and he is like that metal guy from the terminator, twisting, turning and making it look easy. I like Dirk, the self-effacing German superstar that makes all his free throws by singing a David Hasselhoff song in his head...I'm looking for freedom....
   
   Beyond investing in the "Characters" you also get wrapped up in the dramatic story arcs, will Dirks ankle be strong enough to get him through the series, will Terry's suspension lead to ruin, will Ginobli dive so hard that he hurts himself, will Tim Duncan go as far as crocodile tears to contest a foul...This series between the Mavs and the Spurs has been full of more drama than the OC. Every game practically has been a total nailbiter, I'm telling you girls, it's wayyyyy more engaging than whether or not Kirsten is going to start drinking again, or if Marissa and Ryan break up again! My mother, who has never watched a game of basketball in her life was GLUED to my TV last night whooping and hollering along with me as the Mavs crushed San Antonio's comeback dreams...my mother...

1. He still sits in the same season ticket seats that he had before he was an owner. Many team owners sit distanced in stiff suits from the team and the fans in a private box. He's right there in the middle of things wearing his goofy clothes.
   
2. He cares about this team. Mark Cuban isn't about the Mavs as a money machine, I'm sure he's smart enough to recognize that if you run a sports franchise where the players and the fans are all happy that the money will come. If you run a sports franchise based on the bottom line, well, it may end up being counterproductive (Florida-cough-marlins). I'm sure Mark isn't bleeding money out over the Mavericks, but it's obvious that this is more than about money to him, it's about winning, its about DFW, its about the game, the fans, the players and fun!!! When you watch Mark, he's having a GOOD TIME!!!!!
   
   Part of this caring for the team is demonstrated by Cuban's respect for the average fan. So many sports teams have priced tickets out beyond belief and most of the people there are casual fans to see and be seen who have corporate seats and privileged lifestyles. The Mavericks organization has ensured that everyone and anyone can get involved in this club and see a game. I think they are even offering $10 tickets next year!! I just bought TWO  tickets for Friday night's game against the Suns at the ticket drop this morning for less than $35 dollars a piece including all those dang charges Ticketmaster adds to everything. There isn't a more entertaining ticket in town for that price.

Not like anyone involved with the Mavericks would ever read this, but on the odd chance, thanks guys for everything you've done to bring honor to DFW and affordability to a pro sport. I can't wait for the game on Friday!!!!

GO MAVS!!!!!