Christmas Eve - My Letter to Pat Bowlen

[Archie]

Irritated at a 2nd straight home Christmas Eve game, I wrote the following email to Pat Bowlen last April right after the schedule came out. I Never heard a response (not that I really expected one - but I did hope for one).

Anyway... thought I would post it here again on the day of the game...
========================

Pat – I hope you’ll have a chance to actually see this…

I’m a long time Bronco fan and season ticket holder for the last eight years. I wanted to let you know how disappointed I am that the NFL chose to schedule so many of the league games on Sunday December 24th. For the league, I know the ability to schedule games outside of the typical format is limited. But, much like last year when Christmas day fell on a Sunday and the NFL scheduled most of those weekends’ games on Saturday; I had expected the NFL to make the same decision this year. Christmas Eve is a day that typically has significant family and or religious tradition associated with it.

This last year, I decided to make the Christmas Eve game a family affair by brining the entire family to the game (10 people) but we also had to give up on several other key family traditions and time with other extended family members. I think I’d be ok doing this once every seven or eight years but I can’t see it happening for a second year. I think the league, asking ticket holders to do this two years in a row, is both over reaching and borders on arrogance (in suggesting that football trumps all of these other traditions and fans will gladly set them aside). This year, the Broncos will play three games on holidays, all of which typically have strong family traditions associated with them. Further, two of those will be two weeks in a row and at home.

I really think the league should re-consider the number of December 24th games and move most of them to December 23rd. But, knowing how unlikely that is I just hope you’ll accept this sentiment and use it to help the league in making more thoughtful scheduling decisions in the future.


Devoted Bronco Fan
Chris
(More devoted family man)

[ak1971]

:thumbs: I agree with you 100% moving the near holiday game to the Saturday would be so much better. On that note, see you down there.


Irritated at a 2nd straight home Christmas Eve game, I wrote the following email to Pat Bowlen last April right after the schedule came out. I Never heard a response (not that I really expected one - but I did hope for one).

Anyway... thought I would post it here again on the day of the game...
========================

Pat – I hope you’ll have a chance to actually see this…

I’m a long time Bronco fan and season ticket holder for the last eight years. I wanted to let you know how disappointed I am that the NFL chose to schedule so many of the league games on Sunday December 24th. For the league, I know the ability to schedule games outside of the typical format is limited. But, much like last year when Christmas day fell on a Sunday and the NFL scheduled most of those weekends’ games on Saturday; I had expected the NFL to make the same decision this year. Christmas Eve is a day that typically has significant family and or religious tradition associated with it.

This last year, I decided to make the Christmas Eve game a family affair by brining the entire family to the game (10 people) but we also had to give up on several other key family traditions and time with other extended family members. I think I’d be ok doing this once every seven or eight years but I can’t see it happening for a second year. I think the league, asking ticket holders to do this two years in a row, is both over reaching and borders on arrogance (in suggesting that football trumps all of these other traditions and fans will gladly set them aside). This year, the Broncos will play three games on holidays, all of which typically have strong family traditions associated with them. Further, two of those will be two weeks in a row and at home.

I really think the league should re-consider the number of December 24th games and move most of them to December 23rd. But, knowing how unlikely that is I just hope you’ll accept this sentiment and use it to help the league in making more thoughtful scheduling decisions in the future.


Devoted Bronco Fan
Chris
(More devoted family man)

[watermock]

Wtf? There isn't a late game tonight to my knowledge.

These "men" live cuddled lives and generally are pampered. Guess what Eienstein...you don't have to watch the games. Most will have Christmas off, and altho there are two games, they can celebrate today. Stop fussing. If it's inconvenient for you the solution is pretty damn simple.

You can move things around...considering the beating the religious significance of Christmas has taken it's no big deal IMO. Plus, Easter is the more important holiday religiously anyway.

Guess what, It's also on a sunday, just offseason. If you think I'm going to coddle players getting millions and millions to play a game on Sunday, then they don't have to be players now do they.

One other thing...this doesn't happen every year anyway. This isn't even Christmas, it's Christmas Eve, and again, there isn't a late game.

[Archie]

:thumbs: I agree with you 100% moving the near holiday game to the Saturday would be so much better. On that note, see you down there.

won't be there... don't even get to watch the game live as I have kids singing in a Christmas Eve service at 4PM. Today I am truely thankful for Tivo...

[Spider]

1 year I missed thanksgiving and Christmas , working , as a rule now I dont leave out on a run 3 days before either Holiday ........ these holidays are family time .....

[Archie]

Wtf? There isn't a late game tonight to my knowledge.

It's not about a night game.... it's about any games today. Maybe my entire family is unusual but we have a whole lot of Christmas Eve traditions that start around mid-day. Anyway, like my email to Pat states, this wasn't a sentiment that I had last year. It was the 2nd straight year that I had a problem with AND the fact that they played two weeks in a row on a holiday at home.

I respect the fact that I don't have to watch the games and today I won't be (at least live). I think my sentiment was worth sharing with the Broncos. But, in the end I'm doubtful it will have any impact on how the league thinks about scheduling these things. I just think it's too bad!

[alkemical]

Hey my job makes me work for the holiday's, can someone write a letter for me?!?

[Spider]

It's not about a night game.... it's about any games today. Maybe my entire family is unusual but we have a whole lot of Christmas Eve traditions that start around mid-day. Anyway, like my email to Pat states, this wasn't a sentiment that I had last year. It was the 2nd straight year that I had a problem with AND the fact that they played two weeks in a row on a holiday at home.

I respect the fact that I don't have to watch the games and today I won't be (at least live). I think my sentiment was worth sharing with the Broncos. But, in the end I'm doubtful it will have any impact on how the league thinks about scheduling these things. I just think it's too bad!

merry christmas ..........

[Spider]

Hey my job makes me work for the holiday's, can someone write a letter for me?!?

i will
Dear mr claviculasolomonis employer , I dont know who in the hell you think you are , but claviculasolomonis deserves the holidays off with pay ........
Now get on it ..........
sincerly ....Bob aka Chief fan ;D

[GonzoLays]

Arch, I think the NFL is saying, "either you choose your family traditions or us." I think it is that simple.

Sometimes, family traditions are more important than a football game. It is unfortunate but life is full of pivotal decisions. You just have to decide what you value more.

[alkemical]

i will
Dear mr claviculasolomonis employer , I dont know who in the hell you think you are , but claviculasolomonis deserves the holidays off with pay ........
Now get on it ..........
sincerly ....Bob aka Chief fan ;D



lol thanks spider i'll print this off and fax it in... ;)

[Archie]

Arch, I think the NFL is saying, "either you choose your family traditions or us." I think it is that simple.

Sometimes, family traditions are more important than a football game. It is unfortunate but life is full of pivotal decisions. You just have to decide what you value more.

In the letter I said that this "...borders on arrogance (in suggesting that football trumps all of these other traditions and fans will gladly set them aside)".

I agree that folks have to make personal decisions. I just think the NFL is showcasing its arrogance here when it does that.

[Spider]

lol thanks spider i'll print this off and fax it in... ;)

merry christmas bro

[watermock]

That's another line of crap. People have had the game running in the background on Thanksgiving for decades. I don't care if you want to start Christmas festivities mid day. Go right ahead.

They allready spread the schedule out quite honestly. one game Thursday,one last night, then two more on Chistmas late. This is all absurd.

We opened presents Christmas Eve, there is no game on late tonight. There are no games till late tommorow. Buy a vowel.

[Spider]

That's another line of crap. People have had the game running in the background on Thanksgiving for decades. I don't care if you want to start Christmas festivities mid day. Go right ahead.

They allready spread the schedule out quite honestly. one game Thursday,one last night, then two more on Chistmas late. This is all absurd.

We opened presents Christmas Eve, there is no game on late tonight. There are no games till late tommorow. Buy a vowel.

Merry Christmas to you also mock ;D

[watermock]

Hey, I wouldn't of minded bringing in the Bengals on 4 days rest and back 2 back road games.

[Ratboy]

If you, or anyone else feel like the Broncos game on Christmas Eve is a burden, than give the tickets away to someone who doesnt feel the same way. I'd spend half the day on Christmas Eve watching the Broncos play a football game with friends and family at the stadium.

[OrangeShadow]

i have to agree with you on this one

[Spider]

yeah the man works hard supporting his family , has enough cash to spend on somthing he loves , then someone wants him to give his tickets away ............

[yerner]

Dork

[Spider]

Dork

who you calling dork ?

[watermock]

OK, who's stealing my Dork trophy?

[Archie]

If you, or anyone else feel like the Broncos game on Christmas Eve is a burden, than give the tickets away to someone who doesnt feel the same way. I'd spend half the day on Christmas Eve watching the Broncos play a football game with friends and family at the stadium.

So perhaps it will make you feel good that I did just that. Sold two of my four. Gave away the other two and my parking pass. The ones I gave away went to 2 nuns.. :)...

[Archie]

That's another line of crap. People have had the game running in the background on Thanksgiving for decades. I don't care if you want to start Christmas festivities mid day. Go right ahead.

They allready spread the schedule out quite honestly. one game Thursday,one last night, then two more on Chistmas late. This is all absurd.

We opened presents Christmas Eve, there is no game on late tonight. There are no games till late tommorow. Buy a vowel.

What's interesting about some of these responses is that you seem to be complaining that I expressed my opinion to Pat. I never have suggested that this is not a personal decision I'm making or that I should somehow be given my money back, etc.. I just think it is a personal decision that is shared by enough people that it was worth sharing the opinion with Pat (and of course all of you).

Considering the number of opinions, Mock, that you share with us... it's stunning that you seem so surprised that I should share my opinion :)

[Spider]

The ones I gave away went to 2 nuns.. :)...

Ha! or so you thought ......... i was one of the Nuns ;D

[Meck77]

I'm not sure how much control owners have over their schedules but I'm pretty sure Bowlen celebrates Hanukkah instead of Christmas. I could be wrong and maybe it's not even relevant but Dec 24th/25th are just a business day for him?


Personally I'd like to see less 18 year old security guards running around the lots like they are marines patrolling the front lines of Iraq...but hey that's just my opinion...lol

[watermock]

You didn't share an opinion...you made one.

[Spider]

Personally I'd like to see less 18 year old security guards running around the lots like they are marines patrolling the front lines of Iraq...but hey that's just my opinion...lol

LOL . Reminds me of a secuirty guard @ St .Vincents hospitial in Billings Montana , I picked on alot ...........

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I agree with you Archie, but TV rules the world and they get better ratings on Sunday than Saturday. Unfortunate.

[Ratboy]

I don't need an excuse (Christmas Eve) to hang out and have fun with my family, I guess to some it's more of a tradition, but i see it as a time where family hangs out and has fun. I can do that whenever. So therefore my opinion i much rather go to a game. Ofcoarse i've never been to a home game, so that could be another reason.

[Taco John]

I'm in pretty big trouble with my wife today because of the game to be sure.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'm in pretty big trouble with my wife today because of the game to be sure.

Should have put it in the contract... :clown:

[baja]

Wtf? There isn't a late game tonight to my knowledge.

These "men" live cuddled lives and generally are pampered. Guess what Eienstein...you don't have to watch the games. Most will have Christmas off, and altho there are two games, they can celebrate today. Stop fussing. If it's inconvenient for you the solution is pretty damn simple.

You can move things around...considering the beating the religious significance of Christmas has taken it's no big deal IMO. Plus, Easter is the more important holiday religiously anyway.

Guess what, It's also on a sunday, just offseason. If you think I'm going to coddle players getting millions and millions to play a game on Sunday, then they don't have to be players now do they.

One other thing...this doesn't happen every year anyway. This isn't even Christmas, it's Christmas Eve, and again, there isn't a late game.

Only a self absorbed drunk that lives alone with his cat would miss the point of Chris' letter.

[watermock]

Your an idiot that can't create an argument just insults. I have found alot about you...want me to share them?

Make an argument that there shouldn't be games today moron.

It's not my fault you were such an idiot that you didn't know you were out of direct TV''s sat range.

Want more?

The point of Chris' letter is that it inconveniences HIM today. Whooptie do. If he can't man up enough to have the TV on, on an EARLY GAME well then he will just have to tough it out.

Maybe the kids will have to tough it out to wait for the evening to open presents ect. Your an idiot and an insulting one at that.

There isn't a game tonight. It's totally up to you if you have any balls at all to wait till 5PM if your in the mountain time zone. For your idiot ass, it would be over by 4.

That hardly is a hardship, shouldn't you of allready been to church today in the morning?

[Meck77]

Your an idiot that can't create an argument just insults.

Make an argument that there shouldn't be games today moron.

Mock has a point there Baja Drama. We had a discussion going and you come in with both insult barrels blazing. What's the matter Baja? You must be bored since you can no longer kick up dirt with the Tensi issue?

Back to the topic at hand.......

[watermock]

From what I can tell your a heathen anyway Baja...with no family. WTF do you jump in for? Dickhead.

You have an illusion of self privelege that is astounding.

[baja]

Your an idiot that can't create an argument just insults. I have found alot about you...want me to share them?

Make an argument that there shouldn't be games today moron.

It's not my fault you were such an idiot that you didn't know you were out of direct TV''s sat range.

Want more?

The point of Chris' letter is that it inconveniences HIM today. Whooptie do. If he can't man up enough to have the TV on, on an EARLY GAME well then he will just have to tough it out.

Maybe the kids will have to tough it out to wait for the evening to open presents ect. Your an idiot and an insulting one at that.

There isn't a game tonight. It's totally up to you if you have any balls at all to wait till 5PM if your in the mountain time zone. For your idiot ass, it would be over by 4.

That hardly is a hardship, shouldn't you of allready been to church today in the morning?

"Tis the Season to be Jolly"

Merry Christmas Mock

[watermock]

Your made...Christmas Eve or not.

You have the gall to insult me then make a sarcastic Merry Christmas from the rocks you live on? FU

[baja]

Mock has a point there Baja Drama. We had a discussion going and you come in with both insult barrels blazing. What's the matter Baja? You must be bored since you can no longer kick up dirt with the Tensi issue?

Back to the topic at hand.......

Shouldn't you be calling out TJ for not listening to you about how he should run his board or something?


Merry Christmas Meck.

[Florida_Bronco]

Personally I'd like to see less 18 year old security guards running around the lots like they are marines patrolling the front lines of Iraq...but hey that's just my opinion...lol

You get annoyed by those too? Funny story about that.

I have a casual friend who works at a Target down here. One day I was doing some shopping there and she comes over to talk to me. About 5 mins later this acne faced little guy comes over and kinda butts into our conversation. What was real funny is that this guy (who they call an "Asset Protection Specialist") is trying to act tough and playing with the cheap ass handcuffs they give them.

After a couple minutes of this I've about had enough of his bravado so I started asking him if he knew what he was doing with those handcuffs and of course, he really didn't have a clue. He felt pretty stupid when I told him that I was in the process of becoming a cop and I could show him how to actually use those cuffs. :wiggle:

Turns out this guy had a crush on my friend and thought I was encroaching on his territory.

[baja]

Irritated at a 2nd straight home Christmas Eve game, I wrote the following email to Pat Bowlen last April right after the schedule came out. I Never heard a response (not that I really expected one - but I did hope for one).

Anyway... thought I would post it here again on the day of the game...
========================

Pat – I hope you’ll have a chance to actually see this…

I’m a long time Bronco fan and season ticket holder for the last eight years. I wanted to let you know how disappointed I am that the NFL chose to schedule so many of the league games on Sunday December 24th. For the league, I know the ability to schedule games outside of the typical format is limited. But, much like last year when Christmas day fell on a Sunday and the NFL scheduled most of those weekends’ games on Saturday; I had expected the NFL to make the same decision this year. Christmas Eve is a day that typically has significant family and or religious tradition associated with it.

This last year, I decided to make the Christmas Eve game a family affair by brining the entire family to the game (10 people) but we also had to give up on several other key family traditions and time with other extended family members. I think I’d be ok doing this once every seven or eight years but I can’t see it happening for a second year. I think the league, asking ticket holders to do this two years in a row, is both over reaching and borders on arrogance (in suggesting that football trumps all of these other traditions and fans will gladly set them aside). This year, the Broncos will play three games on holidays, all of which typically have strong family traditions associated with them. Further, two of those will be two weeks in a row and at home.



I really think the league should re-consider the number of December 24th games and move most of them to December 23rd. But, knowing how unlikely that is I just hope you’ll accept this sentiment and use it to help the league in making more thoughtful scheduling decisions in the future.


Devoted Bronco Fan
Chris
(More devoted family man)

I agree with you Chris although I can't think of a solution for when Christmas falls on a weekend.

Sorry for the thread hijack :sunshine:

[Meck77]

Shouldn't you be calling out TJ for not listening to you about how he should run his board or something?


Merry Christmas Meck.

Actually he does listen. Ie (tailgate forum, Maniac Community Discussion forum) just a couple of my ideas. I look at it as my job to help improve this community. Bringing ideas to the table is much more productive than calling out Mock. I know you think it's cool to dump on him and I expected you to get defensive when I called you out for insulting him for no reason. Maybe next time you'll think twice before acting like an asshole for no reason.

Merry Christmas

[baja]

Wtf? There isn't a late game tonight to my knowledge.

These "men" live cuddled lives and generally are pampered.<b> Guess what Eienstein...you don't have to watch the games.</b> Most will have Christmas off, and altho there are two games, they can celebrate today.,<b> Stop fussing. If it's inconvenient for you the solution is pretty damn simple.</b>

You can move things around...considering the beating the religious significance of Christmas has taken it's no big deal IMO. Plus, Easter is the more important holiday religiously anyway.

Guess what, It's also on a sunday, just offseason. If you think I'm going to coddle players getting millions and millions to play a game on Sunday, then they don't have to be players now do they.

One other thing...this doesn't happen every year anyway. This isn't even Christmas, it's Christmas Eve, and again, there isn't a late game.

Meck, You really think, as you say, this is a nice discussion that i so rudely out of the blue jumped on Mock about maybe you missed the 3rd post in the thread post quoted above.

The guy that made this thread has never started a thread before and I think Mock jumping all over him for his posting a heart felt letter is just more of Mock's attempt at bullying newer posters and I called him on it.

[Spider]

there is a country song in this somewhere
where is David Allen Coe when you need him ;D

[Meck77]

I know Archie personally baja. He's a big kid.

I said what I had to say. I'm out.

[Spider]

you know meck I still have that shirt you gave me at the tailgate I was at .........has nothing to do with this thread ;D

[baja]

I know Archie personally baja. He's a big kid.

I said what I had to say. I'm out.

Double standard.

[watermock]

So it's rude to point out that if he has mid day plans the NFL should move the time to suit him?

The solution is simple...maybe I need to explain it. Don't watch the game, postpone the festivities a couple hours, or tape it.

Finally, do you think Bowlen has any control over scheduling? Your such a fool you don't even know where to send a complaint that is lame.

All that is controlled by the NFL and the networks, not Bowlen, but you were brilliant enough to e-mail Bowlen. This is funny actually.

[-Slap-]

So it's rude to point out that if he has mid day plans the NFL should move the time to suit him?

The solution is simple...maybe I need to explain it. Don't watch the game, postpone the festivities a couple hours, or tape it.

Finally, do you think Bowlen has any control over scheduling? Your such a fool you don't even know where to send a complaint that is lame.

All that is controlled by the NFL and the networks, not Bowlen, but you were brilliant enough to e-mail Bowlen. This is funny actually.

Pat Bowlen is Chair of the NFL Broadcast Committee, so Chris couldn't have possibly addressed his letter to a person more qualified to answer his concerns.

[ludo21]

Good point Archie, but its not the NFL's fault xmas eve falls on a Sunday.

They could move all the games to Saturday, but i just dont think it would work that well due to schedules.

[Raiders Rock]

Why waste your time, you are gonna lose anyway......

[BABronco]

Why waste your time, you are gonna lose anyway......

I could ask you the same question as to why your a raider fan... they are gonna lose anyways.

[Sgt Sauce]

it's going to happen 2 out of every seven years.. ask aunt Marge for some kleenex's and ball up!!!

[Alleged Triggerman]

Oh well. So sad. Hope you don't commit suicide. FYI not everybody celebrates Dies Natalis Invictis Solis. Arrogance is all comming from you, wanting the world to revolve around you and your family traditions.

[Archie]

I'm not sure how much control owners have over their schedules but I'm pretty sure Bowlen celebrates Hanukkah instead of Christmas. I could be wrong and maybe it's not even relevant but Dec 24th/25th are just a business day for him?


Personally I'd like to see less 18 year old security guards running around the lots like they are marines patrolling the front lines of Iraq...but hey that's just my opinion...lol

I believe Pat is Catholic... regardless his wife and children are. They went through First Communion at my parish about 8 years ago or so...

[Archie]

So it's rude to point out that if he has mid day plans the NFL should move the time to suit him?

The solution is simple...maybe I need to explain it. Don't watch the game, postpone the festivities a couple hours, or tape it.

Finally, do you think Bowlen has any control over scheduling? Your such a fool you don't even know where to send a complaint that is lame.

All that is controlled by the NFL and the networks, not Bowlen, but you were brilliant enough to e-mail Bowlen. This is funny actually.

So... did all my festivities today... had a great time. Just finished watching the game via Tivo - although I started to fast forward past the botched extra point...

A) if I felt my opinion was soley held by me I would not have said anything to Bowlen or anyone else. I don't write a letter to Bowlen when my daughter is getting married asking why they schedule games that interfere with other things in my personal life. However, in this particular circumstance, I think that my opinion is also held by quite a few other people. Perhaps not a majority of football fans but certainly not an insignificant minority. Even the folks I tailgate with who attended today's game made the point that it was "hard to do". Required getting family hall passes, etc.. I did it (got the hall passes) last year. Chose not to do it two years in a row.

B) I know Bowlen does not "own" the scheduling but every owner is in a postion to influence it and Bowlen is one of the stronger owners in particular in this area.

C) I didn't expect my shared opinion to actually change anything. But I enjoyed sharing it. and frankly I laughed a bit today at your shock that someone might express an opinion that you don't agree with. That must be how you get to 60K posts. I'd probably be well over 5K posts instead of creaping up on 1000 if I drooled on every post I didn't agree with too.

[Archie]

Good point Archie, but its not the NFL's fault xmas eve falls on a Sunday.

They could move all the games to Saturday, but i just dont think it would work that well due to schedules.

I guess actually that was my point to Bowlen. They moved all the games last year from Sunday (Christmas) to Saturday. Hoped they would do the same this year. Didn't get my wish.

[usedupbraids]

Why waste your time, you are gonna lose anyway......

Just come home man be a bronco fan, come home. :kiss: :kiss:

[CoBear23]

I see where you're coming from but at least for me Football and Family are great seprate, but way more fun together.