Mark,

>See a Thrashers game in person. It is a quantum leap from watching on TV. While there are some highly paid players, for the most part, these guys make less than the other 3 major sports, are more accessible, better citizens and very pleasant to be around [except during a game of course!].

I went to a few Atlanta Thunder (you know first female goalie) games when they were in town. I really loved it. Here in Wichita I haven't gotten in to the local teams yet.

>
>Most teams, Stars included, have several events each year that are reasonably priced [proceeds almost always go to their charities]. The Stars have a Skate With the Stars every November where for $80 adult and $40 child, you can skate on the game ice with the players, take pictures with them, get autographs, bid on terrific items in a silent auction, free food [donated by area restaurants], etc. They limit the attendance to the first 2000 people. My daughter had a blast! All proceeds go to children charities.

That is the way most of the pro sports SHOULD be. If you think about it they are making a ton of money because we go watch them do something that they love. Why shouldn't they give a little back. Some of the Braves were this way but the rest would make there bazillons and then you would never see them unless they were charging you for autographs.