Arena Season 2 Start Date Delay

As we mentioned in our initial announcement of the second arena season (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=106771822&sid=1), the start of the next season is planned to coincide with the release of a small patch. Due to additional development time and testing needed we will be delaying the scheduled release of the patch, and thus the start of Arena Season 2 by one week, to June 19. This current schedule is of course subject to change as well.

Also, don't forget that team ratings will be reset to the default 1500 with the start of the new season, allowing all teams to once again compete for top honors with a fresh start.

Q u o t e:
For clarity's sake I'm assuming this means the end of the current season has also been pushed back. Can we get some official confirmation of this?

The seasons don't actually last for a specific length so there's no give and take from this delay. We intend to have them last for about three months, but that's a loose guideline.

Q u o t e:
Why they don't just do arena season 2 this coming Tuesday and the patch the following Tuesday is beyond me. :P

We want the new season to coincide with the release of the new items, which are contained in the patch.

We provided our best guess as to when the patch would be ready in order to inform the community and allow them appropriate time to prepare. The best guess was followed with a large disclaimer, that if the patch wasn't ready we would let you know.

We're now letting you know as soon as possible to again let you prepare for this delay and possibly make any adjustments you need to.

We feel this specific date of the start of the next season is extremely important to those involved. However, some of the responses here would be a prime example of why we typically don't announce release dates.

Q u o t e:
I'm perfectly fine with the beginning of the next season being delayed, I understand there can be technical issues and you yourself most likely have zero involvement in that process. What I am concerned with is how the top .5% is being determined, whether they're still planning on taking the ladders from the twelfth or if they're going to determine that with the patch on the 19th. If I could get a response it would be greatly appreciated.

Everything coincides with the start of the new season, which is now slated for the 19th. Nothing is happening on the 12th, except a normal weekly maintenance.

Q u o t e:
Will arena points not count for that week like honor points did not count when the new honor system came out? I'm assuming that we will get the honor points for that week but you know what happens when you assume.

They WILL count for the last week played, unlike the week when the honor system changed.

Q u o t e:
In that case, do we have to play this next week (June 12-18) in order to be an "active" team, or can we sit on our rating until the 19th and still be able to receive our netherdrake and title?

If you're still in the top .5% of teams in your bracket in your battlegroup after a week of inactivity then go for it. Keep in mind the Armory doesn't show all teams.

Q u o t e:
Is there any circumstance where a top-ranked team in position to get a Netherdrake won't show on the Armory and thus the rankings will be off, or were you just referring to the fact that only 5000 teams show up when there's (on Stormstrike) closer to 14000?

Just referring to the fact that not all teams show up in the armory as it cuts off after a certain page. The calculations are going to be done from in-game standings, not from the armory.

Q u o t e:
I think his statement was along the lines of healer centric arena rewards. I was hoping moreso for a belt, bracer, and boot.

Yes I was referring to arena rewards as far as there being some more healing stuff. To tell you the truth I haven't actually seen all of the final rewards yet, so I'm not comfortable saying what is or isn't being added.