Attendance Discussion

20K and about what I expected. It was a great crowd who really got into the game.

There was a lot of complaining on the post game show after the game. Not sure what they were expecting, but all things considered it was a great bunch. IMO, the crowd wouldn't have been much larger if we had gotten the win against A&M last week. True fans are developed over time not made after one big victory.

Enough about regional opponents and how C-USA will help. It's so Sunbelt to talk about how many fans the other team will bring.

Continued winning will help. Some marketing will also help. This fan base is growing. That's what is important.

100%...this.

There were some first-timers last night. Had a family, dad, mom, and two kids near me that asked some questions, like does "general admission" mean you can sit where you want, and later they told me this was their first Tech game ever. They left at halftime....

As Dwayne would say that 20K+ was really 18K. Not much of a bounce after the latest S'port experiment. It is, what it is. I, and mine, were there, and we enjoyed another Tech win, Dixon's record-setting night, and we will back in two weeks for the next one.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

As Dwayne would say that 20K+ was really 18K. Not much of a bounce after the latest S'port experiment.

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No way to back that up. There seemed to be as many there last night as the UNLV game. Definately a much rowdier and fun crowd.

The Shreveport remark...what were you expecting? We got a few new folks due to Shreveport. That's what we need to happen. It will take time and won't happen over night or unless we keep winning.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

20K and about what I expected. It was a great crowd who really got into the game.

There was a lot of complaining on the post game show after the game. Not sure what they were expecting, but all things considered it was a great bunch. IMO, the crowd wouldn't have been much larger if we had gotten the win against A&M last week. True fans are developed over time not made after one big victory.

Enough about regional opponents and how C-USA will help. It's so Sunbelt to talk about how many fans the other team will bring.

Continued winning will help. Some marketing will also help. This fan base is growing. That's what is important.

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I completely agree with you. We're in the stages of building something rather nice. Our fans are really getting a feel for Big time football. It will take some time to develope rivelries, develope traditions and expand our great tailgating to new horizons. It's all on the horizon. With success come growing pains. Our new President must be one that understands La. Tech athletics and how important it is to our University. The city of Ruston needs to look into hotels to accomodate bigger crowds - thus putting more $$$ into the city. When, I said when we start to have sellouts the fans will want a place to eat and sleep. This won't happen over night, but just look at the progress we're making and it REALLY feels good !!! I love it...

We had a first-timer WM football player in our section last night. West Monroe (what is that, 25 minutes from the Joe?)...and it was his first Tech game ever, and he's not alone! There are tons of folks in these pine woods that "like" football but lack of consistency in winning has caused them to grow apathetic to anybody they can't watch on TV (read, no REAL investment) every week.

Anyway, back to the young man from WM, early on, he was thrown for a loop that some of us were hoping TAMU would win yesterday, and early on seemed genuinely shocked that Tech-folk didn't bleed purple and yella. By the 3rd Quarter, he was "moving the chains" and helping return the WE ARE --- BULLDOGS cheer. He'll be back, I'm pretty sure.

One at a time, y'all. ONE at a time. To anyone reading this post that is similar to the young man from WM...we welcome you to get on board the TECH TROLLEY!

GO DAWGS!!

Since attendance became an issue and a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion, about 15 years ago, we have been examining the numbers at Aillet, fending off attacks from flamers, flaming each other, and during that time, our attendance has grown from a real 13-15K range to a 17-20K range. That is true. I think it's just "organic" growth. More people, the ever-growing popularity of CFB with the advent of tailgating, student involvment, etc... The whole gameday experience in Ruston is light years ahead of where it's been. I have been attending games since 1976. As has most of the posters on this board, we've seen the positive changes.

WINNING is the key. That is true. Bandwagoners only jump on winning wagons. Five years from now, provided we are still making noise, and that means Top 25 rankings, we'll see another bump in the numbers, maybe to a real 22-25K range.

I thought that the comment that aTm wouldn't come to the Joe because there is no hotel for them to stay in Ruston. LSPoo stayed an hour away from College Station in Conroe. Seems like Shreveport is within that 1 hr range. I call BS on that excuse.

FWIW both UNLV and Idaho looked like decent crowds on ESPN3.

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Originally Posted by BRDawg81

I thought that the comment that aTm wouldn't come to the Joe because there is no hotel for them to stay in Ruston. LSPoo stayed an hour away from College Station in Conroe. Seems like Shreveport is within that 1 hr range. I call BS on that excuse.

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The hotel thing is always a ridiculous argument.

In this particular case, having three home games in a row had a real effect. My brother from Houston knew he wouldn't be able to make three weekends straight and chose to make the first conference game over the UNLV game. I have to believe a lot of people chose the UNLV game because its a more appealing match up than Idaho.

Last night we had a bigger crowd than I thought we would have. We've made progress and upped our baseline attendance.

I have a strong feeling that we will have a really nice crowds in our last two games (especially Utah State). Marketing really needs to pump some $$ in for these next two.

It's all really very simple. Material and permanent attendance increases will occur when we incorporate all of the following items listed in order of importance:

1. Consistent winning against credible competition;

2. Growth of the student population;

3. Upgraded stadium (outward appearance, concession areas, restrooms, and concomitant facilities);

4. Consistent outreach to extended markets;

5. Improved pregame and halftime entertainment and continued improvement in crowd involvement (universally recognized cheers
and chants, reaction to certain musical cues, etc.)

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Originally Posted by tenacious_dog

In this particular case, having three home games in a row had a real effect. My brother from Houston knew he wouldn't be able to make three weekends straight and chose to make the first conference game over the UNLV game. I have to believe a lot of people chose the UNLV game because its a more appealing match up than Idaho.

Last night we had a bigger crowd than I thought we would have. We've made progress and upped our baseline attendance.

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This. I know about 10 ppl that were at A&M but not Idaho. They and about 10 more will be at homecoming. 3 homes in a row is terrible.

LFR...those are excellent points; however, they are (for most part) long-range goals. We need to get more creative to get butts in the seats now!

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Originally Posted by BRDawg81

I thought that the comment that aTm wouldn't come to the Joe because there is no hotel for them to stay in Ruston. LSPoo stayed an hour away from College Station in Conroe. Seems like Shreveport is within that 1 hr range. I call BS on that excuse.

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Most visiting teams that play Nebraska in Lincoln stay in a west Omaha hotel. That hotel is also the first to fill up with Nebraska fans as well on game weekends. It is a 50 minute drive from Lincoln.

I'm sure marketing dollars are being curtailed and placed into a reserve fund to help finance a contract renegotiation with SD

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

It's all really very simple. Material and permanent attendance increases will occur when we incorporate all of the following items listed in order of importance:

1. Consistent winning against credible competition;

2. Growth of the student population;

3. Upgraded stadium (outward appearance, concession areas, restrooms, and concomitant facilities);

4. Consistent outreach to extended markets;

5. Improved pregame and halftime entertainment and continued improvement in crowd involvement (universally recognized cheers
and chants, reaction to certain musical cues, etc.)

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#2 is easily achieved if the new president so desires. I teach in Texas and there are 1,000's of high quality academic students looking for an affordable experience. We would have to focus and expand our admissions recruiting, but that would pay for its self quickly.

3 home games in a row is terrible? Why? We play 6 home games, what difference does it make how they are alligned? Hell! I'd take 12 home games!!! Excuses. Some folks just look for excuses. That's fine. Everyone can do what the hell they want to do, or not do. But, just do it, and don't offer up excuses. There are 52 weekends in a year. Tech has a home game on just 6 of those. Surely you can arrange your affairs to accommodate other "obligations" on the other 46 weekends! Right????

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Originally Posted by trenteverett

LFR...those are excellent points; however, they are (for most part) long-range goals. We need to get more creative to get butts in the seats now!

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For short term results reverse the order. Increase entertainment and market it (along with marketing our great team). Marketing can also include creative block ticket sells to businesses for distribution to various groups, etc.

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Originally Posted by Bill Brasky

I'm sure marketing dollars are being curtailed and placed into a reserve fund to help finance a contract renegotiation with SD

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Lack of money has been DR's excuse for doing nothing for 25 years. Lay out a coherent plan with a tangible attendance goal to potential donors; show them how that increased attendance will improve the bottom line for athletics; and assure them that the increased revenue stream will not be siphoned away from athletics, and marketing money will not be an issue.

All business owners should require their suppliers and service providers to own La Tech season tickets. This should include your insurance, banking, bonding, vehicle and equipment dealers - everyone. Require it and stay firm.

:rolleyes:

Hmmm....

We could increase our enrollment if we desire. I know some current high schools seniors who have been accepted to lsu but not Tech. Our requirements are about the same as theirs so the only hold up is what? Trying to keep our numbers at a certain level?

We may still be lacking in overall numbers, but the quality of our fans (I speak only for the student section and OO where I sit) has increased exponentially. Used to I would get some condescending type looks back a few years ago when I would try to start cheers, and yell after big plays and stuff. Seemed like our own students would look at me as though Tech wasn't really worth cheering for, and they were just kind of standing there.

As I look around now we have fans everywhere who are truly engaged in the game. I honestly believe that the up-tempo offense we run coupled with several other factors (tailgating? late kickoffs?) has really awoken a larger percentage of our students. Once it starts and they see everyone else is participating, then its caught on like wildfire. I can't wait to see in about 5-10 years how much many more young alumni we have coming back to games. I think we will see the improvement in atmosphere in actual $$ in a few years. Even though it would help if they were taught the importance of supporting the face of their university from the actual admin.. I think we are somehow getting it done and making true fans out of the current students.

Great morning to be a Bulldawg!

20k was actually more than I expected. It's hard to get people excited about Idaho. In years past this game would have drawn 16k-17k. Hopefully the Utah State game will have great attendance.

When you play Ole Miss you have to stay 45 minutes away. The hotel excuse is silly.

I figure it won't be hardly anyone at the UTSA game with Alabama @ LSPoo and deer season going on. :furious3:

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Originally Posted by Helliana

I figure it won't be hardly anyone at the UTSA game with Alabama @ LSPoo and deer season going on. :furious3:

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Nah. Tons will be there.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

20K and about what I expected. It was a great crowd who really got into the game.

There was a lot of complaining on the post game show after the game. Not sure what they were expecting, but all things considered it was a great bunch. IMO, the crowd wouldn't have been much larger if we had gotten the win against A&M last week. True fans are developed over time not made after one big victory.

Enough about regional opponents and how C-USA will help. It's so Sunbelt to talk about how many fans the other team will bring.

Continued winning will help. Some marketing will also help. This fan base is growing. That's what is important.

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Exactly. We are headed in the right direction. Let's not get distracted by fantasies of overnight dramatic increases in butts in seats.

How long has it been since we've had less than 20k at a game?

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Originally Posted by BRDawg81

I thought that the comment that aTm wouldn't come to the Joe because there is no hotel for them to stay in Ruston. LSPoo stayed an hour away from College Station in Conroe. Seems like Shreveport is within that 1 hr range. I call BS on that excuse.

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It's no excuse. Being a large BCS-AQ, they do not want to give us a true homefield advantage & they don't have to. Do you honestly believe that LSPoo, Tennesse or OU are going to come play us in Ruston? These teams won't even come to play us in Shreveport. We have turned down Baylor & Kansas for home games so we are left with the occasional Cowbell U every 5 to 7 years.

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Originally Posted by kw2292

We may still be lacking in overall numbers, but the quality of our fans (I speak only for the student section and OO where I sit) has increased exponentially. Used to I would get some condescending type looks back a few years ago when I would try to start cheers, and yell after big plays and stuff. Seemed like our own students would look at me as though Tech wasn't really worth cheering for, and they were just kind of standing there.

As I look around now we have fans everywhere who are truly engaged in the game. I honestly believe that the up-tempo offense we run coupled with several other factors (tailgating? late kickoffs?) has really awoken a larger percentage of our students. Once it starts and they see everyone else is participating, then its caught on like wildfire. I can't wait to see in about 5-10 years how much many more young alumni we have coming back to games. I think we will see the improvement in atmosphere in actual $$ in a few years. Even though it would help if they were taught the importance of supporting the face of their university from the actual admin.. I think we are somehow getting it done and making true fans out of the current students.

Great morning to be a Bulldawg!

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Great post!

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

Lack of money has been DR's excuse for doing nothing for 25 years. Lay out a coherent plan with a tangible attendance goal to potential donors; show them how that increased attendance will improve the bottom line for athletics; and assure them that the increased revenue stream will not be siphoned away from athletics, and marketing money will not be an issue.

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Been screaming that for years. Doesn't seem to be an option that our admin is interested in.

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

It's all really very simple. Material and permanent attendance increases will occur when we incorporate all of the following items listed in order of importance:

1. Consistent winning against credible competition;

2. Growth of the student population;

3. Upgraded stadium (outward appearance, concession areas, restrooms, and concomitant facilities);

4. Consistent outreach to extended markets;

5. Improved pregame and halftime entertainment and continued improvement in crowd involvement (universally recognized cheers
and chants, reaction to certain musical cues, etc.)

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Higher enrollment is the key. Maybe getting rid of Reneau will help. Tech should look into expanding and improving their computer science curriculum. There is a shortage of computer science graduates and this is predicted to get worse in the next few years.

MY POST FROM 2004

"One of the biggest reasons Tech has such a hard time with fanbase. All of the alumni have to move to get a decent job.
Lincoln Parish NEEDS a light industrial park."


I stand by my post. My guess is that 90% of the stadium on any given Saturday is going to be filled with people from within a 20 mile radius. Until Lincoln parish population grows, home game attendance will always be an issue. With the quality of technological/engineering based degrees that Tech puts out, Lincoln parish leadership needs to put incentives in place to attract those kinds of businesses to the area. Bring in a couple thousand high paying jobs. That will expand service jobs by another few 1000 and the ball gets rolling.

Does Tech have the administrative support, physical plant and infrastructure to increase enrollment, and if so, approximately by what percentage?

Fans will drive to see a winning team play quality opponents. We have the winning team, just need quality opponents. The WAC is on it's last breath. Just keep winning. Who do we have coming in next year? Wish I could make the games, but it is a bit of a drive. I'm there in spirit. :icon_wink:

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Originally Posted by maddawg

20K and about what I expected. It was a great crowd who really got into the game.

There was a lot of complaining on the post game show after the game. Not sure what they were expecting, but all things considered it was a great bunch. IMO, the crowd wouldn't have been much larger if we had gotten the win against A&M last week. True fans are developed over time not made after one big victory.

Enough about regional opponents and how C-USA will help. It's so Sunbelt to talk about how many fans the other team will bring.

Continued winning will help. Some marketing will also help. This fan base is growing. That's what is important.

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Good Post. The crowd at the start of the game look good on TV. At one point when Idaho had a false start on third down, the commentators said the crowd cause the penalty. You could really hear that cowbell

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Originally Posted by NTXDawg

MY POST FROM 2004

"One of the biggest reasons Tech has such a hard time with fanbase. All of the alumni have to move to get a decent job.Lincoln Parish NEEDS a light industrial park."


I stand by my post. My guess is that 90% of the stadium on any given Saturday is going to be filled with people from within a 20 mile radius. Until Lincoln parish population grows, home game attendance will always be an issue. With the quality of technological/engineering based degrees that Tech puts out, Lincoln parish leadership needs to put incentives in place to attract those kinds of businesses to the area. Bring in a couple thousand high paying jobs. That will expand service jobs by another few 1000 and the ball gets rolling.

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I agree that jobs are needed, that's why Louisiana is 49th in population growth. But there are quite a few fans that drive more than 20 miles.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

3 home games in a row is terrible? Why? We play 6 home games, what difference does it make how they are alligned? Hell! I'd take 12 home games!!! Excuses. Some folks just look for excuses. That's fine. Everyone can do what the hell they want to do, or not do. But, just do it, and don't offer up excuses. There are 52 weekends in a year. Tech has a home game on just 6 of those. Surely you can arrange your affairs to accommodate other "obligations" on the other 46 weekends! Right????

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+1

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Originally Posted by BRDawg81

I thought that the comment that aTm wouldn't come to the Joe because there is no hotel for them to stay in Ruston. LSPoo stayed an hour away from College Station in Conroe. Seems like Shreveport is within that 1 hr range. I call BS on that excuse.

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A&M was desperate for an FBS opponent and would have come to the Joe if we had insisted. I understand the desire to reach the Shreveport market and want to grow our brand there if at all possible. Also, LSU stayed at the Del Lago resort on Lake Conroe Friday night and bussed over to College Station Saturday morning for an 11:00 kick-off. This lack of good hotel accomodations in Ruston as a reason why big name schools won't play in the Joe is pure BS!!! More likely it's the defeat we'd hang on 'em!!

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Originally Posted by dawg80

3 home games in a row is terrible? Why? We play 6 home games, what difference does it make how they are alligned? Hell! I'd take 12 home games!!! Excuses. Some folks just look for excuses. That's fine. Everyone can do what the hell they want to do, or not do. But, just do it, and don't offer up excuses. There are 52 weekends in a year. Tech has a home game on just 6 of those. Surely you can arrange your affairs to accommodate other "obligations" on the other 46 weekends! Right????

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No AD in college football wants three games in a row. There are many reasons not to do it, but the primary reason is expense to traveling fans.

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Originally Posted by Helliana

I figure it won't be hardly anyone at the UTSA game with Alabama @ LSPoo and deer season going on. :furious3:

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I figure you are wrong

I think with good weather the UTSA could set up as game similar to Rice. Local opponent. Homecoming. I think it could set up well. Keep winning with Utah State continuing to win plus good weather equals a pretty decent crowd in November as well. It would be nice to not include so many variables.

Will UTSA bring a crowd? Have we sold them any tickets? Did their ticket office ask for any? How many?

The same 20K there yesterday will be there for HC. We normally pick up an extra 3K-5K for HC. I expect 25K plus to be announced. Anything over 26K will be great.

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Originally Posted by TXDAWG81

Will UTSA bring a crowd? Have we sold them any tickets? Did their ticket office ask for any? How many?

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Why do you care how many the other team brings? It has zero to do with building up our fan base.

To answer your question...they might bring 100 people.

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Originally Posted by TXDAWG81

Will UTSA bring a crowd? Have we sold them any tickets? Did their ticket office ask for any? How many?

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WAC rules guarantee 300 free tickets for the opposing team. Which is mostly used for families of the players.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

3 home games in a row is terrible? Why? We play 6 home games, what difference does it make how they are alligned? Hell! I'd take 12 home games!!! Excuses. Some folks just look for excuses. That's fine. Everyone can do what the hell they want to do, or not do. But, just do it, and don't offer up excuses. There are 52 weekends in a year. Tech has a home game on just 6 of those. Surely you can arrange your affairs to accommodate other "obligations" on the other 46 weekends! Right????

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That sounds good, but for those of us that have young children and live 4-5 hours away, three games in a row is difficult to swing. There could be 112 weekends in the year and it wouldn't change the fact that as much as I love Tech, my family is going to take precedence. Having family members with obligations means those sometimes become your obligations.

Having said that, I wish Tech had every game at home also. It just means that I live with the fact that i may not be able to attend all of them.

Which is why we need a larger core fanbase. If most fans can make even 4 of 6 home games, staggered as the misses would be depending on each circumstance, the result would still be good numbers.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

Why do you care how many the other team brings? It has zero to do with building up our fan base.

To answer your question...they might bring 100 people.

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I care Because we could use the $!

In the very recent past our lows for attendance at home games was 15 - 18,000. Our lows now seem to be around 20,000. That is a notable positive direction.

I do believe this 20K attendance for Idaho will be our "low point" for this season. And with good reason. First, Idaho sucks, so it was very hard to get our fans excited about the 1-6 Vandals. Also, because the TX A&M game had to be rescheduled, LA Tech ended up with back-to-back-to-back home games (that's 3 in a row!) for the first time that I can ever remember.

Former LA Tech AD Jim Oakes once told me that he tried to avoid scheduling back to back home games whenever possible, because attendance always suffered the 2nd week. I can't imagine that he would think 3 home games in a row would be any easier to market.

So, I'm very pleased with the 20K we drew for Idaho.

Having said that, I do expect a huge homecoming crowd of 25K+ when our 7-1 (by then) Dawgs take on UTSA. And when LA Tech (9-1) meets Utah St (9-2) on Nov 17th, in Joe Aillet Stadium for the WAC championship, I fully expect an even bigger crowd. Everybody will want to come out and say goodbye to this team on "senior day". Furthermore, LA Tech's Graduation ceremonies are earlier that same day, so I expect a genuine 26K+ for that one. :)

Things are looking good, folks.




HD

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Which is why we need a larger core fanbase. If most fans can make even 4 of 6 home games, staggered as the misses would be depending on each circumstance, the result would still be good numbers.

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Agreed

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Originally Posted by longdawgview

Good Post. The crowd at the start of the game look good on TV. At one point when Idaho had a false start on third down, the commentators said the crowd cause the penalty. You could really hear that cowbell

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I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more COWBELL !

The last time I checked, we didn't have a whole lot of cheers that feature the cowbell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjsUf_oIgp0

Oh my Gosh, if we could get a student to dress up like that with a cowbell and a stick at the games - that would be a big hit!

Also, whatever happened to the idea someone came up with a few years ago to put up some deer stands behind the endzones and have a raffle for who gets to watch the game from them. I bet we could get the duck commander to make an appearance. the Bass Pro Shop would probably sponsor it. Then at halftime we could have a shooting contest with paintball guns. Now who wouldn't miss deer hunting for that?

:rifle:

Shhhh! Don't give 'em any ideas!!

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Furthermore, LA Tech's Graduation ceremonies are earlier that same day, so I expect a genuine 26K+ for that one. :)

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I hope they get the parking situation figured out for that. It has the potential to be a nightmare, traffic-wise.

So, based on what I saw at the game, the discussion on the post game, and what I read here, PLAYING IN S'PORT bought us nothing except possibly a loss and a lot of inconvenience to the TRUE FAN BASE.

I sure hope I am not the only one who feels this way. I have been going to "home games" in S'port, and having our team play before "at best" neutral crowds WAY TOO LONG!

NO MORE "HOME" GAMES IN SHREVEPORT .... EVER!!!!!!!!

To be fair, there was a core of TRUE BLUE Tech fans at the aTm game, and we are certainly not neutral. The 10K+ or so that stayed to the end were loud, proud and never gave up. Of course, it's much the same core of TRUE BLUE Tech fans you see at Aillet for every home game.

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Originally Posted by NTXDawg

MY POST FROM 2004

"One of the biggest reasons Tech has such a hard time with fanbase. All of the alumni have to move to get a decent job.
Lincoln Parish NEEDS a light industrial park."


I stand by my post. My guess is that 90% of the stadium on any given Saturday is going to be filled with people from within a 20 mile radius. Until Lincoln parish population grows, home game attendance will always be an issue. With the quality of technological/engineering based degrees that Tech puts out, Lincoln parish leadership needs to put incentives in place to attract those kinds of businesses to the area. Bring in a couple thousand high paying jobs. That will expand service jobs by another few 1000 and the ball gets rolling.

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I had a similar conversation with a BBB-board member last night. Bottom Line - ULL consistently draws a decent crowd and ULM draws a large crowd when they look promising.

Here is a primary difference: Tech is growing nation-wide. Our graduates are taking positions from coast to coast, by virtue, marketing our proud university. My fellow classmates live from New Orleans (always makes the games), to Washington State, and myself in Washington DC. It is financially difficult for us to make it to many home games. However, the majority (I'm guessing here based on experience) of UL'U pickem grads within recent years are still within 60 miles of their alma mater.

Guys, national diversity is great for Tech. I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment on my wearing Tech gear all over the northeast (that is northeast USA btw). Just this weekend, I was at a friends house in DC for a Halloween party. I streamed the Tech game from my Iphone to the guy's TV. Everyone was watching and commenting on 49 points early in the second quarter. One guy came up to me and said there was a Tech grad in his DC office who was a hardcore fan. This is the kind of publicity that will stand us apart from other universities and also the kind of publicity that is not a direct result of outreach conducted by the University.

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Originally Posted by NavyBulldog1

I had a similar conversation with a BBB-board member last night. Bottom Line - ULL consistently draws a decent crowd and ULM draws a large crowd when they look promising.

Here is a primary difference: Tech is growing nation-wide. Our graduates are taking positions from coast to coast, by virtue, marketing our proud university. My fellow classmates live from New Orleans (always makes the games), to Washington State, and myself in Washington DC. It is financially difficult for us to make it to many home games. However, the majority (I'm guessing here based on experience) of UL'U pickem grads within recent years are still within 60 miles of their alma mater.

Guys, national diversity is great for Tech. I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment on my wearing Tech gear all over the northeast (that is northeast USA btw). Just this weekend, I was at a friends house in DC for a Halloween party. I streamed the Tech game from my Iphone to the guy's TV. Everyone was watching and commenting on 49 points early in the second quarter. One guy came up to me and said there was a Tech grad in his DC office who was a hardcore fan. This is the kind of publicity that will stand us apart from other universities and also the kind of publicity that is not a direct result of outreach conducted by the University.

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I think you're on to something. I think that Tech, by virtue of our high-profile alums, engineering grads all over the U.S., and large numbers of graduates in DFW and Houston, is in an enviable position relative to most non-AQ, non-flagship schools anywhere in the country to be able to establish a recognizable national brand. Our distinct logo is easily recognizable and the school colors are pleasing, dramatic and patriotic.

Continued success in football combined with a basketball program that may soon begin to garner attention, could combine to annually keep Tech's name in national discussions from September through March. A smart marketing group could have a field day with this 'undiscovered gem in rural North Louisiana.'

I think the numbers will be better when we're playing more of the regional match-ups that CUSA will bring us. This is our last year in the WAC, and I don't think a lot of people care to watch any of the games. So, don't judge everything attendance wise by this year.

As I remember it, I was the one that said don't make any hasty decisions about Sonny Dykes until about 3 years out, and I was right on the money. You can listen to me. It's ok.

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

I think you're on to something. I think that Tech, by virtue of our high-profile alums, engineering grads all over the U.S., and large numbers of graduates in DFW and Houston, is in an enviable position relative to most non-AQ, non-flagship schools anywhere in the country to be able to establish a recognizable national brand. Our distinct logo is easily recognizable and the school colors are pleasing, dramatic and patriotic.

Continued success in football combined with a basketball program that may soon begin to garner attention, could combine to annually keep Tech's name in national discussions from September through March. A smart marketing group could have a field day with this 'undiscovered gem in rural North Louisiana.'

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This is right on the money... and never underestimate just how much our tenure in the WAC helped us get on the track to this image. Even though it didn't do much for our home attendance numbers.

Having the opportunity to play Boise/Fresno/Hawaii/Nevada in nationally televised games as a member of arguably the premier non AQ conference over the past decade has done a lot for us to be a nationally identifiable brand.

As opposed to playing UL(X) in a prime time Tuesday night Sun Belt matchup....

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Originally Posted by NavyBulldog1

I had a similar conversation with a BBB-board member last night. Bottom Line - ULL consistently draws a decent crowd and ULM draws a large crowd when they look promising.

Here is a primary difference: Tech is growing nation-wide. Our graduates are taking positions from coast to coast, by virtue, marketing our proud university. My fellow classmates live from New Orleans (always makes the games), to Washington State, and myself in Washington DC. It is financially difficult for us to make it to many home games. However, the majority (I'm guessing here based on experience) of UL'U pickem grads within recent years are still within 60 miles of their alma mater.

Guys, national diversity is great for Tech. I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment on my wearing Tech gear all over the northeast (that is northeast USA btw). Just this weekend, I was at a friends house in DC for a Halloween party. I streamed the Tech game from my Iphone to the guy's TV. Everyone was watching and commenting on 49 points early in the second quarter. One guy came up to me and said there was a Tech grad in his DC office who was a hardcore fan. This is the kind of publicity that will stand us apart from other universities and also the kind of publicity that is not a direct result of outreach conducted by the University.

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

I think you're on to something. I think that Tech, by virtue of our high-profile alums, engineering grads all over the U.S., and large numbers of graduates in DFW and Houston, is in an enviable position relative to most non-AQ, non-flagship schools anywhere in the country to be able to establish a recognizable national brand. Our distinct logo is easily recognizable and the school colors are pleasing, dramatic and patriotic.

Continued success in football combined with a basketball program that may soon begin to garner attention, could combine to annually keep Tech's name in national discussions from September through March. A smart marketing group could have a field day with this 'undiscovered gem in rural North Louisiana.'

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I agree with both of ya'll (surprise) Main thing is to get these far away high-profile alums to pony up, not saying huge contributions but decent ones and get the word out on what the money is being spent on. Tech's main downfall is that it hasn't thought outside Ruston/N. Louisiana when publicizing Tech accomplishments/needs/projects, instead leaving it up to Alums to come find out what's going on. The onset of social media has helped assuage this shortfall but more needs to be done to tap/re-involve these sleeper alums. Mailers are ok, home phone calls are better, and local fundraising/social events even better.

Germ, I certainly agree with you, the Alumni Association has said they are looking to get some active local chapters started in some of the larger areas but it seems to be lagging. I will say that I have several business associates who attended Tech but have been disconnected for 20+ years that are now rekindling their interest because we have started winning. I've had them start asking about season tickets for next year and one is even taking his family to San Marcos for his first Tech game in over 25 years.

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Originally Posted by 809miss

Germ, I certainly agree with you, the Alumni Association has said they are looking to get some active local chapters started in some of the larger areas but it seems to be lagging. I will say that I have several business associates who attended Tech but have been disconnected for 20+ years that are now rekindling their interest because we have started winning. I've had them start asking about season tickets for next year and one is even taking his family to San Marcos for his first Tech game in over 25 years.

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I hope Tech gets a group together in SA to bus up to San Marcos for the game! Their is a pretty good alum presence there.

do they actually count the kids with the club passes....I know for fact that at one of the previous games the person at the gate just let them in without scanning their pass.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

20K and about what I expected. It was a great crowd who really got into the game.

There was a lot of complaining on the post game show after the game. Not sure what they were expecting, but all things considered it was a great bunch. IMO, the crowd wouldn't have been much larger if we had gotten the win against A&M last week. True fans are developed over time not made after one big victory.

Enough about regional opponents and how C-USA will help. It's so Sunbelt to talk about how many fans the other team will bring.

Continued winning will help. Some marketing will also help. This fan base is growing. That's what is important.

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I thought that was a primary point of a regional conference. CUSA membership should boost attendance with N La area fans because of regionally know teams. Maybe that was your point.

Were playing Tulane, USM, etc. to bring 2k/game and visitors were to increase by 3k/game, that's a significant increase in home attendance. Maybe that increase and stability in attendance would allow us to schedule home and home games with Houston or SMU plus SEC/Big 12. I think 5k/game increase in attendance is conservative.

Were I financially able, I would challenge and guarantee every season ticket holder to buy one extra ticket for each remaining home game this year and take someone to the game. After the game you tell your friend "let's go to the ticket office. You buy yourself a ticket to the next home game and I'll buy a ticket and give to you to bring anybody you want to." I would guarantee an 85% success rate. I think Tech's success this year and regional opponents next year would make treating new folks to a game would be very easy. That gets the process started. As MD said in a thread, Tech has plenty to market right now.

Visiting fans only matter to schools like nlulm and lalaff. If we are depending on visitors as part of our future revenue we need to go back to 1AA or Sunbelt.

My dream is to limit the visitors tickets to whatever C-USA says we must give them.

No more globs of the other team colors in the middle of our Blue.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

Visiting fans only matter to schools like nlulm and lalaff. If we are depending on visitors as part of our future revenue we need to go back to 1AA or Sunbelt.

My dream is to limit the visitors tickets to whatever C-USA says we must give them.

No more globs of the other team colors in the middle of our Blue.

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Do you think we will see a sustainable increase in attendance by area fans due to playing regional teams?

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

Do you think we will see a sustainable increase in attendance by area fans due to playing regional teams?

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Yes I do, but a gradual increase due to winning and marketing. Substanial over the next 3-5 years.

USM is an excellent example of what winning can do for a program.

Boise is too, but many will agrue they have a captive audience. They do, but winning and marketing helped the most.

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

I thought that was a primary point of a regional conference. CUSA membership should boost attendance with N La area fans because of regionally know teams. Maybe that was your point.

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In my opinion, the benefit of being in a regional conference is not for your home attendance, but for your away attendance. You give your fans drivable away games so that they can have more opportunities to support the program.

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Originally Posted by theprofessor

In my opinion, the benefit of being in a regional conference is not for your home attendance, but for your away attendance. You give your fans drivable away games so that they can have more opportunities to support the program.

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I think this is a real benefit. NavyBulldog1 mentioned me in the New Orleans area, and make almost all of the games plus some away games, but there are plenty of other grads down here (with families) that I can bring to a Tulane game, or Southern Miss (barring a tropical storm). You get those people to games and remind them of how much fun it can be and I will be able to get them to come to a game in Ruston down the road. Start building the excitement with them and eventually they will become fans that at least make one game a year. The Independence bowl a few years ago was a good start for this.

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Originally Posted by theprofessor

In my opinion, the benefit of being in a regional conference is not for your home attendance, but for your away attendance. You give your fans drivable away games so that they can have more opportunities to support the program.

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I know zero graduates of the current WAC schools. I know plenty of UAB, USM, Rice, and Tulane grads.

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Originally Posted by SpaceDawg

I hope they get the parking situation figured out for that. It has the potential to be a nightmare, traffic-wise.

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Dude, I live in Dallas. There's no such thing as a "traffic nightmare" in Ruston. :)





HD

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Dude, I live in Dallas. There's no such thing as a "traffic nightmare" in Ruston. :)

HD

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Hey dude, I live in Dallas and never see you in the hood. You live up there in the north of Dallas where the streets are lined with pansies and the sun never sets.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Dude, I live in Dallas. There's no such thing as a "traffic nightmare" in Ruston. :)







HD

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No kidding. Rustonites equate "traffic nightmare" to mean "not able to pull immediately onto Tech Drive with no waiting and/or stopping".

Now, waiting over an hour literally sitting and not moving in the I-Bowl parking lot does equal a traffic nightmare.

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Originally Posted by olddog75

Hey dude, I live in Dallas and never see you in the hood. You live up there in the north of Dallas where the streets are lined with pansies and the sun never sets.

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Now now. Our kids do take school field trips to Dallas to see the hood, study homeless people, experience traffic jams and study high crime rates. :icon_wink:






HD

None of you city slickers had to deal with the "chicken fat" spill back in 2008. THAT was a traffic jam!

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Originally Posted by NathanDarby

No kidding. Rustonites equate "traffic nightmare" to mean "not able to pull immediately onto Tech Drive with no waiting and/or stopping".

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Write this one down for the ages.

"A traffic jam in Ruston is also known as a STOP sign". -- HD

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Originally Posted by maddawg

None of you city slickers had to deal with the "chicken fat" spill back in 2008. THAT was a traffic jam!

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WTH? :shocked2:

BTW, my wife gave major kudo's for the women's bathroom appearance and their looking better. In fact there were workers in there during both the first and second half's of the game. :banana: This has been a sore subject in the past and I wanted to give a positive shout out!!!

Thanks guys!!:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Now now. Our kids do take school field trips to Dallas to see the hood, study homeless people, experience traffic jams and study high crime rates. :icon_wink:



HD

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I wondered what those fancy buses with the kids looking out and pointing at me were doing. Please apologize to your kids for my unkind comments. :)

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

WTH? :shocked2:

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Yeah, that happened, lol. Not sure exactly where in Monroe it happened, but I think between the Garrett Rd and Millhaven exits. I was stuck in the Calhoun/Downsville area on I-20 for about 3 hours.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

BTW, my wife gave major kuddo's for the women's bathroom appearance and their looking better. In fact there were workers in there during both the first and second half's of the game. :banana: This has been a sore subject in the past and I wanted to give a positive shout out!!!

Thanks guys!!:thumbsup:

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Male or female?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

BTW, my wife gave major kuddo's for the women's bathroom appearance and their looking better. In fact there were workers in there during both the first and second half's of the game. :banana: This has been a sore subject in the past and I wanted to give a positive shout out!!!

Thanks guys!!:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Tech77

Male or female?

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Oops!! Maybe there was a different reason for the kudos. :D
They were female I would assume.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

WTH? :shocked2:

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I think this is the second spill, but GermDawg describes what happened that day...

Trucker driving a tanker full of "chicken remains" aka chicken fat; high on methamphetamines wasn't paying attention due to his slow realization that his degree from NLULM isn't worth the paper it was written on; almost rear-ends another NLULM grad that had come to a halt on I-20 because he was trying to figure out if the exit was 1 mile or 2 miles away (1/2 mile). The truck driver slams on his breaks spilling chicken fat on the highway but misses the confused driver and continues on down the road thinking that sudden awful smell was from him sh***ing himself. The NLULM driver trails chicken fat and remains down the highway for about a 3/4 of mile before a Tech grad is able to flag him down and gets him to pull over.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

BTW, my wife gave major kudo's for the women's bathroom appearance and their looking better. In fact there were workers in there during both the first and second half's of the game. :banana: This has been a sore subject in the past and I wanted to give a positive shout out!!!

Thanks guys!!:thumbsup:

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I made a specific request to BVDV in that regard. Pleased to hear positive action was taken.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

BTW, my wife gave major kudo's for the women's bathroom appearance and their looking better. In fact there were workers in there during both the first and second half's of the game. :banana: This has been a sore subject in the past and I wanted to give a positive shout out!!!

Thanks guys!!:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

I made a specific request to BVDV in that regard. Pleased to hear positive action was taken.

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You Da Man as always!! Thanks!

I live about a mile from the Joe and I could not make it to all 3 games. There are weddings, showers, funerals, etc. that interfere. Yes, the schedule is set in stone early but some people are too stupid to check it before they plan events. Not to mention, the A&M game got rescheduled. I know of at least 1 wedding that was in Ruston the night of the A&M game and couldn't be rescheduled. Also, $$$ is a huge factor in people traveling to the games. Do you think a young family can afford to pay for 1) gas 2) food 3) tickets and 4) hotel 3 weekends in a row? That adds up quick! I think it's stupid to have 3 in a row, yes I realize A&M was rescheduled due to weather, but still - weren't there other schedule options?

At the same time, I try and tailgate at every home game (this includes A&M) and that takes money and time to buy food, get together all the tables, chairs, tents, TV, satelite ,etc. I know by the 3rd game I was burnt out and half of my crew didn't even make it to the game until halftime due to prior commitments,etc. so we didn't even tailgate.

Just my $.02

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Originally Posted by brentcausey

I live about a mile from the Joe and I could not make it to all 3 games. There are weddings, showers, funerals, etc. that interfere. Yes, the schedule is set in stone early but some people are too stupid to check it before they plan events. Not to mention, the A&M game got rescheduled. I know of at least 1 wedding that was in Ruston the night of the A&M game and couldn't be rescheduled. Also, $$$ is a huge factor in people traveling to the games. Do you think a young family can afford to pay for 1) gas 2) food 3) tickets and 4) hotel 3 weekends in a row? That adds up quick! I think it's stupid to have 3 in a row, yes I realize A&M was rescheduled due to weather, but still - weren't there other schedule options?

At the same time, I try and tailgate at every home game (this includes A&M) and that takes money and time to buy food, get together all the tables, chairs, tents, TV, satelite ,etc. I know by the 3rd game I was burnt out and half of my crew didn't even make it to the game until halftime due to prior commitments,etc. so we didn't even tailgate.
Just my $.02

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No, there weren't other schedule options.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LookingForResults

I made a specific request to BVDV in that regard. Pleased to hear positive action was taken.

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That's good news but kind of sad it had to reach that point in the first place.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by okiealdawg

That's good news but kind of sad it had to reach that point in the first place.

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Yes, my wife commented that the restroom, after the game, was in great shape. She was pleased, so olddog75 was happy. She said that the Independence stadium restroom was crappy (my term) in the 1st quarter.

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Originally Posted by okiealdawg

That's good news but kind of sad it had to reach that point in the first place.

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Agreed. It's nice that he responded after being asked for years, but why in the world should we have to remind our AD that the press box needs internet and the bathrooms need tissue? :o

And yes, the women's bathroom attendants were women. :laugh:

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Originally Posted by maverick

Agreed. It's nice that he responded after being asked for years, but why in the world should we have to remind our AD that the press box needs internet and the bathrooms need tissue? :o

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Yes.....20 years

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Originally Posted by Bdfanatic

Yes.....20 years

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?