jackjd
Senior Member
Posts: 663
|
Post by jackjd on Nov 3, 2014 12:44:21 GMT -6
...We have a good following for games for losing as much as we have in the past couple years. In 2012 when SDSU played Eastern Illinois in a home playoff game there were 4,300 fans at the game. Whats that going to look like when they have a 19,000 seat stadium and there are 4,300 fans for a big game like that in Nov.... I think the first sentence quoted above is important to keep in mind. USD's attendance has been remarkably good considering the win/loss record. All reports on tailgating as well as comments I hear on the game-day experience in the DakotaDome show going to a game at USD has become an event and the trendline shows the program will continue to gain fan support. When SDSU played Eastern Illinois in 2012, I was in the stadium. There were 4,367 fans in the official count. SDSU fans were (and are) still just catching on to the better level of football in the FCS but in 2012, the Eastern Illinois game was on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and that may have been reason enough for some to skip the game. I'm willing to bet attendance numbers like that game in 2012 will not happen in the new stadium. Our season ticket sales jump each year. When the new stadium opens in 2016, we will have enough season ticket holders "invested" in the program along with corporate sponsorships that the attendance numbers at even the latest, coldest game are nearly guaranteed to be respectable. (My early experience going to Vikings games was in waning days of the old outdoor stadium in early December...it was a blast.) |
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Nov 3, 2014 13:14:02 GMT -6
The number of tailgating spots is not restricted at all. The number of spots in the one area is restricted, however, there is unlimited tailgating opportunitites in the other lots, no reservations necessary, just drive up day of the game. Now, the size of the spots in the restricted area is up for debate. No reason to give each spot up to 6 parking spots and only allow 2 parking passes. Could use a few more cars there to fill up the lot and space for those who buy the spot to park as most of these spots are sold to groups who go in together on it. I understand the need for some larger spots as there are people who bring RV's and other large tailgating rigs.
Two things I laugh about, one is the spot next to us, vacant every game, apparently it belongs to an older couple who only purchased it in order to have guaranteed parking close to the Dome. They usually show up and park about 20-30 minutes prior to kickoff. I suppose they paid for it and can use it however they wish, but really? Give them a reserved spot up in front of the Dome and open up that spot for somedbody who will use it for its intended purpose. The second are those people who wait until nobody is manning the gate and then think they can just drive in and park wherever. This has happened to us multiple times where we'll be sitting there only to have a vehicle pull in to park, right next to our coolers, tables, grill, etc, practically driving a car right into the middle of our party. How do they not know what the setup is by now? Blatantly trying to park where they know it is reserved for tailgating. We've been nice in explaining that they're in the wrong place but none of us are buying the Sgt. Schultz routine we get in response.
I have to also agree that it is amazing the number of fans we still draw given the results on the field. I really hope that doesn't fall off. I attribute that to the overall Gameday atmosphere. I know we'll be there Saturday, win or lose.
|
|
|
|
Post by yote14 on Nov 3, 2014 13:42:46 GMT -6
I know there is unlimited tailgating in the day of the game lots but they are nowhere near the actual tailgating area and sutdent tailgating area that its spread out too far. It kills the atmosphere. I have yet to see anyone tailgate in those spots during a game and it does not help create a good atmosphere for game day. The only other lot I have seen tailgating in is the grass lot over by the student tailgating section. We also have an older couple that parks next to us only for the parking spot not to tailgate. Thats tough to manage but I would hope when signing people up for these spots we are asking some questions to place people in areas that makes the most sense. If we do not get some consistency in what we are trying to do tailgating and allow more people to have season pass tailgating spots the atmosphere will die in a hurry. I feel like it has lost a little from last year already. We are not at the point to turn people away from season tailgating spots is what I was trying to say in my previous post. Which has happened to multiple people I know alone regardless of if they can tailgate in a spot 3 parking lots away behind a fence.
|
|
|
|
Post by formeryote on Nov 3, 2014 14:57:25 GMT -6
Why is the student tailgating area so far away from the regular area? I like the student entrance concept, but I agree - you lose even more of the atmosphere you’re trying to create by putting them on the other side of the Dome.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Nov 3, 2014 15:08:35 GMT -6
There's only so much room around the Dome. Can't put student tailgate on the soccer field or football practice field. Original plan was to have all the tailgate to the south of the construciton site, that would have stunk too. Just trying to make the best out of a crappy situation given the area is a construction site.
|
|
ctc2010
Sophomore Member
Posts: 238 
|
Post by ctc2010 on Nov 5, 2014 8:56:24 GMT -6
The other problem I have is game day atmosphere. Our announcer is horrible. He allows the dome to sit there and talk about the crops for 60 minutes. Play more music between time outs and quarter breaks. Quit having a subway sandwhich and coffee cup race on the video board at the end of the 3rd quarter. Maybe tell fans to get on their feet more than 3 times a game by playing music and things to get them involved. All of that lands on the Unversity. Create a better game day atomopshere. A lot of that starts by getting rid of the people in game day positions that have done those jobs for the past 30 years and do not create a D1 atmosphere or mindset on gamedays. I'd like to comment on this. I've been part of the game day crew for 2 years now and I can tell you that the last few years have been much better than years past in terms of game day presentation. At the end of the day, it comes down to the fans. For every fan that wants the announcer to "rally the troops," there are 2 fans that want him to shut up. The coffee cup race is a sponsorship element. They don't do it to fill time, they do it because it pays the bills. Just so you're clear, 90% of the game day crew in terms of "creating an atmosphere" is student workers. The video board operators are the only two (in terms of presentation) that have been there for more than a few years. No, it's not their full-time job. If you had any idea what all went into each and every game's production you would have much more respect for what goes on. |
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Nov 5, 2014 9:16:28 GMT -6
The gameday production is fine, and yes, it is way better than it used to be. The issue is the fans. You can't replicate a crazy crowd and you can't generate one with gameday stunts week after week. A crazy, raucous crowd has to be naturally generated from within by the fans themselves.
|
|
|
|
Post by yotefan on Nov 5, 2014 9:39:03 GMT -6
Speaking of crazy, whatever happened to playing Crazy Train every once in a while when we're kicking the ball off? Haven't heard it once this year. How about a little ACDC in there too? If I hear that techno beat kick-off song more than twice in a row on Saturday I'm going to be sick and usdlaw won't like it as he sits right in front of me. =)
The game day experience has come light years from where it was when "Tailgate Nation" was nothing more than a smattering of us die-hards in a grass field north of the Dome. There is without question a lot more work, thought, and effort that goes in to making it the success that it is today. With that said, it can and will continue to be improved.
The students should be an integral part of this and they should be asked what they'd like to see change as part of their game day experience as well. Just like at the polls last night, doing an exit survey of kids at the half would help. I was in on the conversations with Dave Lorenz way back when when the Coyote Crazies were devised and one of the reasons that plan was such a success is the students were part of the equation and their input was sought and listened to. Gotta be that way again to keep those seats warm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Nov 5, 2014 11:13:12 GMT -6
They do play some AC/DC. "For Those About to Rock" when the team is in the tunnel coming on to the field. Probably the best Gameday improvement that has been made. AC/DC rocks.
|
|
|
|
Post by 94grad on Nov 5, 2014 11:53:44 GMT -6
They do play some AC/DC. "For Those About to Rock" when the team is in the tunnel coming on to the field. Probably the best Gameday improvement that has been made. AC/DC rocks. I admit I like the opening kickoff Sandstorm. But A) the song is getting to be quite a few years old B) I don't remember it playing before EVERY kickoff in years past, regardless of who scored. Maybe it's just particularly annoying when it's being played for the 9th time after the opponent scored. I like the fact that we ditched the U. S. Dddddd..... Coyotes!! chant thingy throughout the game for the most part. I miss the Yotes! Yotes! Yotes! pre-game: I thought that got the crowd going a bit. I wish the sound system was louder. Most of all, I wish the fans were LOUDER!! I'm guessing that'll have to wait until next year at this point. I don't see the casual fan losing their voice for a 2-7 team. As others have said, I am somewhat impressed at the fan turnout overall this year considering the quality of the product on the field. 2 games left. This Saturday is probably our last, best shot at a MVFC victory. I'll be there and bringing 5 red-clad fans with me. Go Yotes! |
|
|
|
Post by yote14 on Nov 5, 2014 14:22:20 GMT -6
First let me start by saying my intentions were not to be disrespectful to anyone involved with the current game day presentation. I know that sometimes my opinion and passion for the program comes out wrong or as a little too much, so I'm sorry ctc2010.
I've seen quite a few football games not only at the FCS but FBS level and any of them that have had great gameday atmospheres do those additional things like playing more music during breaks and the right type of music etc. I understand the coffee cup deal is a sponsorhsip. But why cant the coffee cup race be announced over the system and then louder music be playing while the coffee cup race is going on. People can still watch it but then at least its not so quiet in the Dome you can hear cars driving outside. Its just not entertaining to watch a 45 second sandwhich race that has commentary. I also thought the YOTES, YOTES, YOTES, YOTES thing was really cool and could be something really cool to keep going as a tradition while the players are getting ready to run out of the tunnel. What ever happened to the coyote howl that would be played after a huge play or big tackle by USD? Thos are the small things that get fans into the game and more importatly players pumped up and recruits in the stands interested.
You're right at the end of the day if fans are not willing to get involved there is not much that can be done about that. But we do not have to give up on trying to get them involved because some of them will get upset they have to cheer. Thats the attitude we need to change.
I know that we have done a ton to improve gameday and it is significantly better than it was. but I'm tired of excuses and things holding us back. I'm tired of not creating some of the same atmosphere that state or NDSU have because we do not think its possible. I have been at every home game for the past 3 years and almost every game I hear a USD fan or visiting fans comment on the subway race and other things we do as not making much sense.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Nov 5, 2014 15:12:08 GMT -6
I guess we'll just have to accept some of the promotions and have fun with them. Pancheros Burrito Lift. Ever been to Iowa City? Ever wonder why you see the Iowa student section do that double handed "pump it up" while you are watching a game on ESPN, BTN, or ABC? They're doing the Pancheros Burrito Lift where a burrito bouncing up and down is superimposed over the big screen and played on the jumbotron (To experience a Pancheros Burrito Lift near you, please attend the next Sioux City Musketeers hockey game.)
The point is they took this stupid promo and ran with it and had some fun with it. Now, my proposal is for fans to pick out a personal favorite and cheer like a SOB for your choice to win. It would be hilarious if the Dome was deafeningly loud for some stupid promo like that.
|
|
ctc2010
Sophomore Member
Posts: 238
|
Post by ctc2010 on Nov 5, 2014 16:06:22 GMT -6
First let me start by saying my intentions were not to be disrespectful to anyone involved with the current game day presentation. I know that sometimes my opinion and passion for the program comes out wrong or as a little too much, so I'm sorry ctc2010. I've seen quite a few football games not only at the FCS but FBS level and any of them that have had great gameday atmospheres do those additional things like playing more music during breaks and the right type of music etc. I understand the coffee cup deal is a sponsorhsip. But why cant the coffee cup race be announced over the system and then louder music be playing while the coffee cup race is going on. People can still watch it but then at least its not so quiet in the Dome you can hear cars driving outside. Its just not entertaining to watch a 45 second sandwhich race that has commentary. I also thought the YOTES, YOTES, YOTES, YOTES thing was really cool and could be something really cool to keep going as a tradition while the players are getting ready to run out of the tunnel. What ever happened to the coyote howl that would be played after a huge play or big tackle by USD? Thos are the small things that get fans into the game and more importatly players pumped up and recruits in the stands interested. You're right at the end of the day if fans are not willing to get involved there is not much that can be done about that. But we do not have to give up on trying to get them involved because some of them will get upset they have to cheer. Thats the attitude we need to change. I know that we have done a ton to improve gameday and it is significantly better than it was. but I'm tired of excuses and things holding us back. I'm tired of not creating some of the same atmosphere that state or NDSU have because we do not think its possible. I have been at every home game for the past 3 years and almost every game I hear a USD fan or visiting fans comment on the subway race and other things we do as not making much sense. I completely understand. There are certain areas that I believe could be done better as well. There are just so many things that need to be done during each game that trying to fit everything in gets difficult. I believe, and I think a lot of people will agree with me, that the 4th quarter should be all about the fans. Promotions and sponsorship things should be taken care of before the 4th quarter (earlier the better) so that the 4th quarter can be all about getting the fans loud and let the team build off that. Unfortunately sports are a business and that isn't always the case though. Music is played around the PA announcer and fills in the gaps between segments, and maybe that's something that needs to be worked on. |
|
|
|
Post by Cousin Eddie on Dec 8, 2014 14:55:45 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by yote14 on Dec 8, 2014 15:03:55 GMT -6
It seems like Pelini would have a lot bigger offers than Youngstown State and the only way I could see him going there is if he is looking for a change of pace and a significant pay cut by doing so. Is there a connection between Pelini and Tressel?
I would be surprised if this happened and it would mean bad news for the rest of the MVFC if he did. Sorry Husker fans but the guy is a good coach and I'm not sure you are going to get anything better just by replacing him. No one wants to play in the cold anymore hence why the entire big 10 is down significantly the last 10 years and a guy that can get you 9-3 every year is doing a good job.
|
|
