WHAT DO WE DO FROM THIS POINT ON?

[yoteforever]

There has been few that have battled coyotefan more than me but even I think it's time to move on. All this negative energy is doing no one any good, so I would like to open up a topic I want everyone to chime in on.

Given where we are at (end of transition) we now have to focus on where we are going and how we get there as opposed to where have we been and how did we get there. Everyone has different views as to how we handled transition, and the level of success or lack thereof, that we have had. I personally no longer want to rehash that, I want our forum to start making some sensical input as to what we need to do moving forward. I will make some observations and predictions, but I don't expect them to go unchecked or debated, but I am not trying to impose my views on anyone, I just want to see if we can as a group develop a BUSINESS PLAN that we might think would work in building our base.

My observations initially are this:

1.) fan attendance and participation in my opinion hasn't been all that good. What can be done to get butts in seats, names on Howling Pack applications with checks of any size, and overall increased awareness of opponents and upcoming games?

2.) if you look at the board of regents annual report you will see that ticket sales are really pretty poor. What can be done to increase tickets sales and making GAMEDAY a fun and entertaining event?

3.) coyotefan has said repeatedly that the administration doesn't do anything for the average fan. Is he right, if so, what can be done?

4.) how do you build momentum to the point should we make the playoffs that our team would see a few thousand fans in the bleachers backing them on the road? The NDSU thing is somewhat cultish but they do back their team and have a great time doing it. There are a lot of really neat COYOTE fans out there that new friendships could be built.

In essence, I guess my opinion is that the fan base is overall lethargic. I want to make USD sports and game days something that people truly look forward to. Filling the Dome, or the possible new arena, and making it a social event. I really believe this is going to be a hrs sell, but maybe not.

I would like to keep this thread alive and over time start building a business plan that coud be forwarded to administration as a reference to what fans are thinking. I love USD and I go to all football games, most home basketball games, and a few on the road. When you travel with USD and run into other fans, the event that follows is usually a really great time. Plus you get to see facilities and campuses of our competitors.

Let's stop with the negative tone and start building something we can be proud of 5-10 years from now. It won't happen overnight.

[GoYotes]

Good post. I think the theme going forward should be "All In.' This means players, coaches, administration, students, faculty, alumni and fans. I really believe we are on the verge of some great things in Coyote Nation. I really feel our administration is committed to being successful at the D1/FCS level. If we all push a little more, we can get over the hump,

As alumni & fans, the 3 things we can bring to the table are (a) Attendance at as many games and other events as possible and try to always bring a friend or 2 or 3, (b) Contribute financially as much as each of us can and (c) Always be looking for ways to support the Yotes - wear your Vermillion red, thank the sponsors of radio broadcasts, etc.

I also think the new arena, dome renovations and the track & soccer field will all pay huge dividends.

[azsod73]

I am very optimistic about Coyote athletics. We now have Administration and Foundation support for major facility enhancements but maybe more importantly, their understanding and appreciation for how solid athletic programs can enhance the university as a whole.

As for butts in the seats, winning programs are no doubt very important, but it also takes innovative and effective ways to lure the students into the seats now so that they become enthusiastic supporters as alums in the future.

[yoteforever]

Jan 15, 2012 19:23:13 GMT -6 azsod73 said:

I am very optimistic about Coyote athletics. We now have Administration and Foundation support for major facility enhancements but maybe more importantly, their understanding and appreciation for how solid athletic programs can enhance the university as a whole.

As for butts in the seats, winning programs are no doubt very important, but it also takes innovative and effective ways to lure the students into the seats now so that they become enthusiastic supporters as alums in the future.

Let's build a plan. As a grop we shod be able to do that.

[#1CoyoteFan (Admin)]

As a sports guy, I don't know what you can do to make the stuff more appealing to the fans because I have no idea why the fans do not go and such. The tickets are cheap compared to other teams, so it should be easy to go and such.

I think a new arena would be the biggest thing and I think having Joe Glenn around my reinvigorate some of the fan base i would think. Also, in football I think having the MVFC teams should help a lot for sellouts.

For basketball, it's definitely a new arena and more of a lax approach with the students. I know the last game against Augustana, some kids were kicked out for trying to start a chant or just yelling something. I am actually surprised the band hasn't been kicked out yet for what they say because those earlier years set up the whole "can't have too much fun at games" attitude.

It needs to have a game day feel for it and it has to do with the student section and the fans getting off their butts and cheering and I think that will go a long way in basketball. If someone tells you to sit down, tell them you don't know how to cheer sitting down.

[Iceman]

Excellent idea yoteforever!

[yoteforever]

Jan 16, 2012 0:36:19 GMT -6 Iceman said:

Excellent idea yoteforever!

Ok, goyotes has started the plan with the theme: ALL IN

We now need to strategize what it takes to create a fun GAMEDAY atmosphere in Vermillion. It has been suggested for basketball an arena would help drastically. That's good. For the time being what do we need to do?

Let's build this plan from the ground up with ideas from all sectors of fans. Ideas to think about are:

1.). Pre-game meeting place for BB say one hour prior to the game so there is a chance for social interaction?

2.) For football, we need to maybe better organize the tailgate to involve as many people as possible? Once someone gets started and likes it, then they can spread out into their own tailgate or stay part of a group thing

3.) How do we market The Howling Pack membership? That raises money and gets people involved.

4.). Start with one game initially, but have a well organized TRAVEL WITH THE YOTES weekend on the road where we all stay in same hotel and maybe have an organized social event planned?

5.) Promote season ticket sales. How do we chip in and help?

6.) Off season social functions such as golf outings (might be overdone) but something along those lines where the coaches talk about upcoming season. Build some momentum that way. Trying to do some things that are affordable to all.

This is hopefully a good start. Let's build this plan. I encourage all readers of this board to contribute and participate even if you haven't in the past.

[#1CoyoteFan (Admin)]

Interesting fact: The Arkansas-Pine Bluff women had 2,451 people at last night's name. That seems like the same amount if not more than the USD women get. The Lady Lions are 0-16 on the year.

The UAPB men's basketball team had 3,400 at last night's name, which also seems like more than the USD men's games. They just won their first conference game last night as well and have 2 wins on the year.

I think it's time to start holding the fans accountable at USD because if this team can be supported and they are having a bad year, then why can't more USD fans show up? Plus, the students get in for free and USD has a much bigger student population than UAPB.

[flashtaco]

Jan 17, 2012 15:36:54 GMT -6 #1CoyoteFan (Admin) said:

Interesting fact: The Arkansas-Pine Bluff women had 2,451 people at last night's name. That seems like the same amount if not more than the USD women get. The Lady Lions are 0-16 on the year.

The UAPB men's basketball team had 3,400 at last night's name, which also seems like more than the USD men's games. They just won their first conference game last night as well and have 2 wins on the year.

I think it's time to start holding the fans accountable at USD because if this team can be supported and they are having a bad year, then why can't more USD fans show up? Plus, the students get in for free and USD has a much bigger student population than UAPB.

I don't disagree but lets not forget. UAPB was playing a home conference game against a long time league rival. Pine Bluff and surrounding population dwarfs SD. The SWAC plays doubleheaders (very key) and lastly that was both teams first home games all year after 16 or so road games.

[yoteforever]

Jan 16, 2012 0:36:19 GMT -6 Iceman said:

Excellent idea yoteforever!

Thanks. Now, I really would like for people to contribute to this conversation even if you haven't posted in the past. All ideas are welcome. I just want to keep this topic out in front so therefore this post.

Let's build a plan that makes sense.

[Yote 53]

I'm going to have to think a little bit more for ideas about an overall plan but I do have some observations. I think attendance and interest for football is pretty good and I believe it will get better.

Is it where I would like? No, but there has been definite improvements. Average attendance is up by a couple thousand per game from the D2 days. Tailgating and gameday atmosphere continues to grow. I remember in 2005 when a handful of us would tailgate in the east lot by the tennis courts. That grew so much they had to create a tailgate zone north of the Dome. Now the tailgate zone has moved south and is near sold out every game (ok, the games against dogs aren't sold out but those types of games are over) and the drive up tailgating in the north lot is getting larger. Given that we are now in the MVFC with very familiar opponents I believe 2012 will be the biggest season ever in ticket sales, tailgating and gameday atmosphere.

Football is well on its way and I think we will see at least two sellouts this season, maybe 3 (Dakota Days vs Western Ill, NDSU, and UNI or Colgate). I think this discussion needs to focus on how we increase basketball attendance.

[Coyote Fan]

What Yote 53 is saying is accurate. Football doesn't need a ton of work maybe just some polishing up here and there. The major issue is definately attendance at all events non football. I do believe that given the right circumstances that attendance can get back to 2-3K per game. Back in the NCC days attendance was in that range and the crowd was more vocal.

I will say this much. I like going to basketball much more not only when there is a packed house but when people are encouraged to cheer.

This is my suggestion. Build on the theme of being loud and creating a loud environment. When I cheer I believe in being loud but within the parameters of sportsmanship. Something like the theme "Loud and Proud" or maybe "the Yotes Need Your Help" It can start with the PA announcer doing more to get the crowd into it or maybe the band can play songs that will inspire the crowd. I think some people might not stand up and cheer because those next to them aren't cheering. It's contagious either way. USD has to support those willing to cheer not will to want everyone else around them to sit down. I will say this much. A true fan of USD should want the place to be rocking every single game whether they themselves like it or not. It helps the players immensely and basketball is definately an energy game. Inevitable I will be going to more games in the future, the only question is when.

[yoteforever]

Jan 18, 2012 13:46:23 GMT -6 Coyote Fan said:

What Yote 53 is saying is accurate. Football doesn't need a ton of work maybe just some polishing up here and there. The major issue is definately attendance at all events non football. I do believe that given the right circumstances that attendance can get back to 2-3K per game. Back in the NCC days attendance was in that range and the crowd was more vocal.

I will say this much. I like going to basketball much more not only when there is a packed house but when people are encouraged to cheer.

This is my suggestion. Build on the theme of being loud and creating a loud environment. When I cheer I believe in being loud but within the parameters of sportsmanship. Something like the theme "Loud and Proud" or maybe "the Yotes Need Your Help" It can start with the PA announcer doing more to get the crowd into it or maybe the band can play songs that will inspire the crowd. I think some people might not stand up and cheer because those next to them aren't cheering. It's contagious either way. USD has to support those willing to cheer not will to want everyone else around them to sit down. I will say this much. A true fan of USD should want the place to be rocking every single game whether they themselves like it or not. It helps the players immensely and basketball is definately an energy game. Inevitable I will be going to more games in the future, the only question is when.

Perfect. In the spirit of making us a top notched progran we can now build on the last two posts. My feeling is football has improved, and maybe with a new coach it will create or spark some renewed interest from fans go Coach Glenn's era. The tailgating is a blast and continues to improve. Lots of smoke and balls in the air. I still think we should be selling out the Dome though. Attendance in my opinion could be better. I don't think given the size of the Dome that there shouldn't be sellouts. Remember, the hardest ticket to come by is one that isn't available.

In regards to basketball, we need a lot of work. I agree, the new arena will help, but that is a minimum of 4 years out I am guessing. With our men's team struggling this year, we need to figure how to overcome that by getting butts in seats. How about a pre-game function on Coyote Landings? Other ideas welcome.

Let's keep building the plan. Thanks Yotes 53 and coyotefan for your input. Far more input needed. Don't be bashful, there isn't an idea or thought that doesn't warrant discussion.

[coyote70]

I like all the comments so far and hope this thread just keeps on going! In an earlier post I recommended development of a plan, recognizing that if nothing else, the mere effort will yield positive results.

In an ideal world my first step would be to better understand what might be called the AD's "external environment". The finer the breakdown the better (e.g. alumni, students, faculty, graduating high schoolers, etc.). Of course, we can't do that here and most of you have at least a handle on that. The more perspective one obtains - about what people think of the U and the athletic programs it puts forth - the better.

I'm still most interested in the students and what their views are. I live too far way and graduated too many years ago to get a handle on this. All I know is that, yes, winning does solve a lot of issues, but it also can hide some. Student support to me is an important commodity and I'd sure like to know why it seems to be lacking.

Any comments along these lines? Does the student newspaper promote athletics? What opportunities does the AD seize to promote its programs on campus? What is the atmosphere on campus toward athletics?

Not knowing, and probably not ever knowing the answers to my questions, the area I'd spotlight is the media. A good marketing plan should include an aggressive effort to expand opportunities for promoting athletic programs, whether it be coaches shows, spotlighting athletes, etc. It may be that adding to the marketing staff is a feasible route. I don't know if there is a marketing person in the AD but adding a good one will more than pay for itself. In short, if interest is lacking - build it.

Speaking (er, writing) of money. It does talk, and I plan to look at ways I can contribute in a small way but that may be a few months away. I my case, I would be content to provide funds for ongoing support but if more funds are to be provided, then some goals will need to be set. I trust those goals are being established now.....

I challenge all of you reading this thread to please post a comment. Let's leave no stone unturned! Thanks for the opportunity.

[jman1985]

I agree with coyote70, the media is the area i'd look at too. Not that their job is to necessarily "promote" athletics, but obviously they are gate keepers....they get the info out.

USd's got a unique situation with media, I think. They can "claim" media in Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Yankton, etc. Just look at the big press conferences, and see what media shows up. But i keep thinking about the regular media, the ones that cover USD on a more regular basis. I cant help but compare what we have to what SDSU has....and I think you all know what I mean. Its a little frustrating to not have that same level.

USD really needs to get some young blood in that place, some new energy. Certain media people do a really good job with that, others not so much