Article on Va Tech's efforts to retain attendance

[Waquoit]

They had, by my count, 4 beers each - $32 worth at least. To each his own, but I do my drinking pre-game.

Four beers in 3 and half hours? My god, we gotta get these guys to AA.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Said another way - if you can find me 10,000 passionate fans that are glued to their TVs for a solid 3 hours EVERY week to watch UCONN games, I'd be shocked.

Someone should be able to get ratings data for us, and I'm sure there are a lot of "eyeballs" watching, but my guess is that the overwhelming majority watch dispassionately and out of curiosity only.

I'm sure it isn't like it is for NFL games, where guys will invite a bunch of their guy friends over and revolve their whole day around watching the Giants game or something like that. I'm sure people also don't go out in a group to go to a bar JUST to watch a UCONN football game.

UCONN grads in my neighborhood, who have kids that play football, who go to at least one game a year, often see me when I get home and ask "who won?" Nobody cares.

The national TV exposure, we've got is important for the big picture. No pun intended. Recruiting. Media exposure - nationally. These things are important to college football success. I agree with you, that we don't have a much a viewing audience. You don't need to look at ratings to know it. The people that are watching the games regularly, especially day games on Saturdays - the majority are all at the stadium already.

I would agree that the concept that we need to draw people away from the TV's to get to the stadium is just false, if that's what you're getting at it.

Your observation hit a key with me. I can't tell you how many times I was asked: Who won? It was a lot. on Satruday afternoon evening. Everybody knew UCONN was playing, some of them even know it was close late, 24-21 at one point, but they didn't know who actually won.

UCONN is a ridiculously strong brand and fanbase. It makes puny little schools like Syracuse and Boston College feel inadequate. My opinion, is that what has developed though, is that people simply aren't going to go, I think, if they don't really expect to win. A few years ago, I can say for basketball at least, and also football to a extent, it was a surprise for many casual people, to even realize that the arenas weren't sold out, and tickets were available. most of the casual UCONN fans, I know, assumed that everything was sold out regularly. That was a few years ago now though. That has definitely changed.

When we won regularly, when we were at that 8-5, 9-4 level, for multiple seasons (oh boy, does that look good now), we announced regular sell outs (announced - I know), but there was no attendance problem.

Until we have a winning program again, in conjunction with an attendance problem, this entire line of thought is manufactured problem, where no problem exists.

The problem now - is getting people to the venue to see a team, that does not regularly have expectations of winning - yet.

 

[CTMike]

I disagree Carl. Winning is the key driver but not the only driver. Let's improve everything, not just the winning.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I disagree Carl. Winning is the key driver but not the only driver. Let's improve everything, not just the winning.

Oh I agree, for sure. I just don't think it's a good idea to be creating problems, where none exists. It's the diehards, that are at the games week in and week out, that are going to identify the problems that need to be improved, and that should be happening regarding the facilities management.

As for ticket sales, and people in the seats at the games - the assumption around this entire line of thought, that I am saying I believe is false, is that the UCONN football fanbase needs to be built up. I don't believe that to be the case. I think the fanbase is there, they just need a reason to be engaged again, to the point of planning ahead, and buying tickets for games, and that happens when college football season is rolling around, that they are looking ahead to the possibility of winning a championship, and what games they want to go to along the way, and considering if they should just buy the season ticket package.......right now, they are out there, but they're just asking people like JMoney, and I, and you, and the rest of us diehards, if UCONN won, when they see us on a Saturday night.

 

[John]

Four beers in 3 and half hours? My god, we gotta get these guys to AA.

You missed the point....

 

[ZooCougar]

Oh I agree, for sure. I just don't think it's a good idea to be creating problems, where none exists. It's the diehards, that are at the games week in and week out, that are going to identify the problems that need to be improved, and that should be happening regarding the facilities management.

As for ticket sales, and people in the seats at the games - the assumption around this entire line of thought, that I am saying I believe is false, is that the UCONN football fanbase needs to be built up. I don't believe that to be the case. I think the fanbase is there, they just need a reason to be engaged again, to the point of planning ahead, and buying tickets for games, and that happens when college football season is rolling around, that they are looking ahead to the possibility of winning a championship, and what games they want to go to along the way, and considering if they should just buy the season ticket package..right now, they are out there, but they're just asking people like JMoney, and I, and you, and the rest of us diehards, if UCONN won, when they see us on a Saturday night.

Catering to diehards won't move the needle much. Those fans that are on the cusp of being diehards and the casual fans are the ones that need to be engaged.

 

[ZooCougar]

Actually, let me restate that. Diehards definitely should be engaged, but just winning isn't going to fill the rent again. Just look at our Men's Basketball team. That team wins like crazy and yet we have empty seats all the time in Hartford.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Over the many years, I have brought dozens of friends to Rentschler for a UCONN football game. Of all the years, I have only one friend who does not to this day, rave about the experience. They all had a great time with the tailgating, and the atmosphere. Some have actually purchased season tickets, others have come back for single games, others only came to that one game. But all save one, have only positive memories of the event, even in loss. The one bad review, happened at the South Florida - UCONN snowglobe game in 2009. There was a woman, well actually several people, throughout the stadium that day vomited all over the place - we saw other spots, as we walked around, but that one woman was a disaster, and just sat there, vomiting over and over an entire section of the stadium way from us. Stunk like hell, and cleared out the whole area. Disgusting. I don't know if it was a combination of the cold, and food not cooked well enough, and too much alcohol on that day, but there was a lot of puke around.

I have never seen another slosh fest at football game, anywhere near that one, before or after. Every other review, from the casual attendee in my repertoire, has been glowing.

 

[Bonehead]

Over the many years, I have brought dozens of friends to Rentschler for a UCONN football game. Of all the years, I have only one friend who does not to this day, rave about the experience. They all had a great time with the tailgating, and the atmosphere. Some have actually purchased season tickets, others have come back for single games, others only came to that one game. But all save one, have only positive memories of the event, even in loss. The one bad review, happened at the South Florida - UCONN snowglobe game in 2009. There was a woman, well actually several people, throughout the stadium that day vomited all over the place - we saw other spots, as we walked around, but that one woman was a disaster, and just sat there, vomiting over and over an entire section of the stadium way from us. Stunk like hell, and cleared out the whole area. Disgusting. I don't know if it was a combination of the cold, and food not cooked well enough, and too much alcohol on that day, but there was a lot of puke around.

I have never seen another slosh fest at football game, anywhere near that one, before or after. Every other review, from the casual attendee in my repertoire, has been glowing.

I dont know her and maybe she had Entrovirus...but that was a fun game to be at.

My wife and buddies wife disappeared for 2nd and 3rd quarter -
Me: "where were you?'
Her: "In ladies room underneath heater"

they only drank pregame - pepermint schapps hot chocolate

 

[businesslawyer]

I've only missed maybe 2 games at the Rent since it opened, but I have to say I was pretty pissed off that when I turned on the TV on Saturday, the following occurred:

1) WTNH, the New Haven (yes, CT) affiliate wasn't covering the game
2) The game was blacked out on ESPN2

Whereby, 99% of fans would have just said "F it" and watched something else.

I was able to get it on ESPN3, but ONLY because:

3) I use Uverse for phone/internet (which means I can get ESPN3 inside the house, but NOT outside the house because I don't have Uverse TV)
4) I have an Apple TV which allowed me to do #3 without having to stream it from my laptop (and btw I had to restart the app multiple times because it was glitchy)
5) I'm crazy enough to spend the time to try and figure it out

I try to watch all of the road games also, but the same ESPN3 B/S went on last year and prior.

So when I say that I don't think the reason people don't come to the rent because it is so easy to sit and watch at home? I just don't think that is a thing. I would venture to guess that most people that do watch UCONN football at home (when we are at home) put it on as background noise while they do other stuff, assuming nothing else is on.

WTNH didn't have the game? Because everything I've seen said it did have it. Or your cable company screwed up somehow (which strikes me as more likely). The game was available on either local ABC or ESPN2 in basically the entire country. So to trash the program because your TV provider screwed up is immature if not irresponsible.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

I know a lot of you have kids and whatnot and I'm sorry that being wasted is ruining your gameday experience, but I have found that massive quantities of alcohol definitely help numb the pain of UConn football. But don't worry -- I don't usually swear in front of your kids. Usually.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I dont know her and maybe she had Entrovirus...but that was a fun game to be at.

My wife and buddies wife disappeared for 2nd and 3rd quarter -
Me: "where were you?'
Her: "In ladies room underneath heater"

they only drank pregame - pepermint schapps hot chocolate

The puke was strong that day. It was a great game, and great win. Scott Lutrus was an animal on the field. I enjoyed myself, as soon as we cleared out of the odor radius.

 

[sportsart]

WTNH didn't have the game? Because everything I've seen said it did have it. Or your cable company screwed up somehow (which strikes me as more likely). The game was available on either local ABC or ESPN2 in basically the entire country. So to trash the program because your TV provider screwed up is immature if not irresponsible.

Since you were out of town you may not have realized that neither ABC or ESPN2 had the UConn game, for most of the first half on, here and around the country (in some parts) It was multiple cable outlets so Disney screwed up.

Some say they heard the stadium looked so bad at kick off it was intentional.

 

[outsidethebox]

I am usually at a D1 game every weekend. Be it at WVU or tOSU or my Huskies it is always better live than on tv. Usually the fan interaction is what makes it for me. tOSu is a totally different animal because of the way it is ingrained as a way of life. WVU is just plain fun because of the true passion of their fanbase. Uconn is my states home team and I support them even though my kids chose not to go there. I always make at least one away game and never missed a bowl game. I always wear husky gear and this is what makes it so memorable. Opposing fans love to engage me because most have never met a husky fan walking thru their tailgates. I have never had a problem at any of these games.Our fan base acts more like a pro than college base but this is the cross we bear. I got called out this week on boneyard for not knowing that Boyle was already put in. I went up to get a beer during that series so I missed it. I guess that makes me a bad fan, and not believing it. We need all the fans we can get and lets stop acting like cannibals.

 

[Nostical]

Neither ABC or ESPN2 had the UConn game, for most of the first half, here and around the country (in some parts.) It was multiple cable outlets so Disney screwed up.Some say they heard the stadium looked so bad at kick off it was intentional.

Not true in Boston. The ABC affiliate Channel 5 carried the game. I Tivo'd it since I was at the Rent and expected to see something else after all the chatter but our game was on from start to finish.

 

[whaler11]

WTNH didn't have the game? Because everything I've seen said it did have it. Or your cable company screwed up somehow (which strikes me as more likely). The game was available on either local ABC or ESPN2 in basically the entire country. So to trash the program because your TV provider screwed up is immature if not irresponsible.

WTNH and ESPN had it screwed up and didn't get if fixed for a while.

 

[huskymedic]

Here's another idea. Wouldn't it be cool to buy a ticket to see the postgame press conferences? And maybe have cocktails and/or beers afterwards?

LMAO - think about how that would have worked out early last year... They would have had to put PP behind glass.

 

[J187Money]

WTNH didn't have the game? Because everything I've seen said it did have it. Or your cable company screwed up somehow (which strikes me as more likely). The game was available on either local ABC or ESPN2 in basically the entire country. So to trash the program because your TV provider screwed up is immature if not irresponsible.

They didn't. As has been well documented. And I'm not trashing the program (let's put words in my mouth - I hope you are better than that).

I'm saying that the ease of watching UCONN on TV isn't what is keeping people from the stadium. Because on many occasions it isn't easy, if damn near impossible. Hence the myriad threads on this board about it.

There have been a seasons worth of games over the last 3-4 years that have only been available on ESPN3, which your average citizen has no idea how to access. That is embarrassing in a home state.

The WBB games were always on CPTV. Even grandmothers could find that.

 

[businesslawyer]

Since you were out of town you may not have realized that neither ABC or ESPN2 had the UConn game, for most of the first half on, here and around the country (in some parts) It was multiple cable outlets so Disney screwed up.

Some say they heard the stadium looked so bad at kick off it was intentional.

O.k., didn't know that. Watched on Espn2 for 3 quarters and then the 4th on espn watch. But why does an engineer at Disney or WTNH screwing up give a fan to trash our exposure on what was a nationally televised gAme?

 

[businesslawyer]

They didn't. As has been well documented. And I'm not trashing the program (let's put words in my mouth - I hope you are better than that).

I'm saying that the ease of watching UCONN on TV isn't what is keeping people from the stadium. Because on many occasions it isn't easy, if damn near impossible. Hence the myriad threads on this board about it.

There have been a seasons worth of games over the last 3-4 years that have only been available on ESPN3, which your average citizen has no idea how to access. That is embarrassing in a home state.

The WBB games were always on CPTV. Even grandmothers could find that.

I reread your post. I don't think my interpretation of what you were getting at is unfair given the context of the thread and what you wrote, but if it's not what you meant so be it. I don't think this was a huge deal

 

[J187Money]

O.k., didn't know that. Watched on Espn2 for 3 quarters and then the 4th on espn watch. But why does an engineer at Disney or WTNH screwing up give a fan to trash our exposure on what was a nationally televised gAme?

Sigh. Clearly you are having a bad day. Maybe you could read what I wrote in the context of the discussion being had (i.e. People not coming to the game because they like to stay home and watch on big screen TVs).

Or you can make shit up that I'm trashing the entire program. Up to you. I expect that nonsense from other people.

It could have been on every channel in every state and I would have made the same comment. It wasn't on in CT, until it was, by which time nobody that wasn't on the BY was even looking for it anymore.

My overarching point is that TV isn't keeping people from the stadium. Not in large numbers. That's my opinion. Debate that if you want but stop making shit up.

 

[J187Money]

Maybe I'm beating this to death but...

I go to virtually every home game and 1-3 road games a year.

50pct of the games I don't go to I've had to watch on my iPad or computer because they weren't on actual television since ESPN3 came on the scene.

Maybe all of the home games ARE on TV but since I'm in the stadium it doesn't matter to me.

 

[Bonehead]

I am usually at a D1 game every weekend. Be it at WVU or tOSU or my Huskies it is always better live than on tv. Usually the fan interaction is what makes it for me. tOSu is a totally different animal because of the way it is ingrained as a way of life. WVU is just plain fun because of the true passion of their fanbase. Uconn is my states home team and I support them even though my kids chose not to go there. I always make at least one away game and never missed a bowl game. I always wear husky gear and this is what makes it so memorable. Opposing fans love to engage me because most have never met a husky fan walking thru their tailgates. I have never had a problem at any of these games.Our fan base acts more like a pro than college base but this is the cross we bear. I got called out this week on boneyard for not knowing that Boyle was already put in. I went up to get a beer during that series so I missed it. I guess that makes me a bad fan, and not believing it. We need all the fans we can get and lets stop acting like cannibals.

Just curious which D1 game are you going to this week?

Agreed the UConn fan base acts more pro than college - I was horrified the first time I heard so many people berating Zach Frasier openly at the top of their lungs - things I am not allowed to type due to filter. (Zach you ...., Frasier you ....) I never call out by individual at a college game unless its a coach!! Players arent paid and are representing the University - I dont believe they need to be called out in such a manner.

If you sat in 130 Saturday and I called you out on the BY I did so because that was classic UConn fan interaction. If that was you, you SCREAMED out 'lets see Boyle' as he just finished trotting to the sidelines on his 3 an out - and then you told me you didnt believe me - funny stuff. If you missed it for a beer I understand - I like a beverage as well. In the future I will be more than happy to fill you in on what you missed next time before you call out for a new QB - especially as the starter was actually in a groove. If not you - carry on and GO TEAM!!

Have fun this weekend!

 

[freescooter]

WTNH didn't have the game? Because everything I've seen said it did have it. Or your cable company screwed up somehow (which strikes me as more likely). The game was available on either local ABC or ESPN2 in basically the entire country. So to trash the program because your TV provider screwed up is immature if not irresponsible.

Actually the most of the 1st half was not on Channel 8 or ESPN2 in this area. Apparently a "technical glitch" somewhere brought Connecticut the Ohio St-Kent St game. I think ESPN switched around mid-way through the 2nd quarter and Channel 8 picked up UConn somewhere around the end of the 1st half. This was on the network not the local affiliate or the any cable provider apparently.

 

[Waquoit]

You missed the point....

What's to miss? You said "a couple of younger guys (mid-late 20s I'd guess) sat next to us at the Boise game, they were well behaved but drank steadily through the entire game. They had, by my count, 4 beers each - $32 worth at least."

Reminds me of that old George Carlin bit while he was doing the news, "A man barricaded himself inside his house yesterday. However, he was unarmed and nobody paid any attention."

 

[John]

What's to miss? You said "a couple of younger guys (mid-late 20s I'd guess) sat next to us at the Boise game, they were well behaved but drank steadily through the entire game. They had, by my count, 4 beers each - $32 worth at least."

Reminds me of that old George Carlin bit while he was doing the news, "A man barricaded himself inside his house yesterday. However, he was unarmed and nobody paid any attention."

I was talking with the other fellow about the COST of beer, and this being an illustration of people spending, what is to me, serious money on overpriced beer....

 

[freescooter]

Sigh. Clearly you are having a bad day. Maybe you could read what I wrote in the context of the discussion being had (i.e. People not coming to the game because they like to stay home and watch on big screen TVs).

Or you can make up that I'm trashing the entire program. Up to you. I expect that nonsense from other people.

It could have been on every channel in every state and I would have made the same comment. It wasn't on in CT, until it was, by which time nobody that wasn't on the BY was even looking for it anymore.

My overarching point is that TV isn't keeping people from the stadium. Not in large numbers. That's my opinion. Debate that if you want but stop making up.

Here's the thing...UConn's the specific contributors to attendance problem aren't the same as VaTech's attendance problems or Michigan's attendance problem (Michigan's is with students which could be a bigger issue in a few years), but overall attendance at college football was down something like 4% nationally including at places that don't typically have down years like the Michigan's and Alabamas of the world. UConn is trying to build attendance in the context of an overall system which is seeing shrinking attendance at live sporting events. And many of the problems that contribute to shrinking attendance elsewhere make it difficult to build ours when we are coming off 3 losing years, lack of history and resulting long-time fans, and all the other negatives affecting the program like conference re-alignment. Even if we fix all the UConn specific problems,and wins will be a huge help with that, we still have to deal with the universal issues that are affecting the sport like game times, tv, the stadium experience, and the like.

 

[Waquoit]

I was talking with the other fellow about the COST of beer, and this being an illustration of people spending, what is to me, serious money on overpriced beer....

I see it now, yup, I missed the thread on this one.

 

[Adios]

Lower the prices for seats. The demand for college football is not what it used to be. The NFL has taken over in popularity. Big time. The only way to reinvigorate the college game is fill stadiums. That starts with pricing.

If the bleacher seats were $15, the place would have no problem getting solid crowds for the whole season.

 

[J187Money]

Lower the prices for seats. The demand for college football is not what it used to be. The NFL has taken over in popularity. Big time. The only way to reinvigorate the college game is fill stadiums. That starts with pricing. If the bleacher seats were $15, the place would have no problem getting solid crowds for the whole season.

I have said this repeatedly but I don't think that's true. Right now people don't care. Minor league baseball is really cheap in Bridgeport and the place is half empty most of the time.