First post here:
The distance between Storrs and the Rent is too great for their to be an "outstanding" atmosphere. Students are the loudest section of the crowd- This is a decision that the State/UCONN made over a decade ago, so they have noboody to blame but themselves if we don't have a top student section.
HOWEVER- what's the best way to fill the seats before Kick-off? 1. Wins 2. Exciting Play - It's that simple. I was in school during the 2011 run to the Fiesta Bowl- people actually cared that season. Since PP became the captain of the Titanic the program has sank to the bottom of the Atlantic, and the decrease in seats is expected. State Police had to beg students to go in by halftime last year. I trust Diaco to build the program back up. Just remember that that build will take 2-3 years.
Additionally, the location of the Rent leaves a TON to be desired entertainment-wise. They NEED to build up the area or provide transportation to Hartford. We have an awesome tailgate area (way better than SU, Pitt, BC) and have easy access to major highways, but there is absolutely ZERO entertainment around the stadium.
This board is pretty easy to jump on Alumni Stadium (BC) but they have all of the above that I just mentioned except for a larger tailgate area. I love the idea that the original poster brought up. Warde and Co need to hire a firm to do a tailgate study. My ideas:
1. The first priority has to be the tailgating hours (huge joke) needs to be at least 5-6 hours.
2. I'd also like to see the parking lots organized by age/prestige. Donors should have the best access to the stadium in their OWN section-blatantly obvious. Students and families should be completely separated as well. That way, you can organize marketing by placing appropriate companies in the right places. I have often found large student groups annoying the hell out of families- its a big unorganized mess. UCONN needs to stop trying to follow an NFL model and adapt to CFB. It's not that hard
3. More band, more traditions- This is something Diaco supports with the fight song, pep rally and such. Makes us more legitimate
4. Providing public transporation from the Stadium to Hartford. If you aren't going to develop the area, then try to build up Hartford. Imagine trams that took you from Riverfront Plaza, across route 5/15 and dropped you off at the stadium. Downtown Hartford would be nuts before a game and after. You could also give SW/NW Connecticut another parking option. Hartford could use this type of Transo in the first place.
5. Student BBQ before busses leave. How much would it cost to give out free food on Fairfield way before the first busses leave? Brings together the student section and also is a great marketing idea. Maybe even make this another form of pep rally with big coaches speaking to the student body.
Would like to hear your thoughts