- Joined
- Nov 20, 2011
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Back when the conferences were set up, it was important to be as physically close as possible. Before the interstate highway system was built, before air travel became so common, the bus was the only practical and cost effective option for teams, and the auto the option for fans. Over the last 40 years, that changed. Some teams charter planes. People no longer think much of jumping on a plane for a weekend. Driving 300 miles in air-conditioned comfort, without a flat tire or breakdown became possible and not so much a chore, but a fun excursion. Airline miles, free nights at hotels, cheap car rentals, better economic situation for many, etc. changed the mindset.
No longer is the game experience drive to the game then back home for dinner. No longer do we have to contend with a 13 inch black & white TV, no longer do we have a choice of only one game on TV. The playing field has changed and we must too.
Perhaps now with baggage fees, security checks, air terrorism, crowded highways, the poor economy, things are reverting back toward the 50s. But, people are still are more willing to go long distances at the drop of a hat.
We must forget the old paradigm of being close. New ideas of how to forge fandom must emerge. With alumnai scattered all over the globe, TV/internet coverage must be more universal. All games need to be shown to attract a loyal fan base. We probably have to abandon the goal of large crowds at games, although better TV coverage will, in the long run help attendance. We now have TV channels that broadcast local high school games in a very professional manner. For instance, those in Fairfield County CT, can see CT, NY, NJ high school sports done in a very entertaining way (instant replay, excellent announcers, slo-mo, etc.). We can follow future college and pro stars play from the time they are 14 years old.
What I’m trying to say here is that we must not look at the past to design the future. The environment we live in holds great promise for the enjoyment of sports. We need to find new ways of presenting sports programming. That includes realigning conferences, or perhaps abandoning the conference concept for something new.
I’d like to see the scoreboard show the number of people attending the game via internet and TV. Can’t we come up with some ideas that have never been thought of before?
No longer is the game experience drive to the game then back home for dinner. No longer do we have to contend with a 13 inch black & white TV, no longer do we have a choice of only one game on TV. The playing field has changed and we must too.
Perhaps now with baggage fees, security checks, air terrorism, crowded highways, the poor economy, things are reverting back toward the 50s. But, people are still are more willing to go long distances at the drop of a hat.
We must forget the old paradigm of being close. New ideas of how to forge fandom must emerge. With alumnai scattered all over the globe, TV/internet coverage must be more universal. All games need to be shown to attract a loyal fan base. We probably have to abandon the goal of large crowds at games, although better TV coverage will, in the long run help attendance. We now have TV channels that broadcast local high school games in a very professional manner. For instance, those in Fairfield County CT, can see CT, NY, NJ high school sports done in a very entertaining way (instant replay, excellent announcers, slo-mo, etc.). We can follow future college and pro stars play from the time they are 14 years old.
What I’m trying to say here is that we must not look at the past to design the future. The environment we live in holds great promise for the enjoyment of sports. We need to find new ways of presenting sports programming. That includes realigning conferences, or perhaps abandoning the conference concept for something new.
I’d like to see the scoreboard show the number of people attending the game via internet and TV. Can’t we come up with some ideas that have never been thought of before?