|
Post by parkerj on Nov 20, 2019 16:15:35 GMT -6
I think you may be onto something RE: the band not showing up
|
|
|
Post by Cactus Panther on Nov 20, 2019 17:16:31 GMT -6
Bingo! The students should be a primary focus. After all, this is COLLEGE basketball. Create an enthusiastic student fan base and then the "old people" will want to experience what all of the fun is about. I see it first-hand several times a year attending GCU games. Although team success on the court has stagnated over the last couple years, the HAVOCS are as charged up as ever and the 7,000+ arena seats continue to sell out each season. My apologies for re-posting this old article, but it explains the secret behind the program's success. ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/grand-canyon-university-antelopes-basketball-best-student-section-havocs-dan-majerleOf course, it all starts with an administration that understands and supports what it takes to generate and maintain a primary sports program. This has been THE major problem throughout UWM's existence, except for during the Zimpher era. TBF, they pay their student section leaders (link is dead but you can see from the context in the comments that it's not disputed) Unless we want to go become a for-profit (please no) I think we need a different example And they generously offer free food to all fans before each and every game. And they pay to televise all home games on over-the-air TV. And Power 5 schools generate revenues from huge TV contracts. There is no equality among D1 schools, regardless profit status. What I am trying to say is there is a proven record of success when: 1. An administration gives legitimate high priority to men's basketball, and 2. Promotes a sound marketing strategy emphasizing student attendance and participation at games This thread was created to generate discussion on what could increase attendance. I commented about something that has worked in a market where the subject program rose from irrelevance despite being a small fish in a big pond. Of course, financial support impacts just how far a university could carry out such strategy.
|
|
|
Post by nickpanther on Nov 20, 2019 17:44:59 GMT -6
i cover UWM as part of my job at ESPN Milwaukee. You guys likely saw me, i'm usually in the western media aisle across court from where brainerd and most of the other media folks are. I graduated from UWm in 2006 and have covered UWm basketball for several years, starting when Bill was still the play by play guy for the Panthers. It has been really sad to watch a game and see Maybe 200 fans in the seats. This has the potential to be a good team, good enough perhaps to get home court in the conference tourney, if we win the conference. But playinmg before 500 fans a night has to be dispiriting.
|
|
|
Post by mkehoops on Nov 20, 2019 17:50:49 GMT -6
Bingo! The students should be a primary focus. After all, this is COLLEGE basketball. Create an enthusiastic student fan base and then the "old people" will want to experience what all of the fun is about. I see it first-hand several times a year attending GCU games. Although team success on the court has stagnated over the last couple years, the HAVOCS are as charged up as ever and the 7,000+ arena seats continue to sell out each season. My apologies for re-posting this old article, but it explains the secret behind the program's success. ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/grand-canyon-university-antelopes-basketball-best-student-section-havocs-dan-majerleOf course, it all starts with an administration that understands and supports what it takes to generate and maintain a primary sports program. This has been THE major problem throughout UWM's existence, except for during the Zimpher era. TBF, they pay their student section leaders (link is dead but you can see from the context in the comments that it's not disputed) Unless we want to go become a for-profit (please no) I think we need a different example What’s so wrong with paying student leaders to promote the product and get people to the games? Like it or not, must advertising today toward people in their 20’s is geared toward the “influencer” model. Our athletic department would be much wiser to invest in this type of marketing vs the same old stale advertisements. Pay kids to recruit other students to come to the games. What is so wrong about that? Kudos to GCU
|
|
|
Post by Pounce Needs Pals on Nov 20, 2019 18:25:56 GMT -6
I took my family of five to last night’s UND game for about $70, 300 level, by playing games with two Pounce Pal memberships. It is the first game that I have been to in over a year after giving up my season tickets two years ago. My thoughts: - The ticket prices for this kind of sporting experience are simply too high. We can compare the cost of UWM games to that of the Bucks, Admirals, Wave, MU, etc. all we want but we are not the Bucks, Admirals, Wave, MU, etc. They can price their tickets how they want because the product and perceived value is much better. The attendance at Panther games is not a temporary anomaly. People have voted with their pocketbooks and have determined that the game experience is not worth the 15, 27, 35 price points that are offered. After sampling a few food items and parking on the street, I spent about $90 (with no beer). To be fair, I still have two kid vouchers for select (really? lol) future games included in that price. On the 27th, I would pay only about $15-$20 more to go to the Admirals game with similar seating with a much better game environment. Something has to give.
I'm not sure what you think the prices should be at. Those prices might be around in what other schools charge in the Horizon League. Would $5 tickets in the 300 level really make more come out last night. I don't think so! That deal was done two years ago. $35, $25 and $15 is a fair price. Lower it down $5 in each section, many will still want it lower. The best way to save is season tickets. Heck, the 300 level is $99!!! Problem is we have too many former Panther fans that don't want to come back because of a certain person. APR ban, players leaving and losing seasons all have been a killer. That is their choice. I don't need to add more on a message board about how I feel about that. Most seating area's the Admirals sell that the Panthers sell in those area's are as low as $29 and $27. The cheaper seats are $17 & $21 for the Admirals. With the seats on the glass much higher. So, the Panther pricing is more than fair. So, I would not say it is a similar seat. Glad you came out! There are many promos they do. Yes, it sucked that the pep band was at the women's game last night. So, far the student turnout has been good. Yes, I wish they would do some cheers. Let's hope the team keeps winning and the fans will come.
|
|
|
Post by GoPanthersGo23 on Nov 20, 2019 18:32:47 GMT -6
The student attendance has always been an issue since I was in school (graduated in 2014) and probably before that. The only time students come is when the team is good (ie HL semis and finals vs Valpo and Butler back in the day) or if there is free food or cool giveaways. Sprirt of Bruce, Jimmy, me and others tried so many things during our years and we still could not get a solid student crowd but we did have fun and at least do chants. It would be nice if they did have someone to lead the students even if that means paying them or giving them food/beverage vouchers. Whatever it may be, it just needs some leaders to get things in order and lead things. My 2 cents.
|
|
|
Post by Pounce Needs Pals on Nov 20, 2019 18:36:07 GMT -6
The student attendance has always been an issue since I was in school (graduated in 2014) and probably before that. The only time students come is when the team is good (ie HL semis and finals vs Valpo and Butler back in the day) or if there is free food or cool giveaways. Sprirt of Bruce, Jimmy, me and others tried so many things during our years and we still could not get a solid student crowd but we did have fun and at least do chants. It would be nice if they did have someone to lead the students even if that means paying them or giving them food/beverage vouchers. Whatever it may be, it just needs some leaders to get things in order and lead things. My 2 cents. In year's past you would have about 5 students on a Tuesday night game. Last night you had about 50. Last Friday, versus UMKC was very solid and Western Michigan was pretty strong turnout by the students. So far so good. Now, someone needs to teach them to cheer.
|
|
|
Post by GoPanthersGo23 on Nov 20, 2019 18:37:41 GMT -6
The student attendance has always been an issue since I was in school (graduated in 2014) and probably before that. The only time students come is when the team is good (ie HL semis and finals vs Valpo and Butler back in the day) or if there is free food or cool giveaways. Sprirt of Bruce, Jimmy, me and others tried so many things during our years and we still could not get a solid student crowd but we did have fun and at least do chants. It would be nice if they did have someone to lead the students even if that means paying them or giving them food/beverage vouchers. Whatever it may be, it just needs some leaders to get things in order and lead things. My 2 cents. In year's past you would have about 5 students on a Tuesday night game. Last night you had about 50. Last Friday, versus UMKC was very solid and Western Michigan was pretty strong turnout by the students. So far so good. Now, someone needs to teach them to cheer. Agreed 100%. I hope that the students continue to come...I feel like in the past years it goes pretty well until Break and then it dies out.
|
|
|
Post by Pounce Needs Pals on Nov 20, 2019 18:39:51 GMT -6
In year's past you would have about 5 students on a Tuesday night game. Last night you had about 50. Last Friday, versus UMKC was very solid and Western Michigan was pretty strong turnout by the students. So far so good. Now, someone needs to teach them to cheer. Agreed 100%. I hope that the students continue to come...I feel like in the past years it goes pretty well until Break and then it dies out. It will be dry for the next 5 home games because of Christmas break. Jan. 31 versus Wright State is the next home game with the students back.
|
|
|
Post by ghostofdylan on Nov 20, 2019 18:43:42 GMT -6
The student attendance has always been an issue since I was in school (graduated in 2014) and probably before that. WAY before that.
|
|
|
Post by ghostofdylan on Nov 20, 2019 18:45:06 GMT -6
Agreed 100%. I hope that the students continue to come...I feel like in the past years it goes pretty well until Break and then it dies out. It will be dry for the next 5 home games because of Christmas break. Jan. 31 versus Wright State is the next home game with the students back. How can we eliminate Christmas break?!
|
|
|
Post by Pounce Needs Pals on Nov 20, 2019 18:59:16 GMT -6
It will be dry for the next 5 home games because of Christmas break. Jan. 31 versus Wright State is the next home game with the students back. How can we eliminate Christmas break?! Lol. These students do have it good. Four weeks off.
|
|
|
Post by parkerj on Nov 20, 2019 22:48:30 GMT -6
And they generously offer free food to all fans before each and every game. And they pay to televise all home games on over-the-air TV. What I am trying to say is there is a proven record of success when: 1. An administration gives legitimate high priority to men's basketball, and 2. Promotes a sound marketing strategy emphasizing student attendance and participation at games This thread was created to generate discussion on what could increase attendance. I commented about something that has worked in a market where the subject program rose from irrelevance despite being a small fish in a big pond. Of course, financial support impacts just how far a university could carry out such strategy. Sure, I guess my overall issue with trying the "GCU Strategy" is it would basically mean convincing Herb Kohl to take all the money he's not spending on the Bucks and spend it on us instead. Awesome if it works, but........
|
|
|
Post by jtoboggan on Nov 20, 2019 23:33:12 GMT -6
I took my family of five to last night’s UND game for about $70, 300 level, by playing games with two Pounce Pal memberships. It is the first game that I have been to in over a year after giving up my season tickets two years ago. My thoughts: - The ticket prices for this kind of sporting experience are simply too high. We can compare the cost of UWM games to that of the Bucks, Admirals, Wave, MU, etc. all we want but we are not the Bucks, Admirals, Wave, MU, etc. They can price their tickets how they want because the product and perceived value is much better. The attendance at Panther games is not a temporary anomaly. People have voted with their pocketbooks and have determined that the game experience is not worth the 15, 27, 35 price points that are offered. After sampling a few food items and parking on the street, I spent about $90 (with no beer). To be fair, I still have two kid vouchers for select (really? lol) future games included in that price. On the 27th, I would pay only about $15-$20 more to go to the Admirals game with similar seating with a much better game environment. Something has to give.
I'm not sure what you think the prices should be at. Those prices might be around in what other schools charge in the Horizon League. Would $5 tickets in the 300 level really make more come out last night. I don't think so! That deal was done two years ago. $35, $25 and $15 is a fair price. Lower it down $5 in each section, many will still want it lower. The best way to save is season tickets. Heck, the 300 level is $99!!! Problem is we have too many former Panther fans that don't want to come back because of a certain person. APR ban, players leaving and losing seasons all have been a killer. That is their choice. I don't need to add more on a message board about how I feel about that. Most seating area's the Admirals sell that the Panthers sell in those area's are as low as $29 and $27. The cheaper seats are $17 & $21 for the Admirals. With the seats on the glass much higher. So, the Panther pricing is more than fair. So, I would not say it is a similar seat. Glad you came out! There are many promos they do. Yes, it sucked that the pep band was at the women's game last night. So, far the student turnout has been good. Yes, I wish they would do some cheers. Let's hope the team keeps winning and the fans will come. Ok boomer. Hahaha. I jest, of course.
|
|
|
Post by striker14 on Nov 21, 2019 0:01:06 GMT -6
And they generously offer free food to all fans before each and every game. And they pay to televise all home games on over-the-air TV. What I am trying to say is there is a proven record of success when: 1. An administration gives legitimate high priority to men's basketball, and 2. Promotes a sound marketing strategy emphasizing student attendance and participation at games This thread was created to generate discussion on what could increase attendance. I commented about something that has worked in a market where the subject program rose from irrelevance despite being a small fish in a big pond. Of course, financial support impacts just how far a university could carry out such strategy. Sure, I guess my overall issue with trying the "GCU Strategy" is it would basically mean convincing Herb Kohl to take all the money he's not spending on the Bucks and spend it on us instead. Awesome if it works, but........ Not to ruin your joke, but you do know that Herb Kohl doesn't own the Bucks right?
|
|