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Post by Smurf on Nov 7, 2021 17:15:16 GMT -5
Obviously dismissing Hatcher would be high on the list, but as a whole, from the micro to the macro, what kind of things could the university implement that would result in greater student/alumini/community interest and also what could they do to position the program to succeed on the field on a long term basis?
Have at it.
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Post by SU DOG on Nov 7, 2021 17:46:32 GMT -5
For right now, I will not post an answer to your very good questions. I definitely have some ideas, but I'm hoping to run some of them by Athletic Dept. folks and see what kind of reaction I get.
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Post by Cujo on Nov 7, 2021 18:39:26 GMT -5
Here are your three keys to building fan support.
1. Win; 2. Win consistently; 3. Win championships. .
The only way you build a following and don’t become the VAndy of the SoCon is to win. “Entertaining” offense, close games, one play away, etc. are just excuses for losing. The nonsense that our athletic department comes up with every year and the sayings, moving the cheerleaders and the band around, dinners before the game, etc. will get you to 4,000, but if you want to average 8,000 to 10,000 and have 2,500 at away games, you better win and make your fanbase proud. Otherwise, you are just wasting your damn time.
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Post by 77SU on Nov 7, 2021 23:09:13 GMT -5
Here are your three keys to building fan support. 1. Win; 2. Win consistently; 3. Win championships. Kinda like what the soccer program has done!
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Jiggs
Jr. Varsity
Posts: 225
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Post by Jiggs on Nov 7, 2021 23:22:40 GMT -5
Encourage tailgating near the stadium, not just in the quad. Many come to campus and never see the quad tailgating.
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Post by Cujo on Nov 8, 2021 9:53:26 GMT -5
Interesting concept Jiggs! Are you talking about closing off the parking lot to the East side of the gym above the stadium for tailgating. That would take out hundreds of convenient parking spaces, but it would be pretty cools for the tailgating.
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Post by 77SU on Nov 8, 2021 10:17:45 GMT -5
Maybe if we charged for every parking space on campus, like every other football school in the nation, people would think we are selling something worthwhile and would want to be a part of it.
How many times have folks come on this board to ask about parking for a game?
But to get them to come back and pay for that parking and tailgating space, there needs to be an entertaining and preferably winning product on the field.
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Post by Cujo on Nov 8, 2021 10:22:46 GMT -5
Winning is entertaining. Everything else is window dressing. Nobody remembers the exciting plays when you lose in the 4th quarter. You are left with disappointment. Winning is everything when it comes to building a product, especially in Alabama in the private school market.
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Jiggs
Jr. Varsity
Posts: 225
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Post by Jiggs on Nov 8, 2021 10:43:06 GMT -5
I'm not necessarily saying we need to close off any particular lot, but there are plenty of grassy areas or islands in or adjacent to parking areas that would be great for tailgaiting. I think tailgating creates sort of a vibe and naturally encourages people to show up for food and fellowship on top of just showing up for a game. If such a tailgaiting atmosphere grows, then adjusments would probably be needed to assure that parking areas are not limited by tailgaters taking up too many parking spaces. Just my two cents.
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Post by Cujo on Nov 8, 2021 12:15:41 GMT -5
Oh, my number 4 thing to attract fans to Samford games:
4. Alcohol. Not advocating it, but if you have been to an LSU or Ole Miss game, if they were dry campuses I’m willing to bet attendance would be half. Nothing encourages fanatical fan behavior like the great elixir. Not going to happen and not. I’m favor of it, but you didn’t say it had to be possible and it is a solution (ah, see what I did there? “Solution”).
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