Another AWFUL crowd being shown at the open of the telecast

[Cuseman78]

Want a bigger crowd? Get more than just locals to go. With the rare travelers, nobody outside of Syracuse goes. Neither do the alumni. It's only locals season ticket holders going.

False.

 

[OttoMets]

This I have to disagree with. Alabama would draw more than 42,000. Absolutely, no doubt, 100%...at the same time I see what youre saying. The problem lies in that its Tulane. We will get a bigger crowd for Clemson, Pitt, BC than we did today. If you look at hoops, how many people come when we play teams like Wagner last year? For a lot of schools its a lot, but realistically there were 13,000 in the seats (Im sure announced was 5K bigger) for a 35K capacity stadium. Do I expect us to sell out 35K for Wagner in basketball..no. I really do believe that there are some other forces that have made our attendance for football what it is. 1) Get a Life...many did. 2) G Rob years. 3) TV...every game is on TV and its a hell of a lot easier for people to watch it on TV than have to go to a game. It sucks, and I dont get it as I am at every game, but its reality. Partially Marsh is right. Partially its other factors.

Yeah.

We got about 15,000 into seats for our 6:00 p.m. weekday Senior Day against DePaul this year (they claimed ~23,000 sold, but it was every bit the attendance fudge that they play with the football crowds). That's 43% capacity. We were in that ballpark for another 11 of our 19 home basketball games (including Boeheim's much-publicized 900th win against a decent Detroit team). No one outside the group of diehard fans cared about any of that - nearly half the Dome seats were empty for the bulk of the schedule.

I estimated about 28,000 in the seats today. 56%. It's the same deal with both sports. As you note, football enjoys less widespread support due to a number of reasons. But demand for both sports is flat unless a big rival is in town. Even highly-ranked non-rivals don't rate, whether it's Florida for hoops or Cincinnati for football.

 

[thebigeast44]

The best marketing is putting a consistently exciting and successful team on the field. We have not had an exciting and successful program since McNabb left. Bring back times like that and this thread would not exist. Until then, don't expect much of a change. And I hope it does come back some day. But beating up on the sisters of the poor the last 2 weeks is not going to put fannies in the seats. Beat a Clemson and then we're talking. Let's Go Orange!

 

[Trueblue25]

no way there were more than 30,000

 

[OrangeDW]

The best marketing is putting a consistently exciting and successful team on the field. We have not had an exciting and successful program since McNabb left. Bring back times like that and this thread would not exist. Until then, don't expect much of a change. And I hope it does come back some day. But beating up on the sisters of the poor the last 2 weeks is not going to put fannies in the seats. Beat a Clemson and then we're talking. Let's Go Orange!

We had an exciting and successful team last year.

The problem is, in 2013 CNY is filled with dorks. End of story.

 

[Cheriehoop]

I agree with most of that. We need to market from Buffalo to Albany and from Binghamton to Watertown. Not NYC.

There are all sorts of tour buses headed from Canada to Destiny. There could be some marketing opportunities with these tour companies to include SU games in addition to the shopping excursions. Buffalo, now with Coach Marrone, may generate some added interest in SU football to create some new fans. Football weekend promotions for football fanatics- college football on Saturdays and Bills games on Sundays or something like that.

 

[wfschrec]

I havent missed a home basketball game in 16 years and went to every NIT game including the NIT game where we drew. 27000 people


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I was there when we played FSU in the Dome in the NIT ... attendance was maybe 12K ... sorry but its true ... I was able to sit a few rows off the floor ... when I had seasons and lived there I could never ever get that close ... ever.

 

[Cheriehoop]

I was there when we played FSU in the Dome in the NIT ... attendance was maybe 12K ... sorry but its true ... I was able to sit a few rows off the floor ... when I had seasons and lived there I could never ever get that close ... ever.

I was there too (1997)and I think there were only 5000 people there, a year after a Final 4 appearance too. Like you I sat the closest I had ever been at an SU game before then. You could hear the sneakers squeaking on the court. If I remember correctly, Rock Lloyd played quite a bit despite his leaving for Long Beach State the next year.

 

[rrlbees]

False.

Very true. SU isn't a large state school that will just draw from across the state. State school or not, it's not a large school with a huge alumni base that travels to the Dome in throngs. When the program is down to average, the locals are the only ones going. And that doesn't mean the number of fans outside of Syracuse that go, is zero.


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[Stern]

so say SU starts with Wagner.. I doubt we sell more than 33k but maybe a few more.. then we play tulane and bump that up a few more to 38k then lose to PSU and get drilled by NW.. people would be jumping ship and clemson would not be full.. we have a better chance now for a solid attendance, but anything over 42K is fine if they show up.

Don't play NW or PSU that's the goal!!! Be 3-1 or 4-0 heading into Clemson. Nobody cares or remembers who beat who in early September. Just insure 6 wins and have hope going into October games.

 

[Stern]

Because football here is not a religion like many people have said. The nfl rules over college in this state. It just is what it is.

Agree. In the Northern States SUNDAY is the biggest football day of the week. Head south and SATURDAY is the biggest football day of the week.

 

[Stern]

There needs to be some serious investment of time and staff on a creative marketing approach. It might be a smart idea for SU to join forces with the Chiefs and get a real marketing group in as consultants. IMG sells corporate sponsorships and ads during broadcasts.

I think part of the problem when it comes to "marketing" SU football is the people in charge aren't probably true football fans. They are probably early to mid 20's kids working real cheap and who learned football playing video games. And don't "get" the gameday experience. While the people on this board who have good ideas are older and were raised actually going to real games in person.

And when it comes to the "gameday experience" SU almost needs a "Football Czar" to just run the Dome on gamedays. Have his/her hands into every aspect of the Dome on gamedays. From every little detail of the music that is played, to the train whistle, to making sure the team runs out onto the field when the pre-game enterance video ends, to makings sure the band isn't playing over when something is being said on the loud speakers so you can't hear either. I'm sure there is a person or team that has this role now but they suck...plain and simple. They need someone who understands college football and what creates a good environment.

 

[Stern]

As much as I hate to say it , maybe they should black out the home games unless x number of tix are sold.I am totally embarrassed at the size of the crowds.Maybe they could show the games after they have been played.I don't know what the answer is but this crap cannot continue.

That will never happen. This ain't the 1980's and that's 1980's type thinking. In this day of age where you can watch games on your phone by blacking out games you are just turning off potential fans. Plus to sell a product to draw people in they need to see it. If people don't see it then they won't potentially buy it.

 

[Chip]

Want a bigger crowd? Get more than just locals to go. With the rare travelers, nobody outside of Syracuse goes. Neither do the alumni. It's only locals season ticket holders going.

That lets the locals off easy.

With crowds THIS small, there's no pointing fingers. It's every segment.

I wonder how many people wouldn't go to Tulane or Wagner because of their names, but won't go to Clemson either because "oh they'll get killed". You know they're out there, and probably come in at least a 4 figure number. If not 5.


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[Ozcuse]

I was there this week. Section 335, Row A. I was there at last week's game, I was there last season and God willing I'll be there next season too.

How many of the people here bitching were there? That's the funny thing, so many people pointing fingers when they are a part of the problem.

If you didn't go and you don't plan on going, kindly .

 

[OburgOrange]

I don't know what the answer is. But...I think we really hurt ourselves with the early season scheduling. It has happened year after year. Hard to get momentum going when we are 1-2, 0-2, etc. I looked around my section today and I was stunned. Couldn't believe how empty it was. We have 6 home football games a year. 6. Where is everyone? I have been going to home games for 30 yrs. I drive over 2 hours one way to get there. My son drove from Plattsburgh to go to the game with me. Rambling on , but... I don't get it

 

[orangeinjersey]

Guy watching at home complaining about the attendance.

Haha.

had leaves to rake

 

[rrlbees]

That lets the locals off easy.

With crowds THIS small, there's no pointing fingers. It's every segment.

I wonder how many people wouldn't go to Tulane or Wagner because of their names, but won't go to Clemson either because "oh they'll get killed". You know they're out there, and probably come in at least a 4 figure number. If not 5.


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The locals should get off easier since the other segments approach zero in support compared to the locals. And as has been discussed before, almost every decision SU makes when it comes to SU football is anti-local fans.


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[JoeCollege]

That lets the locals off easy.

With crowds THIS small, there's no pointing fingers. It's every segment.

I wonder how many people wouldn't go to Tulane or Wagner because of their names, but won't go to Clemson either because "oh they'll get killed". You know they're out there, and probably come in at least a 4 figure number. If not 5.


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(This post coming to you courtesy of a guy who gave up his season tickets because he has two kids playing soccer this fall, every friggin Saturday)...

...if I had a dollar for every person here (Binghamton area) I've seen in SU garb or who I know to be a fan who told me "Oh, I ain't going to Tulane/Wagner because they suck and the local high school game will be better" AND "I'm not going to the Clemson game just to watch us get the snot bubbles beat out of us" I'd be able to buy every available seat in the Dome. For sure a 5 figure number. And these tend to be folks my age, who grew up watching great teams through the 80s and 90s who have disposable income and some time to spend. I think we were spoiled by those teams, and were then beaten into apathy in the late P years and entire GROB era. Combined with the sense of being jilted by Marrone (some folks really got back into it and felt slighted- odd, I know) I think SU has lost a generation of regional fans.

 

[Chip]

The locals should get off easier since the other segments approach zero in support compared to the locals. And as has been discussed before, almost every decision SU makes when it comes to SU football is anti-local fans.

Sorry but that's crazy. I know there's a war going on here between the locals and the students and the non local alums. A war I don't feeling like getting in the middle of. But that aside, you shouldn't even have to market locals to get bigger #s than this. Just having a program should get you more than that.

This is typical look at our record and our opponent crowds.

The $99 and $125 season tickets should be sold out to locals. Those require zero marketing based on their price points. If they are sold out, then I'll back down, but I don't get the sense that they are.


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[Cheriehoop]

Sorry but that's crazy. I know there's a war going on here between the locals and the students and the non local alums. A war I don't feeling like getting in the middle of. But that aside, you shouldn't even have to market locals to get bigger #s than this. Just having a program should get you more than that.

This is typical look at our record and our opponent crowds.

The $99 and $125 season tickets should be sold out to locals. Those require zero marketing based on their price points. If they are sold out, then I'll back down, but I don't get the sense that they are.


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I work in Oswego and the people I work with who used to be season ticket holders for basketball and the ones who used to attend a few football games a year, no longer do it. I'm constantly trying to get them to attend games. I don't know how many constantly ask me why should they travel 7o miles (that I do daily for work) when they can sit on their couch in the comfort of their homes or a bar and watch all the better games. Bars no longer sponsor bus rides to the dome but now advertise specials to watch the games in the bar on multiple huge widescreen TV's.

I also know a number of SU alums who have moved to NYC, DC, Charlotte, Boston etc who denigrate the locals while they rake their own leaves and are fans via telecommunication. Many locals believe there is a real issue with a perceived snobbery against them by the students and their graduates. Was Jake talking to the locals or the alums living in DC, NC or NYC when he told them to "get a life"? I also have stayed out of this locals vs alums undercurrent on even this board but it does get really old. Where are the 20 to 45 year old fans - alums or locals - because most aren't at the games. Heck SU has to give away tickets to their own students to watch their own team. Maybe I'm crazy but wouldn't that be a great place to start on analyzing the "whys" of low attendance? One just has to look to see the demographics of who actually attend games but oddly it's that same group who tend to be the target of most of the criticism. I'm an Oswego state grad yet the people I sit around in the section who give donations to sit where they do- are locals and not SU grads. I do see one of my high school teachers who I know is an SU grad as the lone alumni in my section. Doesn't that seem strange to anyone? SU needs at the very least CNY to support SU teams because the alumni simply aren't around to do it. Let's start with the students. They are the engine for this program.

 

[djcon57]

I also know a number of SU alums who have moved to NYC, DC, Charlotte, Boston etc who denigrate the locals while they rake their own leaves and are fans via telecommunication.

For the record as former local as well as an alum.

I do not currently rake leaves. There are no leaves in my yard to be raked.

 

[Cheriehoop]

For the record as former local as well as an alum.

I do not currently rake leaves. There are no leaves in my yard to be raked.

Me neither and I'm local. Plus it rained yesterday.

 

[wfschrec]

Me neither and I'm local. Plus it rained yesterday.

As a former local and alum I did not rake any leaves ... however making a 1000 mile commute for games is too costly but I still watch religiously ... if I were in that area I would be at the games just like I was before I moved.

 

[Chip]

I work in Oswego and the people I work with who used to be season ticket holders for basketball and the ones who used to attend a few football games a year, no longer do it. I'm constantly trying to get them to attend games. I don't know how many constantly ask me why should they travel 7o miles (that I do daily for work) when they can sit on their couch in the comfort of their homes or a bar and watch all the better games. Bars no longer sponsor bus rides to the dome but now advertise specials to watch the games in the bar on multiple huge widescreen TV's.

I also know a number of SU alums who have moved to NYC, DC, Charlotte, Boston etc who denigrate the locals while they rake their own leaves and are fans via telecommunication. Many locals believe there is a real issue with a perceived snobbery against them by the students and their graduates. Was Jake talking to the locals or the alums living in DC, NC or NYC when he told them to "get a life"? I also have stayed out of this locals vs alums undercurrent on even this board but it does get really old. Where are the 20 to 45 year old fans - alums or locals - because most aren't at the games. Heck SU has to give away tickets to their own students to watch their own team. Maybe I'm crazy but wouldn't that be a great place to start on analyzing the "whys" of low attendance? One just has to look to see the demographics of who actually attend games but oddly it's that same group who tend to be the target of most of the criticism. I'm an Oswego state grad yet the people I sit around in the section who give donations to sit where they do- are locals and not SU grads. I do see one of my high school teachers who I know is an SU grad as the lone alumni in my section. Doesn't that seem strange to anyone? SU needs at the very least CNY to support SU teams because the alumni simply aren't around to do it. Let's start with the students. They are the engine for this program.

The one thing I do wonder is how many of the big city alums on this board do actually go to games? I know personally, I'm a season ticket holder, with 5 others. We just can't make it up there more than once, maybe twice per year. But we communicate with each other to make sure the tickets are used, either by someone in the group, or donating them. I can't say we're always successful, but we try a little harder each year to make sure those seats are occupied. To me, at $99 a pop, it's worth it as it should somewhat help the program and guarantees me a good seat (we're first row upper deck endzone) whenever I do want to go.

The whole situation is just frustrating, especially with the way the offense is playing, SU's calling card for football fan support. SU has always seen lesser crowds for lesser opponents (Scooch's 91 opener against Vandy example), but when they announced 35k for that game, you never doubted there were 35k in that building. I was at that Vandy 35k game too, and it didn't appear anywhere near as empty as yesterday's "36k" looked.

I don't think SU is without guilt in the situation. I just think that every segment is lacking when it looks that empty. Locals, alums, students, and SU itself. Everyone can do better. Maybe the Clemson game cures all ills. Agree that the students are a good place to start. SU should figure out a way for all student tix to be free, even if that means recouping in some activity fee. If you apply the money you'd collect from full student sections to football/hoops across the broad base of all students, how much can that add to the bill, $100? $200? Are we going to lose enrollment over that fee?

SU also needs to revisit its pricing structure for the donation level sideline seats. Too long have too many of those seats been unsold. Yet I don't think there have been many changes in the structure. Yet, the upper deck end zone ($99) and corner ($125) have been cut to, by far, as good a discount as you'll see in college football, probably ever.

I could write another whole dissertation on the Oswego people, as I grew up as one of them. But I'll save that for later.