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[QUOTE="xc84, post: 764960, member: 1526"]
The Dome helped revitalize the football program.  SU became a "basketball school" before the dome was built.  In '75 we made it to the final 4.  That was the catalyst for more success with the early 80s being a great time for hoops and not so great for football.  The dome did help increase excitement for football though it took better recruiting (in part, because of the dome) and wins to bring the program back all the way in the eyes of the fans.  In between, we had the Nebraska win which was a football turning point for the team and fans.  I really don’t think it was the dome that pushed basketball into the forefront though it did give lots of media attention.  The two programs were in different places -  One rising and one falling when the dome was built.  Eventually in the late 80s and 90s, both were in a good spot.   All was good (look at '87 and '96) for both programs.

I don’t think the “get a life” comment had any real effect on attendance.  Sure, it rankled some (not really me in the context) but most of those people actually go to the games (but still complain about the comment).  I have never heard of anyone who said they stopped going to games as a result of that comment.  I have heard people complain about the losing and that is the reason they could not stomach going.

The downturn was the result of losing.  The losing was a result of bad coaching and bad recruiting.  The bad recruiting was a result of bad recruiters and bad facilities.  I think coaching is good.  Facilities are going to be better next year.  These should help with recruiting as will some good wins (like a win v. Clemson).  Better recruiting will mean more wins.  More wins will mean higher attendance (see the 90s).
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