It's not the communities job to promote SU football!

[xc84]

A lot of great points here.

That's the whole problem. We need to do something about the "win and they will come" mentality. It's not sustainable treating the teams as strictly entertainment.

I'm very worried about what will happen if the basketball team starts losing.

I do agree. While winning does bring back attendance... it's not a good sole long-term strategy for the attendance problem.

 

[SUfanNC]

Anyone from buff, Rochester, Utica, Albany or surrounding areas with insight on support for SU

 

[cuseinchina]

I think the marketing in NYC wasn't to get people to come to Cuse games at home but to align the program with NYC to make us more appealing. If I'm trying to up the attendance I would make a serious push now. We are 2-2 with our first ACC game coming up a bye week and a QB who looks like he could be the real thing we have been looking for! Carpe diem!

TV MARKET

 

[xc84]

Anyone from buff, Rochester, Utica, Albany or surrounding areas with insight on support for SU

I lived in Rochester before and currently live closer to Albany now. There are a a smattering of SU fans in both. There seem to be a lot of Albany SU fans but more toward the basketball side. In Rochester I recall a little more hostility about it. I think many in Rochester view themselves as a bit snooty "above" all that is Syracuse and seem to scoff at SU. A lot of people there went to U of R and RIT so I think that is where they are coming from. I am not trying to cause trouble here and maybe my experience is not the norm. My guess is there is still untapped potential in both areas.

 

[orangecuse]

Something is broke! I thinking winning and product masked it for a longtime and it needs to be adjusted. I would like to hear what locals and alumni think about it honestly. Most people that post here will go to games regardless but there has to be lurkers and some that have opinions on this.

As several have mentioned, it's a combination of factors and, unfortunately, there's no one magic bullet to turn things around. Although, I've lived outside of the area for nearly 2 decades now, I have family, friends, etc. still living in the nearby Syracuse burbs. Several of them consider themselves more than casual fans, however, most no longer attend games, at least not with any regularity. When I hound them on why they no longer routinely attend, it really has nothing to due with cost, as they can, as I believe most who live nearby, simply can afford to.

Many simply stay at home due to the atmosphere, convenience, etc. they can create in their own homes. With all these big screen TV's being so relatively affordable, people have created their own rec rooms, etc. in their homes and simply choose to hold parties, gatherings there. With SU's fickle fan base, to get many of these folks back to the dome, SU will need to create a demand & atmosphere where people want to flock for the EVENT and game day experiences. Winning will help...but it'll take additional efforts.

I also have Cleveland ties, and the Indians are having one of their best seasons in nearly two decades and currently hold the 2nd wild card spot by a game and a half. Yet, they had home games last week that drew only 8k to 10k people, that's pretty pathetic. The Indians PR team are now on this marketing campaign, etc. to come up and support your home town team. I think SU needs to take some type of local action as well. Market/advertise to the local area on billboards, TV, radio, etc. to come out and support your home town team...we need your support, etc. Get the community involved!

As much as Syracusans can even complain about it being too hot on a beautiful 90 degree Sunny summer day in July I believe most people residing there are still quite passionate about the SU sports teams!

 

[Tcuse]

I lived in Rochester before and currently live closer to Albany now. There are a a smattering of SU fans in both. There seem to be a lot of Albany SU fans but more toward the basketball side. In Rochester I recall a little more hostility about it. I think many in Rochester view themselves as a bit snooty "above" all that is Syracuse and seem to scoff at SU. A lot of people there went to U of R and RIT so I think that is where they are coming from. I am not trying to cause trouble here and maybe my experience is not the norm. My guess is there is still untapped potential in both areas.

As far as Tompkins county (Ithaca) not very much interest for SU FBall, but high level for BBall. Surprisingly, to me anyways, Ithaca College has a large following for FBall. Part of that could be the stadium location, unreal view up Cayuga lake, perfect place to spend a fall afternoon.
The local press does not help, not a word of the Tulane/SU game in this mornings Ithaca Journal.

 

[Lawrinson14]

Why not?? They show up at other schools in droves even against bad teams. Go see PedSt play a bad team. What makes out alumni different?

As a relatively recent grad (class of 2011) that lives in NYC and knows a bunch of SU alumni in the city...the reason is pretty simple.

Syracuse football is still perceived as a joke.

I know you guys on this board hate hearing that, but it's the reality of the situation. Very very few are willing to give up their Saturday to drive 8 hours round trip, or 4 hrs + the price of a hotel to watch the product that is put on the field. By product I mean there is more to it than the watching the actual game. The game day atmosphere is pretty bad at Syracuse compared to Penn St and even Rutgers. I mean, it's almost non-existent.

Also, to many younger alumni who never got to experience the Dome at full capacity/decibel level, it is perceived as a dumpy place to watch a football game. "On a beautiful fall day, who really wants to be indoors to watch a game?" I have heard this excuse multiple times when trying to get a carpool up to the dome.

I guess it all comes down to this...I know you guys on this board are diehard fans that plan your weekends around Syracuse football games, but most of the casual fans I know/have encountered do not see Syracuse Football as a terribly exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

As my friend put it, "For us recent grads who were in school during the GROB era and the start of the Marrone era, going to the dome to watch Syracuse football was like going to a nice restaurant and finding a hair in your meal. Even though the place WAS great, that experience will turn you off from ever going there again."

 

[SUfanNC]

As several have mentioned, it's a combination of factors and, unfortunately, there's no one magic bullet to turn things around. Although, I've lived outside of the area for nearly 2 decades now, I have family, friends, etc. still living in the nearby Syracuse burbs. Several of them consider themselves more than casual fans, however, most no longer attend games, at least not with any regularity. When I hound them on why they no longer routinely attend, it really has nothing to due with cost, as they can, as I believe most who live nearby, simply can afford to.

Many simply stay at home due to the atmosphere, convenience, etc. they can create in their own homes. With all these big screen TV's being so relatively affordable, people have created their own rec rooms, etc. in their homes and simply choose to hold parties, gatherings there. With SU's fickle fan base, to get many of these folks back to the dome, SU will need to create a demand & atmosphere where people want to flock for the EVENT and game day experiences. Winning will help...but it'll take additional efforts.

I also have Cleveland ties, and the Indians are having one of their best seasons in nearly two decades and currently hold the 2nd wild card spot by a game and a half. Yet, they had home games last week that drew only 8k to 10k people, that's pretty pathetic. The Indians PR team are now on this marketing campaign, etc. to come up and support your home town team. I think SU needs to take some type of local action as well. Market/advertise to the local area on billboards, TV, radio, etc. to come out and support your home town team...we need your support, etc. Get the community involved!

As much as Syracusans can even complain about it being too hot on a beautiful 90 degree Sunny summer day in July I believe most people residing there are still quite passionate about the SU sports teams!

I lived in Rochester before and currently live closer to Albany now. There are a a smattering of SU fans in both. There seem to be a lot of Albany SU fans but more toward the basketball side. In Rochester I recall a little more hostility about it. I think many in Rochester view themselves as a bit snooty "above" all that is Syracuse and seem to scoff at SU. A lot of people there went to U of R and RIT so I think that is where they are coming from. I am not trying to cause trouble here and maybe my experience is not the norm. My guess is there is still untapped potential in both areas.

This is the insight I am interested in. It may be just your experience but is more than I have as I'm from the burbs of Syracuse. I definitely do not think there is a single bullet to fix the issue and it will take multiple layers of help insight and focus. I think with coverage and hd Tvs that a lot of pro and college teams may lose fans to the fact it's easier to stay home. That is why I thought of ipf tours would be nice and since they are at Manley use that area as the official tailgate area with music and things to do plus the actually activity of tailgating. Shuttle people to the dome from there and have the bars on Marshall have satellite bar tents so they don't feel like they are losing out on customers as well as the tshirt shops.

 

[xc84]

As far as Tompkins county (Ithaca) not very much interest for SU FBall, but high level for BBall. Surprisingly, to me anyways, Ithaca College has a large following for FBall. Part of that could be the stadium location, unreal view up Cayuga lake, perfect place to spend a fall afternoon.
The local press does not help, not a word of the Tulane/SU game in this mornings Ithaca Journal.

I lived in Ithaca in the past and agree. Of course, it's Cornell's town and Cornell has more students than SU so it's not surprising that SU won't be featured. The only sport I recall anyone caring about in Ithaca is Cornell Hockey. That was it.

 

[xc84]

This is the insight I am interested in. It may be just your experience but is more than I have as I'm from the burbs of Syracuse. I definitely do not think there is a single bullet to fix the issue and it will take multiple layers of help insight and focus. I think with coverage and hd Tvs that a lot of pro and college teams may lose fans to the fact it's easier to stay home. That is why I thought of ipf tours would be nice and since they are at Manley use that area as the official tailgate area with music and things to do plus the actually activity of tailgating. Shuttle people to the dome from there and have the bars on Marshall have satellite bar tents so they don't feel like they are losing out on customers as well as the tshirt shops.

They do shuttle people from Manley to the Dome. I am not against improving the atmosphere at Manley but I prefer my tailgate (permit) lot and walking v. taking a shuttle. Like you said, there is no one bullet. Things have to be addressed using many tactics.

 

[SUfanNC]

They do shuttle people from Manley to the Dome. I am not against improving the atmosphere at Manley but I prefer my tailgate (permit) lot and walking v. taking a shuttle. Like you said, there is no one bullet. Things have to be addressed using many tactics.

I can understand that game day experience. I was thinking about parking and busses from out of town. Make Manley more appealing to tailgate. Most people on the board would rather tailgate at a permit parking lot but I'm probably not referring to folks that are on this board. It's those people that may not want to pay for a parking permit. Just ideas. I'm thinking of the fair/festivals ideas. Things that local business can get behind or want to. Octoberfest, applefest, legends day etc. Those kind of things. Meet and greets with some past players. Just make it an all around fun time. Things you can't do from a sofa!

 

[Ottoble]

This was a long time ago but I was at a neighboring SUNY visiting a friend when Cuse lost to Minny in the DC throw a ball at a Gopher game. You would've thought I was in Minny people were celebrating so much.

And this is why if you offered this type of program where SUNY students can get reduced season tickets it would start to change this. It is offering a hand to join us as fans and have fun there are lots of local kids from Syracuse that attend SUNY schools and if they were given the opportunity at season tickets they would jump on it and bring friends and build fans.
Its a really simple solution but it would change the feeling and when they are alums of their SUNY school living in the area they wouldn't see SU as an opponent but as a place where they had fun while in college also and attend games after graduation. you run a bus to each campus and seat all the schools together in one big section. Give them each an Orange shirt that says Syracuse-SUNY ESF or Syracuse on the front and SUNY-Oneonta on the back or something and get the ball rolling. Hell give all recent alums of SUNY schools offer next season for 5% off season tickets as a part of the pilot program for the students.
SUNY is already part of SU with the ESF partnership it is foolish not to take advantage of it and turn a currently perceived negative of SUNY fan opinion into a longterm positive by fostering the relationship.

 

[Ozcuse]

I can understand that game day experience. I was thinking about parking and busses from out of town. Make Manley more appealing to tailgate. Most people on the board would rather tailgate at a permit parking lot but I'm probably not referring to folks that are on this board. It's those people that may not want to pay for a parking permit. Just ideas. I'm thinking of the fair/festivals ideas. Things that local business can get behind or want to. Octoberfest, applefest, legends day etc. Those kind of things. Meet and greets with some past players. Just make it an all around fun time. Things you can't do from a sofa!

I'd love to see SU participate with the local bars and eateries of Armory Square for free tastings, $1 short beers, etc. for showing your ticket stubs. Would be good for both attendance and helping local businesses. I agree they could also do more on the quad to create a festival atmosphere that's free with your admission ticket.

 

[xc84]

I can understand that game day experience. I was thinking about parking and busses from out of town. Make Manley more appealing to tailgate. Most people on the board would rather tailgate at a permit parking lot but I'm probably not referring to folks that are on this board. It's those people that may not want to pay for a parking permit. Just ideas. I'm thinking of the fair/festivals ideas. Things that local business can get behind or want to. Octoberfest, applefest, legends day etc. Those kind of things. Meet and greets with some past players. Just make it an all around fun time. Things you can't do from a sofa!

Ok...makes sense.

 

[Ozcuse]

And this is why if you offered this type of program where SUNY students can get reduced season tickets it would start to change this. It is offering a hand to join us as fans and have fun there are lots of local kids from Syracuse that attend SUNY schools and if they were given the opportunity at season tickets they would jump on it and bring friends and build fans.
Its a really simple solution but it would change the feeling and when they are alums of their SUNY school living in the area they wouldn't see SU as an opponent but as a place where they had fun while in college also and attend games after graduation. you run a bus to each campus and seat all the schools together in one big section. Give them each an Orange shirt that says Syracuse-SUNY ESF or Syracuse on the front and SUNY-Oneonta on the back or something and get the ball rolling. Hell give all recent alums of SUNY schools offer next season for 5% off season tickets as a part of the pilot program for the students.
SUNY is already part of SU with the ESF partnership it is foolish not to take advantage of it and turn a currently perceived negative of SUNY fan opinion into a longterm positive by fostering the relationship.

Getting them reduced rate season/single game tickets with an included bus ride back and forth would be huge and it would help to create new lifelong fans.

A couple buses each from Oswego, Cortland, Binghamton, Brockport, Geneseo, Oneonta, Morrisville, etc. could get another 1000+ to the Dome on a weekly basis. Over time that would lead to more adult season ticket holders as well as new students taking advantage of the program.

It's one large advantage of not having an established traditional D1 program in the SUNY system. All of those students are sitting around looking for a big event on weekends.

 

[cuseinchina]

I lived in Ithaca in the past and agree. Of course, it's Cornell's town and Cornell has more students than SU so it's not surprising that SU won't be featured. The only sport I recall anyone caring about in Ithaca is Cornell Hockey. That was it.

Ithaca's demographic make-up - the very poor and the crunchy Birkenstock wearing Saab driving elitists - does not offer fertile ground for finding fans for SU football.

 

[xc84]

Ithaca's demographic make-up - the very poor and the crunchy Birkenstock wearing Saab driving elitists - does not offer fertile ground for finding fans for SU football.

With that said and I won't disagree, I liked living in Ithaca. It was an easy drive to SU games and I liked stopping at Doug's fish fry in Cortland on my way home from football games. I also liked the outdoor activities...in particular the many hiking trails I would run on. However, if you didn't graduate from Cornell, you are a bit of an outsider and looked down upon. About 50% of the mgt. team I worked with were Cornell grads and they had that cliquey bond.

 

[chakka3421]

With that said and I won't disagree, I liked living in Ithaca. It was an easy drive to SU games and I liked stopping at Doug's fish fry in Cortland on my way home from football games. I also liked the outdoor activities...in particular the many hiking trails I would run on. However, if you didn't graduate from Cornell, you are a bit of an outsider and looked down upon.

Dougs Fish Fry - yuck - Cortland still has the old A&W outdoor drive up - and the food still gives me heartburn but anytime, I mean anytime, I go through Cortland I gotta have my root beer (diet root beer now) float!

 

[cuseinchina]

Dougs Fish Fry - yuck - Cortland still has the old A&W outdoor drive up - and the food still gives me heartburn but anytime, I mean anytime, I go through Cortland I gotta have my root beer (diet root beer now) float!

I thought Doug's fish fry was a Skaneateles thing - do they have more than one location? Strangely enough i sat in the dining car on a train to Chicago from DC with Doug JR or whatever his name was - he got excited when he saw my son's SU hat.

 

[xc84]

I thought Doug's fish fry was a Skaneateles thing - do they have more than one location? Strangely enough i sat in the dining car on a train to Chicago from DC with Doug JR or whatever his name was - he got excited when he saw my son's SU hat.

They had franchised a while back and at least a couple of the franchises severed ties but are still good fish fries under different names. I believe the one in Cortland is still a Doug's. The original is in Skaneateles. When I used to frequent there , it was the only one. Then, Doug's manager bought him out. I am not sure if he is who you mean by Doug Jr. or an actual Doug Jr. Back then I was running a lot and could burn off the calories as fast as I ate them. Age, injury and much less running has changed that. I still try to get to Doug's whenever possible though!

 

[Cusefan95]

As a relatively recent grad (class of 2011) that lives in NYC and knows a bunch of SU alumni in the city...the reason is pretty simple.

Syracuse football is still perceived as a joke.

I'm not sure that people on this board really appreciate the reality of that statement - we're too intimately involved to get what the perception of the average casual fan is. It's going to take something Lead-Story-ON-ESPN big to get the average indifferent person that might be able to be attracted to a game at the Dome to even start to consider it. THEN winning some games matters to getting attendance up. It's part of why crapping the bed after the big West Virginia win two years ago was so devastating - the casual fan took notice, but watch Cuse lose the rest of their games. The WVU win got chalked up to a fluke, and the belief that Cuse is a crappy program remains in tact.

 

[xc84]

I'm not sure that people on this board really appreciate the reality of that statement - we're too intimately involved to get what the perception of the average casual fan is. It's going to take something Lead-Story-ON-ESPN big to get the average indifferent person that might be able to be attracted to a game at the Dome to even start to consider it. THEN winning some games matters to getting attendance up. It's part of why crapping the bed after the big West Virginia win two years ago was so devastating - the casual fan took notice, but watch Cuse lose the rest of their games. The WVU win got chalked up to a fluke, and the belief that Cuse is a crappy program remains in tact.

Of course many do appreciate that statement. I certainly understand that if you went to SU during the GRob era...and that is your exposure to the program, then of course you think it's a joke. I live 2.5 hours away. The rides home back then (especially during the night games when I'd get home 1 a.m.) made me question my own fanaticism! Of course, I never waivered but man that was some tough times!

 

[SUfanNC]

Ithaca's demographic make-up - the very poor and the crunchy Birkenstock wearing Saab driving elitists - does not offer fertile ground for finding fans for SU football.

I don't care what the preconceived notion is as long as we make an effort to get them to come have fun at our party.

 

[SUfanNC]

 

[xc84]

I don't care what the preconceived notion is as long as we make an effort to get them to come have fun at our party.

It'd be a tough sell but they might be able to pick up a few.

I think Rochester, Utica, Albany are more fertile grounds. My perception is that Utica/Rome has a good SU fanbase.