|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 15, 2005 10:50:22 GMT -5
While checking out the requirements for stepping up to I-A, the glaring issue LU has in this regard is home attendance at William Stadium.
If we are going to remedy this problem, there's no better time than the present. So I am starting this thread searching for ideas about what can be done to bolster attendance on campus for football games. I'm talking about not only getting students to show up for games, but also getting alumni to want to come back and attend as well as reaching out to the non-LU folks in Lynchburg & Central Virginia.
I'm curious to hear what everyone believes would be a catalyst for growth. Whether it be marketing strategies, entertainment tie-ins or building traditions that would enhance the product enough to make it attractive to a wider base of fans.
Here's your chance to let us know what you think would work.
At the conclusion of the discussion, we'll do our best to present the suggestions to folks over in the Athletic Department. I'm sure Prototype & his colleagues would love to have some additional perspectives as well.
So let's bring it.
|
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Jun 15, 2005 11:22:59 GMT -5
Mandatory attendance by students (ala VMI) and cheap addmission for everyone else, but not free. If it were free I think it would have an adverse effect on attendance. Both of which wouldn't go over well, I'm sure. Scheduling home games with W&M and JMU would be helpful as there are a lot of Alumnus in town. On that same token, if we got an away game at VT or UVA it would majorly spark the towns interest. We might even our names in the newspaper. But we're a little low on the AA foodchain to be scheduling anyone more than Bowling Green in the single A ranks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 15, 2005 11:40:04 GMT -5
Actually, with the news rules allowing an extra game for I-A schools a lot of brand name programs are looking to schedule I-AAs for easy victories. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of it happening.
As for JMU and W&M, while I would love to have both of them on our schedule every year we didn't exactly pack the place out last fall when the Tribe came to our house.
I like the way you are thinking though. Keep bringing the ideas.
|
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Jun 15, 2005 15:26:43 GMT -5
I hate to admit it but I seem to be much better at identifying problems than coming up with solutions. College football is a major draw due to rich tradition- tradition which has just not had enough time to develop here at LU since the 70s (actually, more recently if you consider D1 sports the starting point).
Some of this will improve with time, but maybe just flood the Lynchburg market w/ PR $$$ and lots of network TV time. Giveaways are always good too, but above all, THE TEAM HAS TO WIN. Nothing breeds a fan base like SUCCESS.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stevev on Jun 15, 2005 21:20:20 GMT -5
In my opinion here is what has to happen
1) Aggressive marketing and advertising of the program to the students, throughout Lynchburg and beyond.
2) Get out of the Big South and get into a respectable conference such as the Colonial or Southern, preferably the Colonial (more in-state rivalry possibilities.)
3) Continue to schedule more night games especially early in the year.
4) Schedule respectable in-state programs such as JMU, UR, and W & M at home (Joining the Colonial conference would take care of this one)
5) Better performances or wins against 1AA playoff calibre or top 25 competition - Need to bring in more 1A transferes and better recruits (Maybe this years class is a step in the right direction). Wins against substandard competition does little to gain respect.
6) Get to post season. Something that we have never done before.
Any improvements in those areas would "bring them in".
|
|
|
|
Post by SCAR on Jun 15, 2005 21:39:33 GMT -5
I would add better Television coverage from the local news. Their coverage is weak. It looks no different than division III football or basketball or even high school with the way they shoot their highlights and do the voice overs. Nice folks but they are stuck in the 80's at WSET to me. When I watch TV in other cities like DC or Richmond it just seems more crisp and professional.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 15, 2005 22:55:17 GMT -5
We give NAIA Houston Baptist better coverage here in a major market than the stations in Lynchburg & Roanoke give the Flames. But then again, we are Houston. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 16, 2005 10:25:43 GMT -5
Here are some other ideas to mull over:
Middle Tennessee State was having difficulty meeting the mandatory 15k average for home attendance so they started booking hip-hop acts as postgame concerts. That way if music afficionados wanted to see the concert, they had to buy a football ticket. It seems like a cheap way to meet the attendance total, but it was effective. Perhaps we can start something similar with a CCM theme.
I know we have bemoaned the lack of atmosphere around the stadium on gameday on previous threads. But that is one area where I feel we can create a buzz surrounding the game that might entice more students to join in on the fun. Student organizations (or even dorms for that matter) might create a festival-type setup showing off the school's creativity. I'm thinking circus-esque freak shows.
We need to find some way to incorporate non-TRBC Lynchburgers into the action. Perhaps we could let local high school marching bands perform pre-game. That would not only add the bandmembers but also family & friends as well. You could promote the game in that community as say 'Rustburg Night' around their towns. Give them discount tix and maybe send Karcher and a couple of players out to their school's pep rallies before their Friday HS games. Yeah, I know it sounds chessy. But I'm trying to think of a way to start reaching the community in a grassroots fashion.
As for tradition, we might try and find a way to start up some type of "trophy" for annual contest with VMI. Given our close proximity and the likelihood that we'll be scheduling each other for years to come regardless of conference affiliation, why not come up with some goofy prize to go to the winner of our matchup. Surely somebody could come up with something clever.
As for our school fight song, how about an effort to teach it to the student body. I know, what a novel idea. Perhaps it could be part of some sort of freshman rite of passage or something. If we can start getting student to sing along with the song before games (and after victories), it might help create some atmosphere in what seems often to be as sterile as can be.
Personally, I'd love to see us set up some type of Olympic-type deal for us to light a flame before the team comes out on the field. I think that would really help build a pride in our Flames persona.
I've got a million half-cocked ideas. BUt I just wanted to stir the pot some. We need to do something and there's still time to incorporate them before the start of the season. Let's hear what you think.
|
|
|
|
Post by ATrain on Jun 16, 2005 13:13:39 GMT -5
Well...Commonwealth Cup is taken by the winner of the UVa/VaTech game, and DIAA Commonwealth Cup would have to be contested with not only us and VMI but William and Mary, Richmond, Norfolk State, JMU, Hampton, and ODU (in 2009). But I like the thinking-I just don't have any idea of what we could call it? Big South Virginia Championship?
The olympic flame idea sounds intriguing...
The school fight song...only Dorm 10 and the famed Red Man Group know it...the rest of the student body needs to learn it (myself included).
|
|
|
|
Post by HarrisburgFlame on Jun 16, 2005 13:18:42 GMT -5
Schedule as many in-state games as you can against other I-AA schools in Virginia.
Agressively market season ticket packages on TV and a designated radius around Lynchburg.
Season ticket packages are priced right - take advantage of those fans who are getting lost in the $$$ shuffle at Tech and UVA.
No more free tickets to anyone and everyone - creates a perception of low quality when you can get tickets on a whim and anywhere.
Recruit more local kids - Morgan Hout did it well.
I'll send more later.
|
|
|
|
Post by flamesfan710 on Jun 16, 2005 13:32:14 GMT -5
Well...Commonwealth Cup is taken by the winner of the UVa/VaTech game, and DIAA Commonwealth Cup would have to be contested with not only us and VMI but William and Mary, Richmond, Norfolk State, JMU, Hampton, and ODU (in 2009). But I like the thinking-I just don't have any idea of what we could call it? Big South Virginia Championship? The olympic flame idea sounds intriguing... The school fight song...only Dorm 10 and the famed Red Man Group know it...the rest of the student body needs to learn it (myself included). Id like to see a trophy for the VMI-LU game too. Now the flame idea...I have no problem with it as long as it isn't near the band. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 16, 2005 16:01:23 GMT -5
Just running with the LU-VMI deal ... I think the trophy should have some sort of military feel for it. Perhaps we could integrate Patrick Henry into it (you know, the whole "Give me Liberty ..." idea). Perhaps a powder horn or something? Or we could also do something integrating that Billygoat path called 501.
As for the flame, I picture seniors taking turns with the honor of lighting the torch right before the team rushes onto the field. But there are many ways this concept could be used.
|
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Jun 17, 2005 9:15:40 GMT -5
I like the flame idea, not a torch though. We need pyrotechnics the likes of which are only seen at Epcot Center. Just one big burst of a giant flame before the team rushes the field would do wonders for excitement and tradition.
|
|
|
|
Post by SCAR on Jun 17, 2005 9:32:15 GMT -5
We have to be careful with all these kinds of ideas. If you don't have people in the stands first. It can come off as over-blown and down right stupid. For example, when I was coaching on the Men's basketball staff, we played at Hampton. They were ranked in the bottom 300 and we killed them but before the game, they had this big smoke show and lights that was like a Superbowl halftime show. When the smoke cleared there were about 200 people in their 6000 seat arena and it just came off as pointless. Plus they were not that good in the first place so it just seemed like a waste of time, energy and money.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 17, 2005 10:55:03 GMT -5
I agree that 90% of all pregame shows at NBA & college basketball games are a waste of time. And the same caution should be applied to what we are discussing here. But a little sizzle to go along with the steak could be tastefully done while giving us an identity all to our own.
For the record, MEAC and SWAC schools often enjoy the show more than the games these days since their product on court has been watered down so much. The perception is now out there that HBCUs can give you a great education and a tremendous social environment but athletics are second tier. That's the struggle they're facing. There are obvious exceptions particularly in I-AA football, but that seems to be the perception.
|
|
|
|
Post by flamesfan710 on Jun 17, 2005 11:03:09 GMT -5
I think that the football folks and heck the marching band should work together on that sort of thing. I think that they together could come up with a good product that doesn't come off as pointless or stupid.
|
|
|
|
Post by SeoulFlame on Jun 17, 2005 13:11:43 GMT -5
Get rid of the male flagettes (flag team members) they are terrible. Anyone that has seen them will agree. I like the flame at football games. The stadium has been full enough not to look stupid or pointless I think. I think we could do a better pregame for the BBall teams as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by flamesfan710 on Jun 17, 2005 13:31:23 GMT -5
SeoulFlame, Dr. Kerr has said he is never going to do that again ( I think he is still smarting from last year)
|
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Jun 17, 2005 14:36:08 GMT -5
They weren't bad, they just reminded me of something that rhymes with flagettes.
|
|
|
|
Post by WinthropEagleFan on Jun 17, 2005 14:53:26 GMT -5
Male flaggers are bad enough, but Winthrop had two guys on the dance team last year..that was just awful. It was unwatchable...
|
|
|
|
Post by Sly Fox on Jun 17, 2005 15:25:43 GMT -5
That sounds what I witness at WNBA games. It gives me the willies.
Anybody else have any ideas? I thin brainstorming sessions like this are where really good concepts are created.
|
|
|
|
Post by ATrain on Jun 17, 2005 18:35:04 GMT -5
I remember the two guys on the Winthrop Dance Team from the Big South Women's BBall championship...lets just say I've seen it all now. My beer buddy (no-I don't drink with him...he just drafts it for me when we work together at the Hillcats cuz he's 21 and I'm not) and I made fun of them whenever they came onto the court "Hey Devonte'..." good times...lol.
|
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Jun 20, 2005 5:59:51 GMT -5
We give NAIA Houston Baptist better coverage here in a major market than the stations in Lynchburg & Roanoke give the Flames. But then again, we are Houston. ;D I'm inferring from that because you live in Houston you think Houston Baptist is a big deal! You poor delusional Texans- the heat has definitely gotten to you. (KIDDING- WE ALL GOT THE POINT SLY) |
|
|
|
Post by PAmedic on Jun 20, 2005 6:08:57 GMT -5
I would like to announce my decision to leave the Fire/Rescue field to become a professional flagette. I already have my thigh-high sequinned boots and am very anxious to get the mini skirt fitted. Makeup has been a problem because with my complexion I tend to be a "spring" person and its hard to look good in the fall.
Seriously, I like the flame/torch idea though. Pre-game or halftime concerts would be a good draw too, as long as its not one of those horrible 6 person, preppy, all dress the same groups they used to have in the 80's. (the Liberty Singers or something- yikes)
|
|
|
|
Post by bigsmooth on Jun 20, 2005 8:18:31 GMT -5
being sandwiched between UVA and VT does not help with there successes. we need to play more in-state teams, and develop a better marketing plan...what that intails could be many things, but the bottom line is when we make the playoffs one time, the people of lynchburg will come out more, just like our sucess in hoops, brought more fans to the furnace. wins bring fans period. and alumni support needs to step up too.
|
|
|
|
Post by PastorZack on Jun 20, 2005 10:35:28 GMT -5
Guys, Football is a different animal all together for the Athletic Department....It should be the biggest money maker for the department and should be the biggest driving force behind the department....if your school's football program can make money, then you are well on your way to being a top-flight program either in div1 or div1aa...I understand the Duke/UNC basketball tradition, but football should be the driving force of the athletic department
Don't misunderstand me that basketball (men and womens) is good for the department, but with football you can tap unlimited resources that basketball cannot even touch.
|
|
|
|
Post by LUconn on Jun 20, 2005 10:56:06 GMT -5
Football is the driving force, which is why the ultimate goal is to be 1A. We don't have a timetable or a plan for that it seems, which is unfortunate. However being that we are AA we do not make any money off of football. We lose a lot of money. I like AA football and I think it would be great if it got a huge following. Our goal is 1A (where it's possible to actually make money) but I haven't seen any signs of moving forward with that. Hopefully our new AD has got new ideas and he may come up with an actual plan to get us to where we want to be. I guess I'm just thinking outloud here and not replying to anything specific.
|
|
|
|
Post by SCAR on Jun 20, 2005 13:47:16 GMT -5
I have to disagree with BigSmooth about winning bringing in fans. The girls team has won 9 straight championships and their attendence is pathetic. Not even the students are there for Katie Feenstra on senior night. Also the men won the Big South in 2004 but attendance seemed to be down (not sure of the numbers but it appeared that way). Plus Men's and Women's team camps and individual camps are no where near what they were back in the mid 90's when I was coaching. Coach Dunton is still feeling the affects of the Hankinson era and building the camp attendance and the game attendance takes a lot more than winning. The same can be said for Winthrop down in Rock Hill. 5 titles in 7 years but they are not lighting the world with their attendance numbers. It is not easy building a following. Winning is a start but you have to connect with the community in which you reside to really get the support that we are hoping for.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigsmooth on Jun 20, 2005 13:54:01 GMT -5
let me re-phrase that SCAR, after our first big south title attendance was up for a few years. and the womens attendance as well. as un-fortunate as it is the more the women have won the more attendance has dropped. i call it the braves syndrome...win so much and the fans expect it, thus they do not show up. yes coach d is feeling the effects of mel. yes we do need to connect more with the lynchburg community...it will take a great mktg. plan, which im hoping the new AD will implement. BTW
|
|
|
|
Post by bigsmooth on Jun 20, 2005 13:54:58 GMT -5
scar this is mark journell, what is up man? where are you now???
|
|
