K92 Posted January 12, 2012 Report Share Posted January 12, 2012 It's never too early to start talking tailgating! Let's get a little roll call going here. Who is going to purchase season tickets? I would urge anyone planning to buy season tickets to contribute to the Z-Fund and request the lot 9 parking pass. Last year was my first year in lot 9 and it was well worth the price. The most lip smackin'est food, delicious craft beer and the greatest Zip fans on the planet is what you will find there. We need to get that lot full and jumping for the 2012 season. I would recommended it to anyone who likes to gave a good time. You will make some great friends. It is my personal mission to be the unofficial 2012 Lot 9 apologist. So, who is leaning in this direction? I am wanting to build me a dadgum tailgate trailer and need to bounce some ideas off y'all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted January 12, 2012 Report Share Posted January 12, 2012 I am in. Ever see the guy that used to dress and look like Bill Cowher? Or the guy that looked and dressed like Jim Tressel? I think we need a guy this year to dress and look like coach Bowden at the Lot 9 tailgate. Maybe a Chuck Amato too. Or we could do a theme near Halloween home game, dress as your favorite Akron football coach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kangaroo Posted January 12, 2012 Report Share Posted January 12, 2012 I was thinking about a Southern Theme for a game. I have a big propane burner, so some sort of Fried Chicken feature might be in order, amongst the grits, corn muffins, vinegar-based BBQ, tomato pie, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted January 12, 2012 Report Share Posted January 12, 2012 I wouldn't miss it! I like Capn's idea of a Southern theme. I'm working on a recipe for a Bowden Burger. But this may or may not fit into the theme. It's nearly impossible to fathom Lot 9 NOT being quite a bit more upbeat in 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zipgrad01 Posted January 12, 2012 Report Share Posted January 12, 2012 I will be back in lot 9 this year as I am renewing my 4 tickets. My parents are renewing theirs and my buddy that I always brought just purchased 2 for him and his wife. They will be in Lot 9. As for beer, I will bring some lazy magnolia southern pecan from Mississippi for "southern day". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyZip Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I'm thinking of making a grand return along with Bleacher Bum, any idea what it'd take to get back in 9? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentZip Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 After a season off for bad behavior (the team's, not mine) I got back into my old season tickets and parking in lot 73 the day TBow was announced as coach. While the location is slightly less ostentatious than lot 9, we enjoy good food, red wine and cigars on a regular basis. Might I suggest road trips back and forth between the lots during the season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kangaroo Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I'm thinking of making a grand return along with Bleacher Bum, any idea what it'd take to get back in 9? If I recall correctly -- Last year it was $100 Z-Fund donation, along with a $50 parking fee? Keep in mind only 3 years ago Wistercill tried to squeeze $5,000 from every Lot 9'er, so who knows what they'll mandate now that Bowden's running the show. I'm guessing somewhere between $100 and $10,000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I would be surprised if they do not see this as an opportunity to again try to place a premium price tag on the closest lots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jalapeño Zippy Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I would be surprised if they do not see this as an opportunity to again try to place a premium price tag on the closest lots. That would not be smart. Coach has proved nothing yet (he will), don't turn away those fans that have suffered through it all. It's basic economics supply must equal demand and at $100 was that happening? I know it wasn't at $5,000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kangaroo Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I would be surprised if they do not see this as an opportunity to again try to place a premium price tag on the closest lots. It would be a nice thing to do to the few people who actually showed up to watch the last 2, 1-11 seasons. Wistercill hired Bowden, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he's exhausted all the really really stupid things he can do, and going forward from 2012-on-out will make smart, fan- and team-friendly policies and decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZipRoo Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 2012 needs to ESTABLISH Zip games as the "fun, place to be" thing for Saturday afternoon and evenings. Once a fan base is BUILT, then ways can be found to help boost revenues. But the worst thing UA could do is to alienate the fans who've stuck by the program, as well as those newbies who can get caught up in the bandwagon hype of Bowden's first season. The school needs to market the football program better on campus, especially to dorm residents and Greeks. Offer some type of incentive, and get Coach Bowden involved in meeting students, faculty, area schools....just get him and his enthusiasm in front of people. There's a lot to accomplish in the next 7 months before football season...but the fact that folks are already excited about it is in such stark contrast to the Ianello Disaster, it's almost surreal. It would be nice to have Bobby Bowden on hand to meet fans at the first home game this fall, as well. This family is "college football royalty," and Akron needs to capitalize on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 The school needs to market the football program better+1 Step 1, hire coach Bowden. Step 2.....??????? So far I see coach Bowden working hard on marketing. I wish the U would work as hard. The time is NOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ham Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 We are straying a bit, but I wonder what could be done to get people out to the spring game? We could sell some fall tickets, and get some exposure to some prospects and their coaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K92 Posted January 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 Doesn't TW have a degree in marketing? Surely he buys into the importance of promoting the product. Soooooo, what's the hold up? Lack of funds? If it's lack of ideas, the U could just listen to the ideas floated here at ZN.o. As far as the spring game, I don't know. It is a game for family, die-hards, and the extremely curious. I think the first two are pretty static. How to create a lot of curiosity and interest outside of the first two groups is the challenge, I guess. As far as building excitement for the regular season home games, I think tailgating is central. If you look at the extremely popular football programs, the tailgating scene is out of this world. I briefly talked to George Van Horne about the Akron tailgate culture, or lack thereof, and he expressed real concern to me that the U needed to cultivate that atmosphere to get to the next level. A good tailgate is enough to bring Zips fans back week after week. The Ianello debacle proved that. The pre and post game party was a great time and worthwhile despite the dumpster fire on the field. If UA is ever going to be taken seriously as a legitimate "big boy" football program, not only does the Info need to be packed, so does lot 9. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZipRoo Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 RE: "If you look at the extremely popular football programs, the tailgating scene is out of this world. I briefly talked to George Van Horne about the Akron tailgate culture, or lack thereof, and he expressed real concern to me that the U needed to cultivate that atmosphere to get to the next level. A good tailgate is enough to bring Zips fans back week after week." Right on point, Keener. When I traveled to the UA / Army game during Faust's tenure, that's all I heard about....the incredible on-campus tailgating for Army games. Obviously, the tents / entertainment that was offered pre-game at the Rubber Bowl have disappeared at Info, but that type of pre-game involvement is essential to what UA needs to build here. Like it or not, football fans like to sit around their little grills, cook, eat, drink and socialize. The sooner the Zips athletic dept. gets on board with this and offers free, accessible ways to facilitate tailgating, the more the crowds will grow. Under Coach Bowden, Akron has the opportunity to take a GIANT leap into a football culture the campus has NEVER before seen here. I do question whether the minds in charge are the RIGHT people to capitalize on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 Doesn't TW have a degree in marketing? Surely he buys into the importance of promoting the product. Soooooo, what's the hold up? Lack of funds? If it's lack of ideas, the U could just listen to the ideas floated here at ZN.o. As far as the spring game, I don't know. It is a game for family, die-hards, and the extremely curious. I think the first two are pretty static. How to create a lot of curiosity and interest outside of the first two groups is the challenge, I guess. As far as building excitement for the regular season home games, I think tailgating is central. If you look at the extremely popular football programs, the tailgating scene is out of this world. I briefly talked to George Van Horne about the Akron tailgate culture, or lack thereof, and he expressed real concern to me that the U needed to cultivate that atmosphere to get to the next level. A good tailgate is enough to bring Zips fans back week after week. The Ianello debacle proved that. The pre and post game party was a great time and worthwhile despite the dumpster fire on the field. If UA is ever going to be taken seriously as a legitimate "big boy" football program, not only does the Info need to be packed, so does lot 9. As a new Zips fan, I am no expert on the habits of the average football fan in the area. However, it has been my experience with other programs around the country is that "if they win, they will come". I agree that there should be some initial new excitement generated, but if the fans don't see a product on the field that they can get excited about, they will find something else to do/spend their hard earned money on. I'm confident that Coach Bowden is absolutely going to make an immediate impact on the team, but we must all be realistic - are 6-7 wins possible in 2012? Possible, yes. Probable? Probably not. I hope that the fans will see the progress made, and continue along with the team and their success as it builds and builds. But count me in for Lot 9! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 As a new Zips fan, I am no expert on the habits of the average football fan in the area. However, it has been my experience with other programs around the country is that "if they win, they will come". I agree that there should be some initial new excitement generated, but if the fans don't see a product on the field that they can get excited about, they will find something else to do/spend their hard earned money on. I'm confident that Coach Bowden is absolutely going to make an immediate impact on the team, but we must all be realistic - are 6-7 wins possible in 2012? Possible, yes. Probable? Probably not. I hope that the fans will see the progress made, and continue along with the team and their success as it builds and builds. But count me in for Lot 9! Great news! You'll enjoy yourself; that much I guarantee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZIp Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 ^^ If he has a degree in marketing, he sure doesnt apply it. I know he contacted outside marketing companies for ideas for a few games last season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 I've never really had any need to park in any of the close lots. But I think I'd rather see them give first priority to those that have bought season tickets before. Say for the first season you have to park at a normal lot, then the next year you move up. Would help give motivation to buy tickets the following year. I prefer perks based on loyalty as opposed to $$. It would give the best parking to the most loyal fans and prevent the fair weathers from just buying season tickets one year and ending it. Also hope they have a gift, like the have done with bobble heads and scarfs. I was thinking maybe mini helmets, or like I suggested for basketball, replica jerseys. Need something that would be considered a "hot" item because the Bowden name won't sell tickets alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted January 13, 2012 Report Share Posted January 13, 2012 But count me in for Lot 9! Bring some Gulf Coast shrimp!!!! Even though it isn't my favorite, some Dreamland wouldn't hurt either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanks Buddy Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Bring some Gulf Coast shrimp!!!! Even though it isn't my favorite, some Dreamland wouldn't hurt either. on the shrimp on Dreamland (it's only good at the original in Tuscaloosa) Maybe a southern boy can come up and help fire up a gameday grill for ya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZipsFan Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Bring some Gulf Coast shrimp!!!! Even though it isn't my favorite, some Dreamland wouldn't hurt either. Don't live on the gulf coast - actually the east coast. And what is Dreamland? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 I've never really had any need to park in any of the close lots. But I think I'd rather see them give first priority to those that have bought season tickets before. Say for the first season you have to park at a normal lot, then the next year you move up. Would help give motivation to buy tickets the following year. I prefer perks based on loyalty as opposed to $$. It would give the best parking to the most loyal fans and prevent the fair weathers from just buying season tickets one year and ending it. Also hope they have a gift, like the have done with bobble heads and scarfs. I was thinking maybe mini helmets, or like I suggested for basketball, replica jerseys. Need something that would be considered a "hot" item because the Bowden name won't sell tickets alone. I'd like to have the same preference. But, we all know that's not the way it works. Schools like Akron need as much money as they can get. And we have to be able to give what little perks we are able to give in exchange for that much-needed extra money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thewatcher Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 Option 2 Lot 9 gets an alcohol permit and serves beer to tailgaters!!!!!! if bee can not be in the stadium, get it at least in the lots. Lets start talking to the university. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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