UAZippers

I agree that there are some major problems with the way that the Rowdies are run, but I don't believe that the student section is their fault. I believe that the issue is that most students have no clue how to obtain the wristband to sit on the floor. The Rowdies are only able to advertise to the members of the organization. This is why the floor seats are normally dominated by Rowdies. If the marketing team in athletics would let the other students know how to get the wristbands, I'm sure that there would be a much larger ratio of Rowdies/Non-Rowdies. As for the entry fee, it does seem steep, but it is pretty much in line with other student fan groups. The Can't State Krew charges $15 every year, which ends up costing their members more than the Rowdies $20/$10 set up if they stay a member for multiple years. I also know many people that sign up for the Rowdies, fully knowing that they are not going to go to any events, because they like the t-shirt and $20 is less than buying a shirt on campus. As for only having 1 (or no) meetings a year, I agree and I really wish that would change.

You seem to have the wrong idea of what the Ak-Rowdies are. They are not the official student section that is supported by athletics. All they are is a registered student organization that has to pay for everything by themselves. The fee allows them to pay for the t-shirts, bus trips, tickets to tournaments, pizza for many games, tailgate food/drinks, and anything else that is needed throughout the year. The Rowdies have also not stopped any students from sitting down low this year. They encourage students to wear their Rowdies shirt, but if a student doesn't have one, they have been giving out old shirts before the game. It is not about wanting everyone down low to be a Rowdy, it is about promoting some uniformity in the looks of our student section.

It doesn't take long winning streaks, it takes beating big name teams. Many students here still feel like Akron is in the minor leagues of college sports. Until the Zips start making runs in the tournament, or routinely beating top 50ish teams most students will continue to not care.

I found a short, but interesting interview with Adam Najem that I don't think anyone else has posted on here. Here is the link: http://collegesoccerexposed.blogspot.com/2015/02/collegesoccerexposed-sits-down-with.html He talks about different aspects of college soccer and his time spent playing in Germany.

Sadly, giveaways are about the only way that students have shown up for games this year. Direct payment is just removing the middle man.