Need Fans!!!

[scottditzen]

True to an extent, but I think that's a bit oversimplified. Not even the New York Yankees or LA Lakers work on that forumula alone to bring in a full house.

I know the stadium is brand new, but still, it definitely has an air of being unfinished.

I think additional improvements to the stadium and overall gameday experience/atmosphere would go a long long way.

I think a winning team would bring a lot to the game day experience. Bring in a good team to play there and the stadium will come alive.

[MaxZIP]

True to an extent, but I think that's a bit oversimplified. Not even the New York Yankees or LA Lakers work on that forumula alone to bring in a full house.

I know the stadium is brand new, but still, it definitely has an air of being unfinished.

I think additional improvements to the stadium and overall gameday experience/atmosphere would go a long long way.

I think a winning team would bring a lot to the game day experience. Bring in a good team to play there and the stadium will come alive.

It is apparent that the team and fan base lack a true identity. Most of the fans at games last season were there to see the stadium first and the games second. It will take time for the fan base to develop with the team. The Info game day experience will improve as the Football program becomes more mainstream and the fan base becomes comfortable being Zips fans. It will take some time. I get a similar feeling at Aeros games. All of the fans are there to watch a baseball game or just be out in the nice weather. Few fans actually follow the team and/or really care what happens during the course of the game. I think our football program is different because they are technically part of the highest level of college football (FBS). The Aeros will never be on the same field as the Yankees or Redsox but you can see the zips play OSU and other big time programs. The info as a facility bigger and more advanced than the team that plays in it right now. The team will grow into its new home just give it some time.

[K92]

^ Not to get too far off topic, this being the football thread...but you're right. Everything surrounding the basketball games at the JAR is boring. From the uncomfortable, poorly designed facilities on up, it does seem more like a high school event. Being winter, there is absolutely no allure for me to come to campus. There are much better bars/restaurants where I live in Lakewood. Or I'll just listen to the game on the radio.

On the other hand, I do think that football has a real upside because of tailgating. The tailgate scene should improve as people become more comfortable with the Info. I made it a point to invite old friends and their families to a game. I felt if I could get someone at just one game, they would recognize that the entire experience could be fun, social event regardless of the outcome on the field.

As the tailgating culture improves, you will see the tradition take hold.

Tailgating is a huge part of the football game day experience and we Zip fans have a long way to go in this area. I think I have a crew ready for the fall that have bought into the party aspect. Not necessarily Zip fans yet, but a group of guys that like football, beer and fun. They have already realized that the Info is close to home, admission is cheap, and the Barley House is a great place for the after game party.

So, I am working on my tailgate setup for the fall now. I am gonna kick it up a few notches from last year. Give me a couple of years and I will have my buds singing "We cheer the Akron Blue and Gold..."

See you in lot 34!

[scottditzen]

^ Not to get too far off topic, this being the football thread...but you're right. Everything surrounding the basketball games at the JAR is boring. From the uncomfortable, poorly designed facilities on up, it does seem more like a high school event. Being winter, there is absolutely no allure for me to come to campus. There are much better bars/restaurants where I live in Lakewood. Or I'll just listen to the game on the radio.

On the other hand, I do think that football has a real upside because of tailgating. The tailgate scene should improve as people become more comfortable with the Info. I made it a point to invite old friends and their families to a game. I felt if I could get someone at just one game, they would recognize that the entire experience could be fun, social event regardless of the outcome on the field.

As the tailgating culture improves, you will see the tradition take hold.

Tailgating is a huge part of the football game day experience and we Zip fans have a long way to go in this area. I think I have a crew ready for the fall that have bought into the party aspect. Not necessarily Zip fans yet, but a group of guys that like football, beer and fun. They have already realized that the Info is close to home, admission is cheap, and the Barley House is a great place for the after game party.

So, I am working on my tailgate setup for the fall now. I am gonna kick it up a few notches from last year. Give me a couple of years and I will have my buds singing "We cheer the Akron Blue and Gold..."

See you in lot 34!

Right!!! We usually have a group of around 12 people. To be honest, half of them don't really even know the rules of the game. They bring their kids, some food, have a few illegal beers and try and have fun with it. But yeah, we have a long way to go but our tailgate scene will improve I am sure. I think once the businesses along Exchange improve (HOPEFULLY SOON) it can greatly add to the party atmosphere. BW-2's and former Paninis? just don't cut it.

p.s. We might be giving up Lot 9 for the new adventure of Lot 34 next year.

[ksu sucks]

Check this out: <a href="http://www.letsgoguins.com/columns/football/170-attendance-breakdown-for-ua-Can't State-and-ysu" target="_blank">http://www.letsgoguins.com/columns/footbal...-ua-Can't State-and-ysu</a>

At least we aren't as bad as Can't. How they remain in the FBS is beyond me.

Go to hell.

That's a wierd response, ITZ. I'm not sure why you guys give eguins so much grief. I agree with him. I don't know how Ken+ is FBS, either.

[Spin]

That's a wierd response, ITZ. I'm not sure why you guys give eguins so much grief. I agree with him. I don't know how Ken+ is FBS, either.

To maintain the attendance standard, they count each fan twice. Once in the area outside the stadium, and then when they go in. The count the cheerleaders too, and the players, the band, the announcers, people in cars driving by. That was sarcasm, in case anyone wondered. They don't count people in cars. Do they?

[InTheZone]

Check this out: <a href="http://www.letsgoguins.com/columns/football/170-attendance-breakdown-for-ua-Can't State-and-ysu" target="_blank">http://www.letsgoguins.com/columns/footbal...-ua-Can't State-and-ysu</a>

At least we aren't as bad as Can't. How they remain in the FBS is beyond me.

Go to hell.

That's a wierd response, ITZ. I'm not sure why you guys give eguins so much grief. I agree with him. I don't know how Ken+ is FBS, either.

That's what bourbon will do to ya. But I stand by my statement.

[Darkwaters1122]

This is my first time on ZipsNation. I signed up in 2008 but have never posted until now. I need some help....how do I change the user name?? Oh yea... I graduated from Akron in 81 if that means anything.

About attendance...

I know everyone wants to see the Info packed THIS year. But it will not happen quickly unless we have an electric year and go 10-2 or somewhere close. Even then, I am not sure. We should not be swinging for the fences but try and build a solid long term program. If we get and incremental 5k in average attendance each year I would be thrilled.

I went to one game last year and I came from California to attend. I took a friend who was not a Zips fan and we both were impressed with the facilities. I am sure he will return if the product is above average. And I did not think the tickets were over priced...but I am used to paying more for football games.

Here are some ideas that have crossed my mind...and they are not completely thought out. Just free form thinking.

1. Partner with local schools in the Akron area for a double header. HS followed by the Zips. It would introduce the Info to potential recruits and potential fans. Maybe 1-2 per year. Thoughts??

2. I played football at Jackson and we attended a Can't game (Akron was small time then…1974) as a team. We went on the school buses and had lunch at the game. Is that not legal now?? If it is legal...we should do that with all the local teams in the tri-county area. That was a memorable game even though Can't got drilled. I believe it would be good for recruiting and introduce many to the Info and sports facilities.

3. We need to market the local guys in a big way. Hopefully we can get a few that will help out by excelling on the field.

4. Partner with a local company like the old "Acme-Zip" games. Back then...it was the only game that drew.

5. One big event I remember was when they brought in the Dallas Cowgirls for a game. Good crowd despite the rain. I think it would still work today.

In my opinion, we need to introduce as many people to the Info as possible. You can talk all you want about student support, but that will not fill the stadium. And student support will not happen until the Zips become competitive. We need an "all of above" approach.

One more thing. There is a great debate on how to schedule. People think the basketball team schedule is to easy. The football team's to hard. One thing for certain...no one ever debates and discusses what our record would have been if we scheduled EASIER teams. But they debate the legitimacy of our record against weaker opponents. I think the latter is the better debate if it maens a great record. Look at the Boise’sand Nevadas of the world...they have/had a lot of cupcakes on the schedule...or did when they were on the way up. Our football team should schedule more winnable games against FBS teams. Then let the debate begin. Winning breeds confidence...helps recruiting and will allow us to slowly improve our program and strength of schedule. Give me the bottom 3 of the big 10, big 12 and WAC. Lose Ohio State's phone # unless it really has that much impact on recruiting…which I doubt. Slow, steady and mehodical has to be our approach. That is not the way people think today...but the administration should take the path with the highest probability of success.

Go Zips

[InTheZone]

This is my first time on ZipsNation. I signed up in 2008 but have never posted until now. I need some help....how do I change the user name?? Oh yea... I graduated from Akron in 81 if that means anything.

About attendance...

I know everyone wants to see the Info packed THIS year. But it will not happen quickly unless we have an electric year and go 10-2 or somewhere close. Even then, I am not sure. We should not be swinging for the fences but try and build a solid long term program. If we get and incremental 5k in average attendance each year I would be thrilled.

I went to one game last year and I came from California to attend. I took a friend who was not a Zips fan and we both were impressed with the facilities. I am sure he will return if the product is above average. And I did not think the tickets were over priced...but I am used to paying more for football games.

Here are some ideas that have crossed my mind...and they are not completely thought out. Just free form thinking.

1. Partner with local schools in the Akron area for a double header. HS followed by the Zips. It would introduce the Info to potential recruits and potential fans. Maybe 1-2 per year. Thoughts??

2. I played football at Jackson and we attended a Can't game (Akron was small time then…1974) as a team. We went on the school buses and had lunch at the game. Is that not legal now?? If it is legal...we should do that with all the local teams in the tri-county area. That was a memorable game even though Can't got drilled. I believe it would be good for recruiting and introduce many to the Info and sports facilities.

3. We need to market the local guys in a big way. Hopefully we can get a few that will help out by excelling on the field.

4. Partner with a local company like the old "Acme-Zip" games. Back then...it was the only game that drew.

5. One big event I remember was when they brought in the Dallas Cowgirls for a game. Good crowd despite the rain. I think it would still work today.

In my opinion, we need to introduce as many people to the Info as possible. You can talk all you want about student support, but that will not fill the stadium. And student support will not happen until the Zips become competitive. We need an "all of above" approach.

One more thing. There is a great debate on how to schedule. People think the basketball team schedule is to easy. The football team's to hard. One thing for certain...no one ever debates and discusses what our record would have been if we scheduled EASIER teams. But they debate the legitimacy of our record against weaker opponents. I think the latter is the better debate if it maens a great record. Look at the Boise’sand Nevadas of the world...they have/had a lot of cupcakes on the schedule...or did when they were on the way up. Our football team should schedule more winnable games against FBS teams. Then let the debate begin. Winning breeds confidence...helps recruiting and will allow us to slowly improve our program and strength of schedule. Give me the bottom 3 of the big 10, big 12 and WAC. Lose Ohio State's phone # unless it really has that much impact on recruiting…which I doubt. Slow, steady and mehodical has to be our approach. That is not the way people think today...but the administration should take the path with the highest probability of success.

Go Zips

Solid first post my friend Welcome to the Zipsnation.

[eguins]

In 2010, YSU is having a local high school band play at halftime of each of our home games. And we are not talking about small 50 member bands, we are talking about the 250-300 member bands from Boardman, Poland, etc.

That one is an easy way to boost attendance because family and friends from those schools will buy tickets in order to see their kids play at halftime at a college game.

[scottditzen]

Hi eguins.

Akron does this, except they invited several h.s. bands for one game a year. You're right, it definitely works, and the bands themselves help fill in the stands. I just wish we could get more die hard college football fans there on a regular basis. The band crowds I've experienced tend to be a little disinterested with the actual game...then again, so was I this past season lol.

In 2010, YSU is having a local high school band play at halftime of each of our home games. And we are not talking about small 50 member bands, we are talking about the 250-300 member bands from Boardman, Poland, etc.

That one is an easy way to boost attendance because family and friends from those schools will buy tickets in order to see their kids play at halftime at a college game.