Akron TV market

[MaxZIP]

All of the talk of conference realignment and size of TV markets has me wondering just how many viewers a successful team in Akron could pull. The Akron-Cleveland market in # 18 in the country. Location could be the Zips greatest ally if they start playing solid football.

[Zipsrifle]

All of the talk of conference realignment and size of TV markets has me wondering just how many viewers a successful team in Akron could pull. The Akron-Cleveland market in # 18 in the country. Location could be the Zips greatest ally if they start playing solid football.

Agreed. And playing solid football for quite a few years too. One or two years of success won't cut it.

[ksu sucks]

Agreed. And playing solid football for quite a few years too. One or two years of success won't cut it.

Yup. And it's yet to be seen that the Cleveland area will even follow an Akron team. Obviously, if we crack the top 25 we could probably sell out a few games against major opponents BUT with our budget that kind of success isn't going to happen year in, year out. Not to mention we play in the MAC, where "major" opponents are a little tougher to come by.

Not to get too ahead of myself, I'd like to see us compete for a MAC championship first. At the very least, that kind of success might awaken our alumni and city from their seemingly eternal slumber.

[Ryno aka Menace]

Doesn't matter if Akron is the #1 TV market, the Akron market is dominated by Buckeye fans, same with Cinci don't let bearcat fans fool you.

[ZippyforPresident]

If Zips football can string together some meaningful winning seasons, well, watch what happens. If they could ever string together a few 10 win seasons and one or two somewhat meaningful bowl victories (or even maybe appearances) the c-bus faithful will be pretty hard to find in the UA neighborhood. It just takes a winning culture, and one bowl appearance five years ago isn't gonna do it. With a gem like Infocision Stadium people are just begging for a reason to go to the games. Give them one Rob Ianello.

Also, I like what the creation of the Big Ten network has done for MAC football, at least in northeast Ohio anyway.. With the absence of many B10 games on ABC they've been broadcasting MAC games in their place during the afternoons the past few seasons. It is not good coverage for the MAC nationally, but its great for fans regionally, which is the kind of grassroots backing that a team like The Zips need to eventually reach a larger market (especially in the world of college football). If the Zips were able to establish a sense of a winning culture, and become some sort of a flagship team for MAC football (kind of like they've been able to do in Soccer and Basketball) guess what team would be broadcast to northern/northeastern Ohio on over the air TV numerous Saturdays each fall... It wouldn't be all that hard to establish a pretty large following in this region of the state. People in this state absolutely love football compared to soccer or basketball (even if a few of us are total hoops junkies). They just need a legitimate reason to watch...

The number one reason why most people in the northeast ohio area don't care about zips football: They have never competed for anything that any average college football fan deems meaningful.

College football helps those who help themselves. Make it happen Rob. This University, its President, and board members have provided you with all of the necessary tools to field a winning program in this division, this conference, and beyond. No excuses.

Remember, UA is the new gold standard, not Notre Dame. Go Zips!

[skip-zip]

If Zips football can string together some meaningful winning seasons, well, watch what happens. If they could ever string together a few 10 win seasons and one or two somewhat meaningful bowl victories (or even maybe appearances) the c-bus faithful will be pretty hard to find in the UA neighborhood. It just takes a winning culture, and one bowl appearance five years ago isn't gonna do it. With a gem like Infocision Stadium people are just begging for a reason to go to the games. Give them one Rob Ianello.

Also, I like what the creation of the Big Ten network has done for MAC football, at least in northeast Ohio anyway.. With the absence of many B10 games on ABC they've been broadcasting MAC games in their place during the afternoons the past few seasons. It is not good coverage for the MAC nationally, but its great for fans regionally, which is the kind of grassroots backing that a team like The Zips need to eventually reach a larger market (especially in the world of college football). If the Zips were able to establish a sense of a winning culture, and become some sort of a flagship team for MAC football (kind of like they've been able to do in Soccer and Basketball) guess what team would be broadcast to northern/northeastern Ohio on over the air TV numerous Saturdays each fall... It wouldn't be all that hard to establish a pretty large following in this region of the state. People in this state absolutely love football compared to soccer or basketball (even if a few of us are total hoops junkies). They just need a legitimate reason to watch...

The number one reason why most people in the northeast ohio area don't care about zips football: They have never competed for anything that any average college football fan deems meaningful.

College football helps those who help themselves. Make it happen Rob. This University, its President, and board members have provided you with all of the necessary tools to field a winning program in this division, this conference, and beyond. No excuses.

Remember, UA is the new gold standard, not Notre Dame. Go Zips!

I agree with you. We need to win something meaningful to attract a significant number of new fans.

But, don't fool yourself. In the other paragraph you talk about Akron becoming a good MAC football team, like we have done in basketball. As we've seen with basketball attendance, that's not going to do what you think it might do. But as Can't State said, it might at least awaken a few alums and local people from their "slumber".

[cornbread]

I agree

Winning is good. That is all.

[Dr Z]

But, don't fool yourself. In the other paragraph you talk about Akron becoming a good MAC football team, like we have done in basketball. As we've seen with basketball attendance, that's not going to do what you think it might do.

"Good" is a relative term, you might have to be entertaining also to attract a crowd. People like to have fun.

[Spin]

Doesn't matter if Akron is the #1 TV market, the Akron market is dominated by Buckeye fans, same with Cinci don't let bearcat fans fool you.

And why is that?

Because the Buckeyes have had generation after generation of fans who look to Columbus because they W I N. Every year. A lot of them are alumni, some were brought up to watch "Ohio's team". Others just want to watch a winner for a change.

I'll use my worn out analogy they use to drive to Summit County to see indoor soccer. Because the Force were contenders year in and year out. One they figured out the team couldn't win when it counted, the bottom dropped out. But Cleveland fans will travel to Akron to see a winner, smack in the middle of a football hotbed.

Going to a more "standard" offense and defense will help, hard core football fans look at the MAC the same way they look at arena football.

We have to start a winning tradition first.

[ZachTheZip]

This is taken from the Big East boards:

Post: #1Real Information on the Future of the Big East

As some ncaabbs posters know, my father is a major Georgetown booster. After talking to him tonight, I believe I have a better understanding on what is going on and what may happen. First, this is my father's account of some information he was provided in a meeting with G-town's new AD, Lee Reed.

From my father's account, there has been a lot of talk between Big East Presidents, ADs, Coaches, and Big East HQ about expansion; however, at this time and to his knowledge, the Big East has NOT agreed on an expansion candidate. Several things have been proposed such as a football only membership, extending the conference to 17, 18, 19, and even 20 basketball schools, keeping the status quo, and a conditional split between the 8 football playing members. However at this time, every Big East President wants to keep the status quo. Big East Presidents are listening to all present offers from schools interested in joining. Several years ago Big East Presidents would not entertain any offer from any school as many non football playing members thought that a football only membership would lead to a split and there have been rumblings about the Pac 10, Big 10, Big 12, and ACC for the past few years so everything was off the table. Now, everything is on the table.

Under Paul T's watch, the Big East has issued a TV Network analysis on potential universities that are interested in joining the conference. Some of the information that was provided to my father is that regional cable contracts are much more important than markets in regards to establishing a Big East network. From what my father was told, several regional cable providers around Memphis including those in parts of western Arkansas, northern Miss, western TN, and within the City of Memphis have expressed interest in providing a Big East Network channel on basic / tier 1 cable status. Every cable provider in the state of North Carolina along with cable providers in the Tidewater and Richmond areas of Virginia have expressed interest in providing a Big East Network channel on basic / tier 1 cable status. Areas around and within Tampa and Orlando have expressed interest in providing a Big East Network channel on basic / tier 1 cable status; however other areas in Florida have expressed little to no interest. Cable providers in in Delaware, northeastern MD, NJ, and Philly have expressed interest in providing a Big East Network channel on basic / tier 1 cable status.

Several Big East Presidents have their own favorite schools for expansion and from what my father tells me, there is no clear favorite out of the expansion candidates that are frequently mentioned on here however there are some big hurdles with each candidate. The frustration and fixation over one particular expansion candidate is causing some dissatisfaction among some Big East football playing members.

Some Big East and expansion candidate Presidents and ADs are more in tune to what is going on than others. Several Big East ADs were really impressed that ECU's AD Terry Holland has been in talks with officials from the Big 12 and knew that Texas was going to keep the conference together. Other ADs have been really impressed with Houston's commitment to improving their facilities, academics, and desire to push for the Big 12 / AQ status. I know this may sound a little strange however from my fathers take some people earned some brownie points over the past few weeks.

In general, if something happened in regards to expansion this year with the Big East my father would be shocked. Everything presented to him by Lee Reed indicates the Big East is not ready to make a move however everything is on the table. There still seems to be a lot of disagreement between various Big East schools and candidate schools have a lot of lobbying to do.

Ok, I know some other little tidbits and inside information but I won't post on here nor share unless my father feels comfortable with me in posting that information.

Good Night

Is Akron actively pursuing this? It seems like the schools that show interest in moving up are the ones who are being considered. If we could get Time Warner to carry the Big East network, it would be a powerful incentive for Akron to be allowed to join.

[MaxZIP]

I struggled to find bars showing the games last year and ended up watching them on internet feeds. Did any bars in the area acquire out of region channels for the purpose of showing the game last year? The Tap house told me they had bought access for the Buffalo game but when I walked in they looked at me like I was crazy. Where do you guys go to watch the games? Any bar willing to actively pursue buying channels showing ZIP's games can have my $50-$100 bar tab.

[skip-zip]

Doesn't matter if Akron is the #1 TV market, the Akron market is dominated by Buckeye fans, same with Cinci don't let bearcat fans fool you.

And why is that?

Because the Buckeyes have had generation after generation of fans who look to Columbus because they W I N. Every year. A lot of them are alumni, some were brought up to watch "Ohio's team". Others just want to watch a winner for a change.

I'll use my worn out analogy they use to drive to Summit County to see indoor soccer. Because the Force were contenders year in and year out. One they figured out the team couldn't win when it counted, the bottom dropped out. But Cleveland fans will travel to Akron to see a winner, smack in the middle of a football hotbed.

Going to a more "standard" offense and defense will help, hard core football fans look at the MAC the same way they look at arena football.

We have to start a winning tradition first.

At what level of winning? I'm sorry. People in the Cleveland area don't yearn for the opportunity to pack the kids in the car and spend an afternoon in Akron because they are anxious to see them put a hurtin on teams like Eastern Michigan or Buffalo.

Cincinnati changed some allegiances in SW Ohio away from OSWHO because they were on a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP run. People went to Force gaimes when they had a chance to win a national title as well. Akron plays for a title in a low-level league, and a chance to play in a low level bowl game.

[cornbread]

I struggled to find bars showing the games last year and ended up watching them on internet feeds. Did any bars in the area acquire out of region channels for the purpose of showing the game last year? The Tap house told me they had bought access for the Buffalo game but when I walked in they looked at me like I was crazy. Where do you guys go to watch the games? Any bar willing to actively pursue buying channels showing ZIP's games can have my $50-$100 bar tab.

I was trying to do the same in c-bus. Most of the time BW3s would have the game. But the Buffalo game was on some kind of weird distribution where a bar would have to shell out like $2-300 for a bunch of games nobody wanted to see. I think they were trying to feed me a line. But then again, I don't ever worry about what games a bunch of drinkers want to watch over a weekend.

[Spin]

At what level of winning? I'm sorry. People in the Cleveland area don't yearn for the opportunity to pack the kids in the car and spend an afternoon in Akron because they are anxious to see them put a hurtin on teams like Eastern Michigan or Buffalo.

Cincinnati changed some allegiances in SW Ohio away from OSWHO because they were on a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP run. People went to Force gaimes when they had a chance to win a national title as well. Akron plays for a title in a low-level league, and a chance to play in a low level bowl game.

The Gladiators were going for the national championship when they broke attendance records.

So maybe we need to "drop" to FCS then?

[ksu sucks]

So maybe we need to "drop" to FCS then?

We don't need the casual Cleveland sports fan to average 20,000 at the Info. If we can manage a consistent MAC championship caliber program(see Central Michigan recently) then our attendance will work itself out. We just can't keep losing the way we have. Something has to give soon or this program might never shape up.

[MaxZIP]

Doesn't matter if Akron is the #1 TV market, the Akron market is dominated by Buckeye fans, same with Cinci don't let bearcat fans fool you.

And why is that?

Because the Buckeyes have had generation after generation of fans who look to Columbus because they W I N. Every year. A lot of them are alumni, some were brought up to watch "Ohio's team". Others just want to watch a winner for a change.

I'll use my worn out analogy they use to drive to Summit County to see indoor soccer. Because the Force were contenders year in and year out. One they figured out the team couldn't win when it counted, the bottom dropped out. But Cleveland fans will travel to Akron to see a winner, smack in the middle of a football hotbed.

Going to a more "standard" offense and defense will help, hard core football fans look at the MAC the same way they look at arena football.

We have to start a winning tradition first.

At what level of winning? I'm sorry. People in the Cleveland area don't yearn for the opportunity to pack the kids in the car and spend an afternoon in Akron because they are anxious to see them put a hurtin on teams like Eastern Michigan or Buffalo.

Cincinnati changed some allegiances in SW Ohio away from OSWHO because they were on a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP run. People went to Force gaimes when they had a chance to win a national title as well. Akron plays for a title in a low-level league, and a chance to play in a low level bowl game.

I am sure none of us expect an all or nothing type of support from the entire Cleveland area. I am expecting that if Akron plays well people will come to see the games. Northeast Ohio is a hotbed of talent and fans. I go to see at least 3 high school football games a year at schools I don’t have any affiliation with just because they are good games. I know that you think that they must make a title run or must be playing some BCS team to pull in 25,000 people. I think that playing consistently solid football and being on the radar regionally would bring in more than enough true football fans to drive the program forward. The organization can’t sit back and say… well they haven’t come before so why now or well Clevelanders won’t pack up the car and come to Akron because...

Football fans will drive 30-45 min to watch a good game or to see a high profile team in town. Play good football and the greater Akron area has the population and football fanbase (not just ZIPS) to make the program a respectable member of FBS.

[xu9697]

Boston is a huge tv market. BC is not a big draw. ACC didn't care about that part= they wanted the Boston market.

Same deal for Akron...Clev/Akron market is big. That and the athletic facilities/commitment to athletics and hs talent in NE Ohio is why a conference like CUSA or Big East MIGHT look at Akron.

CUSA looks to be losing Memphis and UCF, though Big East is, of course, denying it. And, CUSA might also lose Houston at somepoint to the 10 team Big 12.

If CUSA wants to get in the East, Temple is probably #1 on the radar, but Akron has to be considered.

[skip-zip]

Doesn't matter if Akron is the #1 TV market, the Akron market is dominated by Buckeye fans, same with Cinci don't let bearcat fans fool you.

And why is that?

Because the Buckeyes have had generation after generation of fans who look to Columbus because they W I N. Every year. A lot of them are alumni, some were brought up to watch "Ohio's team". Others just want to watch a winner for a change.

I'll use my worn out analogy they use to drive to Summit County to see indoor soccer. Because the Force were contenders year in and year out. One they figured out the team couldn't win when it counted, the bottom dropped out. But Cleveland fans will travel to Akron to see a winner, smack in the middle of a football hotbed.

Going to a more "standard" offense and defense will help, hard core football fans look at the MAC the same way they look at arena football.

We have to start a winning tradition first.

At what level of winning? I'm sorry. People in the Cleveland area don't yearn for the opportunity to pack the kids in the car and spend an afternoon in Akron because they are anxious to see them put a hurtin on teams like Eastern Michigan or Buffalo.

Cincinnati changed some allegiances in SW Ohio away from OSWHO because they were on a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP run. People went to Force gaimes when they had a chance to win a national title as well. Akron plays for a title in a low-level league, and a chance to play in a low level bowl game.

I am sure none of us expect an all or nothing type of support from the entire Cleveland area. I am expecting that if Akron plays well people will come to see the games. Northeast Ohio is a hotbed of talent and fans. I go to see at least 3 high school football games a year at schools I don’t have any affiliation with just because they are good games. I know that you think that they must make a title run or must be playing some BCS team to pull in 25,000 people. I think that playing consistently solid football and being on the radar regionally would bring in more than enough true football fans to drive the program forward. The organization can’t sit back and say… well they haven’t come before so why now or well Clevelanders won’t pack up the car and come to Akron because...

Football fans will drive 30-45 min to watch a good game or to see a high profile team in town. Play good football and the greater Akron area has the population and football fanbase (not just ZIPS) to make the program a respectable member of FBS.

I might actually agree with you on some of this, if you can define "being on the radar regionally". Because, that's my point. The perception of Akron football will not see significant changes until we do something that gets noticed. And that means, something more than just being a "good team in a conference that doesn't matter".

[Spin]

I might actually agree with you on some of this, if you can define "being on the radar regionally". Because, that's my point. The perception of Akron football will not see significant changes until we do something that gets noticed. And that means, something more than just being a "good team in a conference that doesn't matter".

A MAC championship or two, and a Toledo-Michigan or Toledo-#9Pitt would probably do it.

Toledo-Cincy, Toledo-Minnesota, Toledo-Penn St.

[lance99]

If CUSA wants to get in the East, Temple is probably #1 on the radar, but Akron has to be considered.

Why would They take Temple back? They got rid of them because they were THAT BAD! in football. All of a sudden the have the rare good couple of years and they open their arms to welcome them back be cause of the T.V market? That makes no sense.

Keep this in mind, If the Big East wanted Akron (and I belive in my mind they do because of the NE Ohio market) I almost promise you that if the Zips is offered to join, they are going to say "If you take us, you take Can't also!"

[goodthts]

If CUSA wants to get in the East, Temple is probably #1 on the radar, but Akron has to be considered.

Why would They take Temple back? They got rid of them because they were THAT BAD! in football. All of a sudden the have the rare good couple of years and they open their arms to welcome them back be cause of the T.V market? That makes no sense.

Keep this in mind, If the Big East wanted Akron (and I belive in my mind they do because of the NE Ohio market) I almost promise you that if the Zips is offered to join, they are going to say "If you take us, you take Can't also!"

Guys, guys.....NO WAY IN HELL does Akron look good to other conferences. We have one of the worst football teams in FBS the last 5 years. We would bring nothing, no tradition, no fan base, no money, no market to a new conference. The NE Ohio market only works if you have a product people want to see i.e. CAVS. Akron can barely compete in the MAC-one of the most badly performing conferences in football. No way would the team be able to compete in a Big East setup, competively OR financially.

Not happening.

[xu9697]

If CUSA wants to get in the East, Temple is probably #1 on the radar, but Akron has to be considered.

Why would They take Temple back? They got rid of them because they were THAT BAD! in football. All of a sudden the have the rare good couple of years and they open their arms to welcome them back be cause of the T.V market? That makes no sense.

Keep this in mind, If the Big East wanted Akron (and I belive in my mind they do because of the NE Ohio market) I almost promise you that if the Zips is offered to join, they are going to say "If you take us, you take Can't also!"

They would take Temple back for the same reason that the Pac 10 took Utah= they needed someone when the main targets went away.

Who the heck knows how all of this shakes out. But if the Big East starts losing schools, no doubt that the Philly market and basketball success of Temple will have them in the conversation. If you don't see that, then your view is too short sighted. For anyone 15 years ago to believe Cincinnati football would be playing in the Big East and making the Sugar Bowl from that conference, they would have been locked up.

[GP1]

Guys, guys.....NO WAY IN HELL does Akron look good to other conferences.

Other than Temple, there is not a single team in the MAC a BCS level conference would want. In all the talk about realignment, there has not been a single peep about a MAC school going anywhere.

The Big East may not want to take Temple back in a couple of years, but they may have to take them back out of necessity.

Everyone, please listen to me and listen good. The MAC is a I-AA league. Any move the league makes should be with both eyes on I-AA and forgetting the fantasy that somehow we are going to "grow" into something different. The MAC is being crushed under the weight of the BCS conferences and we need to move and move quickly so we can do it on our terms and not in a panic. The league has one year to figure out what to do and they had better think fast. We could still be D-I in every other sport, we just need to free ourselves from the clutches of the BCS.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Keep this in mind, If the Big East wanted Akron (and I belive in my mind they do because of the NE Ohio market) I almost promise you that if the Zips is offered to join, they are going to say "If you take us, you take Can't also!"

So the Zips would turn down a Big East conference invite if the Big East didn't also offer K.e.n.t.? And the Zips would feel that they were in a position of power to make the Big East cave to such a demand?

Good Lord...

[Zip Watcher]

Guys, guys.....NO WAY IN HELL does Akron look good to other conferences.

Other than Temple, there is not a single team in the MAC a BCS level conference would want. In all the talk about realignment, there has not been a single peep about a MAC school going anywhere.

The Big East may not want to take Temple back in a couple of years, but they may have to take them back out of necessity.

Everyone, please listen to me and listen good. The MAC is a I-AA league. Any move the league makes should be with both eyes on I-AA and forgetting the fantasy that somehow we are going to "grow" into something different. The MAC is being crushed under the weight of the BCS conferences and we need to move and move quickly so we can do it on our terms and not in a panic. The league has one year to figure out what to do and they had better think fast. We could still be D-I in every other sport, we just need to free ourselves from the clutches of the BCS.

Much of what you say about the MAC may have its merits, but we didn't build a $61M stadium to be FCS. Not happening @ UA.