Marketing & Promotions

[zippy5]

As far as game day experience, do you think they could find 20 people/groups a year to sing the National Anthem? The taped anthem needs to go.

Did anyone else find it weird that they did it before the teams were out of the locker rooms? Not that I really care, I just couldn't remember ever doing the anthem at a game with the players not out yet.

[Sportsjunkie330]

Did anyone else find it weird that they did it before the teams were out of the locker rooms? Not that I really care, I just couldn't remember ever doing the anthem at a game with the players not out yet.

They've been doing that for the last few games (since the Can't game). I wonder if it's for "TV"?

[ewbrooman1]

To be fair, if I wasn't a basketball fan, you couldn't have paid me enough money to walk across campus last night

My walk in from the Route 8 parking deck last night was brutal enough. I can see why some students might not want to walk across a frigid, windswept Jackson field from the dorms to go to a game after already being on campus earlier. I've wondered at times, especially in bad weather, if they run any Roo Express type buses from the Exchange Street dorms to the JAR for games. It sounds from your comment like they don't. Seems like a no-brainer to me. It could drop off students at the end of the old College Street near the softball field and not get caught up in the main game traffic.

[UAZip0510]

That's exactly what I'm saying: not the Ak-Rowdies or student government, ALL students. There's plenty of students on that campus who could give fresh ideas, but have they been given an opportunity or venue to do so. Usually that is met with "well students have their student government" or some other blah blah blah, include everyone.

http://www.gozips.com/athletics/ask

It took me 3 seconds to Google this. Surely our young, tech-savvy students can find the same information. How many do you think have taken the opportunity to do so?

I get that the Athletic Department could do more to reach out to students, but it's got to be tough when the majority of students are so damn apathetic to the program(s) in the first place.

[Sportsjunkie330]

http://www.gozips.com/athletics/ask

It took me 3 seconds to Google this. Surely our young, tech-savvy students can find the same information. How many do you think have taken the opportunity to do so?

I get that the Athletic Department could do more to reach out to students, but it's got to be tough when the majority of students are so damn apathetic to the program(s) in the first place.

I dont get it?

[zippyfan34]

As far as game day experience, do you think they could find 20 people/groups a year to sing the National Anthem? The taped anthem needs to go.

I asked about my wife singing the anthem a couple times the past couple years for soccer and basketball after sending someone in the athletic department one of our Carrie Underwood Akron Zips rewrite songs. I was told for soccer the sound system was too bad for a live singing of it (I understand if that's the case). For basketball they told me they only let people sing if it is a large group. However, I know earlier this year for 1 or 2 games they had someone sing solo. I guess I am not a big enough donor and they would rather play the CD instead.

[skip-zip]

I asked about my wife singing the anthem a couple times the past couple years for soccer and basketball after sending someone in the athletic department one of our Carrie Underwood Akron Zips rewrite songs. I was told for soccer the sound system was too bad for a live singing of it (I understand if that's the case). For basketball they told me they only let people sing if it is a large group. However, I know earlier this year for 1 or 2 games they had someone sing solo. I guess I am not a big enough donor and they would rather play the CD instead.

I can clarify this for you. They are looking for a large group of tickets to be purchased by the singer(s), their family, friends, etc. It doesn't matter if a single person ends up doing the singing of the anthem, or a group.

To Zippy5...............I am surprised that nobody else has talked about the fact that the Anthem HAS been getting done before the players return from the locker room. I have no idea why. Personally, I like when the teams and their staffs are out there lined up on the floor honoring our country. I have no idea why this changed. Could it have something to do with the preference of the Time Warner broadcast people?

[RowdyZip]

I can clarify this for you. They are looking for a large group of tickets to be purchased by the singer(s), their family, friends, etc. It doesn't matter if a single person ends up doing the singing of the anthem, or a group.

To Zippy5...............I am surprised that nobody else has talked about the fact that the Anthem HAS been getting done before the players return from the locker room. I have no idea why. Personally, I like when the teams and their staffs are out there lined up on the floor honoring our country. I have no idea why this changed. Could it have something to do with the preference of the Time Warner broadcast people?

I do believe the game timeline change of the anthem being played prior to the players returning to the court is a television issue. Its been that way in the past.

As far as the delivery of the anthem itself...it DRIVES ME NUTS that they play a recording of the band during breaks and/or other times the pep band is unavailable. This is a large area, there's talent out there. UA has a music department. You're telling me we can't get 15-ish local individuals/groups to sing? Earlier this year there was a church choir that put together one of the most beautiful renditions I've ever heard. Both my wife and I remarked how it brought a tear to our eye. Actually got me pumped for the game (but that's just me).

Hold open tryouts in the early fall. Assign games. Let the band stick to what they're good at: fight song and other interludes. Most importantly: THROW THE CD AWAY!

[Hilltopper]

The playing of the National Anthem at games being broadcast on live TV is controled by the broadcaster. When TWCSHD is there they have playing the anthem at around the 6 minute mark in the pregame countdown. At that point the team has already finished their first shoot around and are in the locker room for final pregame instructions. They usually re-enter the court at around the 3 minute mark. My only complaint is why can't the pep band arrive a little earlier to play the anthem instead of using the recording .

[Hilltopper]

Anybody have Greg Rockich's phone number ?

[skip-zip]

You're telling me we can't get 15-ish local individuals/groups to sing?

Like I said in my post, they have to buy a group of tickets. So, I guess that answers the question. There's obviously a lack of people who want to sing the National Anthem at an Akron Zips basketball game at the expense of a couple dozen tickets.

[clarkwgriswold]

It is ridiculous that a person or group would provide the service of singing the National Anthem and you would require them to pay for tickets. The last I checked, there were plenty of empty seats. Even in a pinch, I am pretty sure the University has a Music Department that might just have a person or two that could sing it.

[Sportsjunkie330]

Like I said in my post, they have to buy a group of tickets. So, I guess that answers the question. There's obviously a lack of people who want to sing the National Anthem at an Akron Zips basketball game at the expense of a couple dozen tickets.

Again, all of the little things add up....

[RowdyZip]

Like I said in my post, they have to buy a group of tickets. So, I guess that answers the question. There's obviously a lack of people who want to sing the National Anthem at an Akron Zips basketball game at the expense of a couple dozen tickets.

Then this is just (another) asinine policy. Give free tickets to performers and groups. Performers only. Family and friends will buy to see said performance. Still selling g tickets and you're not playing band-in-a-can.

[Balsy]

http://www.gozips.com/athletics/ask

It took me 3 seconds to Google this. Surely our young, tech-savvy students can find the same information. How many do you think have taken the opportunity to do so?

I get that the Athletic Department could do more to reach out to students, but it's got to be tough when the majority of students are so damn apathetic to the program(s) in the first place.

The AD should be seeking out the students, not the students seeking out the AD.

Let's put it this way: When I was a student on campus, I was asked to participate in a forum of students meeting one-on-one with the new provost when he was hired. The students who were there, were a mix of the best UA has on it's campus (not just honors/leaders...but a mix of every type of student who cares about UA). Those students who were there were given the opportunity to be there. Instead of the students seeking out the administration, it was the administration seeking out the students. The comments and questions and suggestions made by students at that meeting were very direct, and very good.

If the administration had not done that, how many of those students would have "emailed the Provost" if you'd set up a special "email the provost" spot on the website? It just seems disingenuous/apathetic on the part of the administration, not the students.

If you treat your students as second rate, and with apathy...you'll get student participation that is second rate and apathetic.

It is ridiculous that a person or group would provide the service of singing the National Anthem and you would require them to pay for tickets. The last I checked, there were plenty of empty seats. Even in a pinch, I am pretty sure the University has a Music Department that might just have a person or two that could sing it.

We have about 4 Capella groups (if not more) on campus I know for a fact would do it. Again this goes to my underlying contention that faculty/administration at UA don't give a damn about actually including students in the everyday operations of the university. They think the students are children that need to be managed, as opposed to young professionals who are more than capable of doing well if given the opportunity to do so.

[clarkwgriswold]

Then this is just (another) asinine policy. Give free tickets to performers and groups. Performers only. Family and friends will buy to see said performance. Still selling g tickets and you're not playing band-in-a-can.

Exactly. Last week, the Seton School choir sang the Anthem. There had to be 25 kids in that choir, all from the Hudson area. I'll bet between the parents, grandparents, and siblings, there had to have been at least another 50 to 75 tickets sold.

[tpsjugglerdude]

In regards to the National Anthem being played before the players come out, this is fairly common practice for tv games. The reason behind this is that when the 7pm broadcast kicks off, the announcers don't want the national anthem to be playing in the background as they are talking about the game.

[zippyfan34]

It is ridiculous that a person or group would provide the service of singing the National Anthem and you would require them to pay for tickets. The last I checked, there were plenty of empty seats. Even in a pinch, I am pretty sure the University has a Music Department that might just have a person or two that could sing it.

Exactly. I did go back and reread the email I got back and here is what it said where they did leave the opportunity open for someone to sing without purchases tickets.. I never got any correspondence for any games where they decided to play the recording instead. Also, I own numerous season tickets to most sports so why should I have to buy 20 more to be able to help the university out. We are both alumni as well.

Thanks for your e-mail. We fill most of our National Anthem slots with groups who purchase tickets for the opportunity to sing. There are games were we are unable to fill the slot and I’d be happy to offer one of those to your wife. I will be in touch as opportunities arise.

[UAZip0510]

The AD should be seeking out the students, not the students seeking out the AD.

Let's put it this way: When I was a student on campus, I was asked to participate in a forum of students meeting one-on-one with the new provost when he was hired. The students who were there, were a mix of the best UA has on it's campus (not just honors/leaders...but a mix of every type of student who cares about UA). Those students who were there were given the opportunity to be there. Instead of the students seeking out the administration, it was the administration seeking out the students. The comments and questions and suggestions made by students at that meeting were very direct, and very good.

If the administration had not done that, how many of those students would have "emailed the Provost" if you'd set up a special "email the provost" spot on the website? It just seems disingenuous/apathetic on the part of the administration, not the students.

If you treat your students as second rate, and with apathy...you'll get student participation that is second rate and apathetic.

We have about 4 Capella groups (if not more) on campus I know for a fact would do it. Again this goes to my underlying contention that faculty/administration at UA don't give a damn about actually including students in the everyday operations of the university. They think the students are children that need to be managed, as opposed to young professionals who are more than capable of doing well if given the opportunity to do so.

Laugh all you want at that, but the fact remains that not even freaking paying students to come to the game got many more students to come to the game. You think they'll be fighting to get spots to be on a student advisory panel? I'm not saying they can't do one or don't do it, I'm just saying it's easier said than done. I'm also saying that, in my opinion, including the AK-Rowdies leadership group in that panel would be a mistake.

[skip-zip]

including the AK-Rowdies leadership group in that panel would be a mistake.

If a panel was created to discuss student participation at athletic events, why would they exclude current leaders of such a successful student cheering group? Maybe the best one ever? Even if some people currently feel that this group is divisive and in disarray?

I feel all of these tensions among student Zips fans. Pro-Rowdies...Anti-Rowdies. Kick out the leaders, etc. I'm just saying...if this is having an effect on participation, I would think that its imperative that we get some people together, get some answers.

[clarkwgriswold]

I just spoke to the game day staff and they are going to move chuck a duck to 10 minutes before the game and allow the winner to sing the Anthem.

[UAZip0510]

If a panel was created to discuss student participation at athletic events, why would they exclude current leaders of such a successful student cheering group? Maybe the best one ever? Even if some people currently feel that this group is divisive and in disarray?

I feel all of these tensions among student Zips fans. Pro-Rowdies...Anti-Rowdies. Kick out the leaders, etc. I'm just saying...if this is having an effect on participation, I would think that its imperative that we get some people together, get some answers.

In my eyes the current/recent leaders have overseen the demise of the group, not the early (huge) success of it. I don't believe the creative minds behind the infamous "Stark State" student section invasion, among other great ideas, are still at UA.

Just my opinion.

[Balsy]

Laugh all you want at that, but the fact remains that not even freaking paying students to come to the game got many more students to come to the game. You think they'll be fighting to get spots to be on a student advisory panel? I'm not saying they can't do one or don't do it, I'm just saying it's easier said than done. I'm also saying that, in my opinion, including the AK-Rowdies leadership group in that panel would be a mistake.

No s**t it didn't work. I could have told athletics that before they did it. It's a haphazard, lazy, somewhat disingenuous gimmick. Will they be fighting to have their voices heard, no. Because they don't think the administration cares about their opinion right now anyways! You've got to go to them, or at least demonstrate that you do care. Those students who do care about UA will be there. It doesn't matter how many students are there, just as long as the ones who care are.

You can't just throw blame on the students saying "student apathy". Why are the students apathetic? Becuase UA has a culture of apathy. From it's piss-ass alumni, to it's faculty, to it's administration. No-buddy cares about what they're doing at UA, so why on earth should the students? THAT is the culture that needs to change. And it starts with the people who are getting paid, not with the ones who are paying.

[LZIp]

Like I said in my post, they have to buy a group of tickets. So, I guess that answers the question. There's obviously a lack of people who want to sing the National Anthem at an Akron Zips basketball game at the expense of a couple dozen tickets.

This might be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Almost as bad as the NFL wanting Katy Perry to pay them to perform at the Super Bowl.

[LZIp]

$5 is about the value of the free chick-fil-a sandwich voucher they give away every game. Not sure why they expect that to draw students...Giving away free shirts would be a better giveaway.