Increasing JAR Attendance/Engaging the Fans

[1981 grad]

My idea for marketing a game.

 

Shake the Jar   

 

Team with Dairy Queen, McDonalds or Swensons and offer a free Milkshake if Freeman gets a double double.  

Sell discounted tickets to the game.

[akzipper]

55 minutes ago, ewbrooman1 said:

I've gotten by for years with mostly $15-18 caps and $20-25 long sleeve t-shirts from Walmart or the old Campus Book Supply store on Exchange that are still holding up. Walmart has almost nothing anymore and the book store on Exchange is no longer the same business. I'm curious about what ended up at the Salvation Army.

 

I agree the idea is to get the merchandise out there in as many places you can at different price points. We need exposure.

 

I live out of state and have to buy everything online. It's sad that the only places that I can ever find decent Akron Zips gear online is Homage, 47 brand and ebay if I want anything name brand. Surprisingly I've gotten several nice quarter zips on there for around $30 each and a game worn football jersey for $50. I'm assuming a lot of the nice stuff on there is team issued apparel that never got used. 

 

Fanatics is a joke and the campus bookstore site is run by Fanatics so it's all the same stuff. The online monopoly they have created really doesn't help. 

Edited January 12, 2024 by akzipper

[blueandgold]

28 minutes ago, 1981 grad said:

My idea for marketing a game.

 

Shake the Jar   

 

Team with Dairy Queen, McDonalds or Swensons and offer a free Milkshake if Freeman gets a double double.  

Sell discounted tickets to the game.

You're hired. Report directly to the Marketing Department.

[zips-89]

Seems to me that we are talking about the same issues we had in the 80's when I was in school.  No one came to Akron games.  Its been since the 50-60s when the city still connected with the team.  They were all local kids and the games were not on TV.  Sure there have been a year or 2 with better attendance but give or take 500 people a game.  

Now we have ESPN+ the older Akron fans find it easier to stay at home.  

Maybe a new Arena downtown would help then again maybe not.  

Just like all other sports... arenas and stadiums are being built smaller.  Not as many fans want to go out.  TV for better or worse has made it easy to stay at home or watch your game on your phone at the bar.

 

[Blue & Gold]

Just bought a few GA tickets on GoZips.com/pacolian(sp?).  It says the sideline GAs are sold out tonight.  It also says a few of the end zone GA sections are sold out tonight. 

[Blue & Gold]

Received an email offering "mini-plans." You can pick 6 MAC games for $48 (GA).  That's dirt cheap.

[Let'sGoZips94]

51 minutes ago, 1981 grad said:

My idea for marketing a game.

 

Shake the Jar   

 

Team with Dairy Queen, McDonalds or Swensons and offer a free Milkshake if Freeman gets a double double.  

Sell discounted tickets to the game.

 

This is how that conversation would go with Akron marketing and the sponsor company's sales team...

 

Sponsor: "Love it. How often does Freeman get a double double?"

 

Akron: "Almost every game."

 

Sponsor: "Make it a free milkshake with the purchase of a meal."

[GP1]

The belief that another conference would solve all of our problems is delusional. I think there is a saying about rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The lack of coordinated efforts on the part of G5 schools is a bigger problem. 

 

The idea that attendance is low due to a lack of awareness because the ABJ doesn't cover enough, or whatever, is nonsensical. Because of social media, people have more information about the state of Akron athletics than they ever have. 

 

Attendance in college athletics is down across the board at all levels of college athletics. The Zips are just down from already bad levels. It has more to do with societal changes and increased entertainment options than the product. The product is excellent. People just have many, many, many more options for their free time. 

[Illini Zip]

22 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

The MAC is the right fit for Akron. FBS football limits Akron's ability to move anywhere. No conference would ever accept Akron as a football only member given the state of the program and going independent really isn't an option.

 

I accept this is the reality, but without change somewhere, somehow Akron's basketball ceiling is already set. A top 3 program consistently in a conference that ranks between 13th and 25th in D1. I don't like that. And I hope Groce is still up for the challenge. Everyone else in the past, including himself at Ohio, has pushed through with success only to bolt the conference. I want him to build a program that is so good that the refs are irrelevant or take Akron basketball to a better conference. I like his approach to the non-conference, playing other top mid-majors. And the occasional P6 opponent in a holiday tournament. I'm sure he understands the situation much better than I do.

 

 

22 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

Also, refs aren't conference exclusive in college basketball like they are football. The same guys officiating an OSU-Indiana game on a Saturday are the ones who also officiate an Akron-Ball State game on a Tuesday.

 

This might be so, but they answer to the customer. In this case, the customer is the MAC. Don't get me wrong, I think there is a level of game management in the power conferences and the pros as well. But I have seen few examples as silly as the Ball State game. The non-conference games this year were not perfect. Nothing ever is. But I walked away feeling the result was determined by the players on the court, which is what you want.

 

I tip my hat to our current Zip team for keeping their focus and pulling out the win. But if you care about the NET rankings, the margin of victory matters. 

[Illini Zip]

52 minutes ago, GP1 said:

People just have many, many, many more options for their free time. 

 

Completely agree, but riddle me this. In 2022, the average MAC attendance was 2,562 and the Mountain West was 6,203. If I am not mistaken, that average would max out the JAR regularly. What are they doing differently in this modern age?

 

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/Attend.pdf

 

 

[Let'sGoZips94]

1 hour ago, Illini Zip said:

 

Completely agree, but riddle me this. In 2022, the average MAC attendance was 2,562 and the Mountain West was 6,203. If I am not mistaken, that average would max out the JAR regularly. What are they doing differently in this modern age?

 

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/Attend.pdf

 

 

 

Many MW schools are located in places where they're either the only show or one of the few shows within hundreds of miles. Especially with the disintegration of the PAC12, the Mountain West is now the premier western-USA athletic conference. Within a 45-60 minute radius of Akron are 3 other DI basketball programs (PCCC, Cleveland State, and Youngstown State). In addition to Akron and the aforementioned 3 schools, Ohio also has BUGS, Toledo, Wright State, Dayton, Xavier, Cincy, Ohio State, and Ohio. We also have the Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers within 40 minutes of Akron. Compare that to Utah State, Boise State, Wyoming, etc. There's only so much "entertainment money" to go around for the average family, especially in this economy. There are way too many options for people to place their fandom and money for Akron to get a larger slice of the pie without 1) a conference change and/or 2) better marketing/gameday experience. 

 

@GP1 can say all he wants that a different conference wouldn't make a difference for Akron, but he also is a Wake Forest fan which literally rides the coat tails of the rest of the ACC financially while contributing borderline nothing to the conference for 1-2 decades when it comes to the revenue sports. Athletically, the MAC/CUSA/Sun Belt would make more sense for Wake Forest, but not financially which is why they won't be leaving the ACC anytime soon. And an elevated conference for Akron would absolutely do the same. The MAC's media deal is one of the best for G5 football. However, there is virtually zero incentive for a network to match or increase that deal when it expires. The American is already more lucrative and the Sun Belt has arguably surpassed the MAC. More money = JAR renovations/new arena, better gameday experience, better marketing, etc. Why would anyone in Northeast Ohio care about Akron vs. (insert directional Michigan or almost any other MAC program aside from PCCC, OU, and somewhat Toledo)? Make that Akron vs. the A10, and you get a little more interest. Akron vs. the American, and you probably get even more interest. Akron vs. American/A10/etc. + an improved gameday atmosphere/marketing, and by George, I think you've cracked the code. 

 

There are things Akron can do in the present to improve the gameday experience/marketing which would draw a certain number of fans to the games that may not otherwise attend. But as you stated, @Illini Zip, Akron basketball is pretty much at its ceiling in the MAC (aside from winning a NCAA Tourney game). 

Edited January 12, 2024 by Let'sGoZips94

[GP1]

2 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

 

Completely agree, but riddle me this. In 2022, the average MAC attendance was 2,562 and the Mountain West was 6,203. If I am not mistaken, that average would max out the JAR regularly. What are they doing differently in this modern age?

 

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/Attend.pdf

 

 

I don't know. Maybe they measure it differently. Maybe having SDSU helps. Maybe being in larger cities helps. A couple are the state school in their state. 

[Zippy87]

It's interesting to see the varying opinions shared here. I used to think, "If people don't want to come, what can you do?" But as I've gotten older and seen other teams in various sports/leagues grow their fan base in creative ways, it makes me push back on that.

 

Akron can make a better effort to draw fans. Akron can make a better effort on promotions and ticketing. Akron can most certainly make an effort to get better gear available to fans. 

 

Keith Dambrot outperformed what this program would have done without him. We hit the jackpot in replacing him with John Groce when the time came, who is also outperforming what the program would do without him. My biggest fear with Zips basketball is that if/when Groce leaves, we won't be so lucky to find another elite coach. 

 

Athletics need to be better. Those involved with GameDay experience need to be better. I know they're tied up with a crummy contract on merchandising, but find ways to be better (remember when they sold black jersey, shorts, shirts, and "Tree" socks and they all quickly sold out?).

 

I absolutely refuse to accept mediocrity for the program and university I love so very much, and I hope others do the same.

[GP1]

32 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

 

@GP1 can say all he wants that a different conference wouldn't make a difference for Akron, but he also is a Wake Forest fan which literally rides the coat tails of the rest of the ACC financially while contributing borderline nothing to the conference for 1-2 decades when it comes to the revenue sports. Athletically, the MAC/CUSA/Sun Belt would make more sense for Wake Forest, but not financially which is why they won't be leaving the ACC anytime soon. And an elevated conference for Akron would absolutely do the same. The MAC's media deal is one of the best for G5 football. However, there is virtually zero incentive for a network to match or increase that deal when it expires. The American is already more lucrative and the Sun Belt has arguably surpassed the MAC. More money = JAR renovations/new arena, better gameday experience, better marketing, etc. Why would anyone in Northeast Ohio care about Akron vs. (insert directional Michigan or almost any other MAC program aside from PCCC, OU, and somewhat Toledo)? Make that Akron vs. the A10, and you get a little more interest. Akron vs. the American, and you probably get even more interest. Akron vs. American/A10/etc. + an improved gameday atmosphere/marketing, and by George, I think you've cracked the code. 

I can only State some facts. These are facts I pulled off of the top of my head. 

 

Coming last football season, they had the second most win in the ACC over something like a 6-8 year period. Only Clemson was better. They Were in the ACC championship two years prior.  They have had several Top 20 rankings in the past 20 years and even some top ten. 

 

Their baseball team was in the college world series last year. 

 

In the past 20 years they have won six national championships in six different spots. The women's golf team won the national championship last year. 

 

They compete at the highest level in soccer, mens golf, women's golf mens tennis and women's tennis. Will Zalatoris is a known professional golfer. 

 

They contribute nothing?  Their school and athletic department are not taxpayer supported. I think you may have them mixed up with Pitt, Boston College,  Syracuse, Georgia Tech or NC State. Unless, you just don't know what you are talking about. 

Edited January 12, 2024 by GP1

[Illini Zip]

23 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

But as you stated, @Illini Zip, Akron basketball is pretty much at its ceiling in the MAC (aside from winning a NCAA Tourney game). 

 

And I had that thought too. As we witnessed with UCLA, you have to seize that victory unapologetically. If there is a bias in the NCAA Tourney it's towards the larger fan bases. But there are plenty of Cinderella stories over the years and Groce has proven it can be done himself. Do it again Groce, but stay put this time!!

 

[kreed5120]

31 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

@GP1 Akron basketball is pretty much at its ceiling in the MAC (aside from winning a NCAA Tourney game). 

Even that's not enough. Coaches leave, players transfer when you reach that level of success. I don't really have the numbers in front of me now, but I doubt Buffalo is drawing better now than what they were before Oats had them winning a tournament game. A program like St Pete's had their 5 seconds of fame, but I'm guessing attendance isn't materially up that much since their run. 

 

Every year a new Cinderella emerges, but they quickly fall back to irrelevance. Very few ever are able to make something out of it.

[Captain Kangaroo]

18 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

Even that's not enough. Coaches leave, players transfer when you reach that level of success. I don't really have the numbers in front of me now, but I doubt Buffalo is drawing better now than what they were before Oats had them winning a tournament game. A program like St Pete's had their 5 seconds of fame, but I'm guessing attendance isn't materially up that much since their run. 

 

Every year a new Cinderella emerges, but they quickly fall back to irrelevance. Very few ever are able to make something out of it.

I hope before I die that I see how Joe Akron responds to a Zips NCAA tournament win.

[kreed5120]

22 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

I hope before I die that I see how Joe Akron responds to a Zips NCAA tournament win.

That makes two of us

[zipsrule]

7 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

That makes two of us

💯

[Blue & Gold]

Enjoy him while we've got him

 

[Blue & Gold]

Given the road conditions I hope the crowd is respectable tonight.

 

[GP1]

55 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

I hope before I die that I see how Joe Akron responds to a Zips NCAA tournament win.

For the sake of many of us, they better hurry up before it's too late. 

[ewbrooman1]

Here's an idea, if you are going to market student section tickets to the general public don't allow those students to stand the whole game and block the view. I knew it was a possibility with school starting next week, but I watched the other games during the break and no one was standing. We've moved to other seats easily as a number of others have, but just an example of lack of coordination. 🤨

[Zippy87]

4 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

 

Completely agree, but riddle me this. In 2022, the average MAC attendance was 2,562 and the Mountain West was 6,203. If I am not mistaken, that average would max out the JAR regularly. What are they doing differently in this modern age?

 

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/Attend.pdf

 

 

 

Effort and creativity can go a long way.

[Reslife4Life]

If we want to specifically get more people in the jar, but maybe not care about the game, today is a great example. At least 30 kids doing a cheer at halftime, probably 70 parents having to buy tickets to watch. And then another dance group right after. That’s probably 150 fans who normally wouldn’t be here. Make the game fun for those people and maybe they’ll come back when not performing