more than 4,000 or so, and with at least half of those being Memphis fans, then I believe that this is proof that this program is on it's death bed, and if some changes aren't made soon, it might as well take New Orleans' lead and drop to D-III or totally end the basketball program. We drew more than 4,000 for TAAC games. When we're sitting around wondering if(and hoping we'll get 4,000 fans for the Memphis game), does that not tell our fans and administration something?

(12-11-2009 10:42 AM)LRTrojan Wrote:  more than 4,000 or so, and with at least half of those being Memphis fans, then I believe that this is proof that this program is on it's death bed, and if some changes aren't made soon, it might as well take New Orleans' lead and drop to D-III or totally end the basketball program. We drew more than 4,000 for TAAC games. When we're sitting around wondering if(and hoping we'll get 4,000 fans for the Memphis game), does that not tell our fans and administration something?

Part of our problem is that many of our old time fans are like depression babies. Those folks that grew up in the depression never could get over the fact that they were so poor, that even when times changed, their habits were set in stone.

Same with our program. Some of our long time fans can remember when we didn't even have a place to play, and we were totally held down by Fayetteville. So now that we have great facilities and the University is growing, they still feel like the red headed stepchild, and are grateful for every little crumb thrown their way. So what if we remain a mediocre program. It's better than the days when Chancellor Young was ready to close the program down. So if we just go along, win some games and some division titles, that's better than what we ever expected. I don't mean this to insult anyone, but I think until the fans and administration demand a higher standard, we'll remain right where we are. So as Scotto has said in the past, we need to enjoy UALR during the regular season, and find someone else to cheer far once the tournaments begin.

I think it's more the sign of the economic times. $25 is a bunch of money for the casual basketball fan to watch 2 teams that are not "their" team.

(12-11-2009 10:52 AM)Scotto Wrote:  I think it's more the sign of the economic times. $25 is a bunch of money for the casual basketball fan to watch 2 teams that are not "their" team.

I agree that's part of the problem. Once again our people have overpriced our product. The other being that even the causal fan knows the score, Memphis is evidently pretty good again, and we aren't. That usually makes for a pretty one sided affair. I would wonder how many casuals would show if the tickets were 5 bucks.

(12-11-2009 10:58 AM)LRTrojan Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 10:52 AM)Scotto Wrote:  I think it's more the sign of the economic times. $25 is a bunch of money for the casual basketball fan to watch 2 teams that are not "their" team.

I agree that's part of the problem. Once again our people have overpriced our product. The other being that even the causal fan knows the score, Memphis is evidently pretty good again, and we aren't. That usually makes for a pretty one sided affair. I would wonder how many casuals would show if the tickets were 5 bucks.

Hopefully at least five times as many.

Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

That's good. I just hope we have a great crowd. If there are more Memphis fans, so be it. The more people there, the better the atmosphere. At least it will be loud when Memphis scores a basket.

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  [quote='Scotto' pid='4943674' dateline='1260550005']
Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

Josh Pastner may look like a kid, but he wasn't born yesterday. No way he would move the game to our home court if the contract says play at a "neutral" site. The best local example I can think of is if we contracted to play UAPB at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Then they called up and said "how about moving it to our on campus gym". We'd tell them where they could shove it. I'm sure Josh told us the same thing- although being brand new coach he was probably a little more diplomatic about it than I would have been.

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

Over years I have emailed, mailed, and personally communicated various ideas to various staff members, AD's, assistant AD's, etc. I still believe some of my ideas would have gotten a few more butts in the seats. I doubt my ideas would have led to the financial stability we have under Chris' guidance. So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job.

Just for an example- As a fan I'd rather have the arena filled at 5 bucks at ticket, rather than have 2800 fans paying 20 bucks a ticket. An athletic director can't look at it that way- finances have to be his number one priority.

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

My solution is well known. I'm about the only one on this board who either sees it that way, or who is willing to say so. As long as our fans don't complain, things won't get any better. How anyone can watch our attendance continue to fall, and not be concerned, I sure can't explain it. I guess we're making plenty of money, and as long as we're sucking hind tit, I guess we"re keeping Fayetteville happy.

But evidently we're not the only school that isn't interested in improving things for their fans, I noticed that ASU gave their football coach another year to hang around.

(12-11-2009 04:20 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  [quote='Scotto' pid='4943674' dateline='1260550005']
Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

Josh Pastner may look like a kid, but he wasn't born yesterday. No way he would move the game to our home court if the contract says play at a "neutral" site. The best local example I can think of is if we contracted to play UAPB at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Then they called up and said "how about moving it to our on campus gym". We'd tell them where they could shove it. I'm sure Josh told us the same thing- although being brand new coach he was probably a little more diplomatic about it than I would have been.

You're right. But if he's worried about beating us in an arena where we've lost to Harding, Mo State, Rice, Wright State, and others, then we might have a better chance than we thought. Look. If we had a crummy place to play like the old field house, I would understand it. But to play in a state of the art arena, against a team that has about a one in a thousand chance of beating you, if you were playing your best four against their best five, why not? The atmosphere would be much better than at Verizon, and you could be a mench about it. (Josh knows what that word means). But what the heck. He could have insisted we play at Barton.

(12-11-2009 04:35 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

Over years I have emailed, mailed, and personally communicated various ideas to various staff members, AD's, assistant AD's, etc. I still believe some of my ideas would have gotten a few more butts in the seats. I doubt my ideas would have led to the financial stability we have under Chris' guidance. So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job.

Just for an example- As a fan I'd rather have the arena filled at 5 bucks at ticket, rather than have 2800 fans paying 20 bucks a ticket. An athletic director can't look at it that way- finances have to be his number one priority.

"So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job." And your alternative is....??? It's not like our AD is looking for any advice from us.

(12-11-2009 04:44 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:35 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

Over years I have emailed, mailed, and personally communicated various ideas to various staff members, AD's, assistant AD's, etc. I still believe some of my ideas would have gotten a few more butts in the seats. I doubt my ideas would have led to the financial stability we have under Chris' guidance. So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job.

Just for an example- As a fan I'd rather have the arena filled at 5 bucks at ticket, rather than have 2800 fans paying 20 bucks a ticket. An athletic director can't look at it that way- finances have to be his number one priority.

"So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job." And your alternative is....??? It's not like our AD is looking for any advice from us.

Well I'm sure not hiring you guys as our next AD when Chris ever leaves.

(12-11-2009 04:44 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:35 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

Over years I have emailed, mailed, and personally communicated various ideas to various staff members, AD's, assistant AD's, etc. I still believe some of my ideas would have gotten a few more butts in the seats. I doubt my ideas would have led to the financial stability we have under Chris' guidance. So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job.

Just for an example- As a fan I'd rather have the arena filled at 5 bucks at ticket, rather than have 2800 fans paying 20 bucks a ticket. An athletic director can't look at it that way- finances have to be his number one priority.

"So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job." And your alternative is....??? It's not like our AD is looking for any advice from us.

Well put Pedro. Maybe that's part of the reason I've moved to a "hands off" approach.

(12-11-2009 04:57 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:44 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:35 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:19 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 04:06 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 03:22 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 12:58 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-11-2009 11:46 AM)Scotto Wrote:  Lots of activity on the Memphis board about the game. Looks like a bunch are planning to attend.

I can't imagine they are concerned about the game.

Obviously the coach is or he would have agreed to play at the Jack when we tried to get them to change three weeks ago.

First of all, why in the world would the Memphis coach agree to change the game to a venue where the "home" team plays every day? It would be giving an advantage to the home team that he doesn't have to give, so unless he's nuts, why would he agree to that? I sure wouldn't.

And I think that LRTrojan is making some pretty valid points about where our program used to be, has been, and where it is now. Little Rock is not a good sports town to begin with, and expecting the average guy to get pumped up about a team that hasn't been to post season play in thirteen years is unrealistic, and to pay pretty hefty prices while he's at it to boot. And we sure look like a good bet to run that streak to fourteen years.

Let's play U.A.L.R. Athletic Director. First of all, We've never been to the NCAA since joining the Sun Belt. We build a state of the art arena, and our attendance is still lousy. We're not winning on a consistent yearly basis. We need to fill our new arena up. As AD, what would your solution be? For personal reasons, known only to me and the moderator, I will not be participating in this exercise. Everyone wants to be the coach. But I'm giving you a chance to be the AD, and solve the aforementioned problems. Have at it.

Over years I have emailed, mailed, and personally communicated various ideas to various staff members, AD's, assistant AD's, etc. I still believe some of my ideas would have gotten a few more butts in the seats. I doubt my ideas would have led to the financial stability we have under Chris' guidance. So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job.

Just for an example- As a fan I'd rather have the arena filled at 5 bucks at ticket, rather than have 2800 fans paying 20 bucks a ticket. An athletic director can't look at it that way- finances have to be his number one priority.

"So at this point I'm just going to let Coach Peterson do his job." And your alternative is....??? It's not like our AD is looking for any advice from us.

Well put Pedro. Maybe that's part of the reason I've moved to a "hands off" approach.

Probably is an exercise in futility.

I'll bite.

If I were athletic director, I would do what has worked in the past: be a brash, anti-Hog that creates publicity. Create an "us against the world" atmosphere that turns our small fan base into a rabid throng. I'd hire a promoter for the program, and call local businesses to do things such as putting the UALR schedule on the wall (or on beer coasters) as we have talked about in the past.

I would not be the nice guy trying to comfortably settle into whatever niche we could find in the market. I'd hack my own niche wide open and plop right down.

That's the way Newell did it, and it worked. There obviously was something very effective about it.