(04-12-2015 08:57 AM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  Had a night to think about what stuck out, what my wife said then digest everyone else's complaints, comments and complainants...

Arrival and pregame
Couldn't have asked for better weather! It was actually much warmer than I thought it would be and we were really not prepared for that. We parked in the small Stevenson lot a little after 1pm without issue. I would say the lot was less than 1/2 full even with the students cars. Looking at the construction and the remaining grass around the cardinal lot, its going to be at most 2/3 the size as last year. My kids immediately wanted to go for the bounce house but were stopped for a moment by free cookies from HyVee. I guess its better to sugar them up before bouncing. While the kids were bouncing and the wife was watching them I took a quick look at the other things. There was the Grilled Cheese truck, a chiropractor info table, a AM 560 table handing out bumper stickers and pens, a donation table for the tornado relief and a local female roller ball derby. One of the...larger team members was in full spandex uniform. The other half was the HAF/Season ticket table, a face painting table for the kids, the dippin dots/hidden grilled food and HyVee handing out cookies. After that we then went to the Endzone club. I get they wanted to give people the endzone viewing perspective but it did not give my wife a good impression at all. Unless fans who would be interested are asking questions about what it is actually going to look like they are instead just going to take what was set up on Saturday as a "this is it?" type. I really hope they can have it finished asap then send out a video or pictures of the setup. After that we headed back to the kids station where my girls got their faces painted. The painters were definitely not artist students but it was free and the girls were happy so it really didn't matter. I saw the Suckedo people grilling so we got in line for some hotdogs and a hamburger. We were 3rd inline which moved very quickly. The hotdogs buns for the first time ever at Huskie Stadium were not stale or soggy! However the dog was at room temperature with the burger slightly warmer but the bottom bun on that was soggy. 1:45 we went in the stadium to take our seats and eat our food. I was surprised that the concession stands were not set up to at least sell drinks, popcorn and candy. We got seated and needed drinks so the wife had to go all the way back to the same food vendor as it was the only place that we saw to purchase drinks. Good thing she went then because they were already shutting down at 2pm for the game.

Spring Game - see my actual game comment on page 1-2 of thread.
I have to remind myself that if it says the spring game starts at 2pm that it doesn't actually start until something more like 2:30pm. If I am by myself then I don't mind watching every min of warmups but with 3 kids that is not interesting at all and the wife then asks me why we got there so early. Now instead of the kids watching some plays and eat slowly they sit wolf down the hot dogs and our emergency stash of skittles (just in case they weren't selling any at HS) before the first snap of the actual game. There was a group of incoming kids sitting in front of us. It was great to see them acting like brothers or best friends already. During the actual game they paid attention to what was going on the field, which was nice to see. Of the 18 series (9 each team) we stayed for 13 of them and called it quits.

Post game
We made a pit stop in the Coaches Club. This was my first time in there seeing the finished product. I like it but I cant imagine 200 people in there during half time. We then walked to the CPC thru the BHOC and went to the 3 Huskie statues which my kids love to get a picture taken in front of. The setup for the donor event was nice and we were even invited to stay but one of my girls was on meltdown mode and we just needed to go home. We walked out along the backside of the CPC and the Douglas demo and Lucinda is going to look amazing in framing that side of the campus. The only issue is I hope they plant some trees in front of the steam plant building since the large ugly pipes can be seen from the CPC parking lot.


Comments and hope to see next year...
They must sell drinks (water/pop) and candy inside the stadium during the game. There is zero product loss here for whatever you don't sell.

Have the team stretch and do position drills before the announced start time.


If they fix those two things we would have had an outstanding time. With that said we still had a good time up until the 5th series when my family needed more to drink.

Comments on other people's comments...
I have zero expectation on the band making an appearance at the spring game but it would be nice to hear even a small group of them playing during the pregame and again at the post game donor event.

I have zero desire for beer when I am with my family and I am easily annoyed by foulmouthed drunks when I am with my kids...BUT I think the Fatty's beer trailer was needed for the fanbase on Saturday.

I haven't been to the spring game for a few years, but it sounds like the fattys tent is no longer available?

My junior year, spring game of 2012, was excellent. They had a fattys tent that had the beer truck with like 3 beers on tap, in the tent they had multiple local restaurants serving food. It was $10 for all you could eat and drink. They had fattys food, a sycamore diner, the junction and others. Before the game started, they closed it down and we got like $100 worth of Dairy Queen gift certificates and a box of Taco Bell tacos.

They should go back to doing a tent like that. I remember thinking it was a heck of a deal. Get a bunch of local spots including the grilled cheese truck, and get at least a few kegs or beer truck and I think it would please everyone. It has food for every age and alcohol.

Everyone's comments make sense. Yesterday was a disappointment. Glad we did not get there early, as there was not much to do. I shot the bull with the roller derby girl and had a nice conversation with the AM 560 girl (and got a bunch of free stuff as I am an avid listener), but that was about it except for getting a hot dog and Polish. Not much at all going on.

By the way, the roller derby girl won me over. She could bowl me over in a second. I told her not to flatten me, and she agreed as long as I stay off the track....and attend the Barbed Wire Bettie's match next Saturday. Since she made me a deal I couldn't refuse, my wife and I are looking forward to attending and watching her knock over some opponents.

I don't want to sound like a complainer but.....

I agree with the comments above. They went backwards with the pregame event. Not only do they start 1/2 hour after the start time (I think they did that last year too but I forgot), but there wasn't much there, and no beer tent. The concession stand for the grilled cheese sandwiches etc. is not set up to handle more than 5 people per half hour. I got in line, waited 10 minutes and gave my order to a young lady while I was in line, and was waiting in line to pay, but but I saw a huge group of people still waiting for their food which didn't seem to be progressing, so I decided to forget it, thankfully I hadn't paid yet. So I don't know if the food was any good. The ice cream place had hotdogs and brats (which looked the same) that were about room temperature and when I asked about chips that were on display and included in the price list they sounded like they weren't selling them. It was all VERY small-time. They had a few tables set up where you could sit and eat, not too many. They did have a bouncy-house for the kids and VEH was walking around. We went for a ride in one of the little shuttle vehicles they were showing off. It was neat but only holds about 8 people so I can't see that it would be too helpful, and I can't see the cheap doors on that thing lasting more than a week.

The south endzone setup is going to change a lot I guess, from the couple of tents that appeared at the spring game. But they're removing the berm so you'll be viewing at field level. It will have free food and a cash bar. There will be chairs - I think bar-type stools.

The game was okay but we don't look like we have much ability at QB. And it's really kinda pointless to have a scrimmage where you have an offense that half the time the QB is running the ball, but he's down as soon as he's touched. It's like a scrimmage with a wishbone offense where you can only pass the ball.

Clinton-Earl seemed to be making a lot of plays on defense, and Golloday could have a big year.

I got a couple south end zone passes but I am not sure how good of a view it will be. I was told, you will not be allowed to stand in the middle of the end zone. Also, getting rid of the berm stinks. We watched a little from the end zone and then they kicked us out. I thought they would want you to get a feel for watching from there, I guess not. Not having the Yard setup was a huge mistake. Also, not having a cash bar was just dumb. There is beer at everything NIU these days. Huskie fans are used to being able to buy booze at our events now. The pre-game festivities were a dud!

Maybe they need to re-think even having a spring game. How valuable is it for the players? It doesn't seem like much more is accomplished than a regular practice. Maybe it's fun for the players?

You only have maybe a thousand fans or so so any pre-game festivities have to take that into account.

The Yard was there last year and it was great. Less people this year but not by much.

(04-12-2015 05:46 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  Maybe they need to re-think even having a spring game. How valuable is it for the players? It doesn't seem like much more is accomplished than a regular practice. Maybe it's fun for the players?

You only have maybe a thousand fans or so so any pre-game festivities have to take that into account.

I think they should go 1st Team D vs 1st team O And 2nd team vs 2nd team. The way the teams were put together just made for bad offense. The black team had the top 2 QB's and Deuce and backup WR's. While the Cardinal team had the other tops receivers but the 3rd and 4th string QB's. Also the lack of quality RB's hurt both sides. The weather was Awesome. The game was 'meh.' But I do think it's good for team when it comes to recruiting, fan interest and young players to get their feet wet with a real game simulation. What real impact it has, I'm not sure. Side note, Galladay looks really good, could be the replacement for Daron Brown.

Last year, they wanted to show off what the Yard will look like. Since we've already experienced it, I guess they felt it wasn't necessary to have it.

I went into the Coaches Club for the first time. It did not impress me and there was a funny smell in there.

You must have went in there right after I left.

(04-12-2015 05:00 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  I don't want to sound like a complainer but.....

I agree with the comments above. They went backwards with the pregame event. Not only do they start 1/2 hour after the start time (I think they did that last year too but I forgot), but there wasn't much there, and no beer tent. The concession stand for the grilled cheese sandwiches etc. is not set up to handle more than 5 people per half hour. I got in line, waited 10 minutes and gave my order to a young lady while I was in line, and was waiting in line to pay, but but I saw a huge group of people still waiting for their food which didn't seem to be progressing, so I decided to forget it, thankfully I hadn't paid yet. So I don't know if the food was any good. The ice cream place had hotdogs and brats (which looked the same) that were about room temperature and when I asked about chips that were on display and included in the price list they sounded like they weren't selling them. It was all VERY small-time. They had a few tables set up where you could sit and eat, not too many. They did have a bouncy-house for the kids and VEH was walking around. We went for a ride in one of the little shuttle vehicles they were showing off. It was neat but only holds about 8 people so I can't see that it would be too helpful, and I can't see the cheap doors on that thing lasting more than a week.

The south endzone setup is going to change a lot I guess, from the couple of tents that appeared at the spring game. But they're removing the berm so you'll be viewing at field level. It will have free food and a cash bar. There will be chairs - I think bar-type stools.

The game was okay but we don't look like we have much ability at QB. And it's really kinda pointless to have a scrimmage where you have an offense that half the time the QB is running the ball, but he's down as soon as he's touched. It's like a scrimmage with a wishbone offense where you can only pass the ball.

Clinton-Earl seemed to be making a lot of plays on defense, and Golloday could have a big year.

Gotta agree with you about the lengthy line wait for grilled cheese. They need to work that out, but this was at least a good test before fall. That said, we did wait and it was actually worth it. I was expecting just a simple grilled cheese, but simple is not what the Doghouse makes. Seemed there were several selections, with or without meat for about five or so different types of sandwiches. Canned soda and chips were extra. They'll work out the bugs and it should be a good addition and alternative to hot dogs and hamburgers on gameday.

As to the place where they were grilling hot dogs, Polish, and burgers, why couldn't they put up a simple sign? People didn't know it was there and that you need to order and pay at the Dippin' Dots stand.

(04-12-2015 06:23 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Last year, they wanted to show off what the Yard will look like. Since we've already experienced it, I guess they felt it wasn't necessary to have it.

I went into the Coaches Club for the first time. It did not impress me and there was a funny smell in there.

I suppose that's a possibility.....Still could have had ONE Beer Option whether it be Fattys or Lagunitas. One Beer Stand wouldn't have turned the Family atmosphere into Mardi Gras.

Like others, I didn't the see Secret Grill that had Hot Dogs etc.by the Dippin Dots. I thought the DawgHouse with Grilled cheese was the only "food". I intended to patronize but seeing the line I passed & looked like they were successful without me.

One last note....last year SF seemed to be all over the place shaking hands and kissing babies... This year didn't hear much from him. He spoke briefly at the post game but seemed to disappear. Maybe didn't want to be asked a 100 times about the status of the "Master Plan".

Anybody else feel that way? Eh...maybe it was me.

The spring game has very little significance. What is most important is what happens in the weeks prior to the game...teaching, conditioning, execution. The most important thing is to exit the spring healthy. We will be fine at QB, Hare is a proven performer; Maddie and Mac are both capable, and I think we have a solid prospect in Santa. Our LB's and DB's will be very strong; as will our receivers and RBs. If our O line and interior Dline develops quickly, and we get senior leadership, this could be one of our best teams ever.

(04-12-2015 06:23 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Last year, they wanted to show off what the Yard will look like. Since we've already experienced it, I guess they felt it wasn't necessary to have it.

I went into the Coaches Club for the first time. It did not impress me and there was a funny smell in there.

That's why I was disappointed. Every year should be how it was last year for the spring game. It was a huge success last year. No reason to not make it the best gameday experience they can. That's why I'm surprised the yard wasn't set up this year, and all the other bonuses they had last year that I mentioned earlier.

(04-11-2015 03:23 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(04-11-2015 03:21 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  Ducie t is ready for the season!

Gallodays a stud.

Totally agree.

NIU has a LOT of talent at WR. Carey eluded to after. They have some physical guys with height and the speed guys.Now if they can just stay healthy. (and stop dropping balls!)

I think RB will by committee, as we have seen before. No one really sticks out. They need to establish a short yardage guy.I like the multidimensional TEs too.

I really think Hare needs to develop more into a pocket passer, be more accurate for continued success. I hope the line can give him time. With the weapons they have catching balls they need to give them time to get open, get them the ball. Lot of mismatches can be had with height and speed. I don't think they can rely on Hare's legs and the run alone and succeed. The pass needs to open the run.

(04-12-2015 09:51 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(04-11-2015 03:23 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(04-11-2015 03:21 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  Ducie t is ready for the season!

Gallodays a stud.

Totally agree.

NIU has a LOT of talent at WR. Carey eluded to after. They have some physical guys with height and the speed guys.Now if they can just stay healthy. (and stop dropping balls!)

I think RB will by committee, as we have seen before. No one really sticks out. They need to establish a short yardage guy.I like the multidimensional TEs too.

I really think Hare needs to develop more into a pocket passer, be more accurate for continued success. I hope the line can give him time. With the weapons they have catching balls they need to give them time to get open, get them the ball. Lot of mismatches can be had with height and speed. I don't think they can rely on Hare's legs and the run alone and succeed. The pass needs to open the run.

Hare also needs to get them the ball better and stop throwing bullets at the ankles.

(04-12-2015 08:51 PM)HUSKIEFURY Wrote:  

(04-12-2015 06:23 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Last year, they wanted to show off what the Yard will look like. Since we've already experienced it, I guess they felt it wasn't necessary to have it.

I went into the Coaches Club for the first time. It did not impress me and there was a funny smell in there.

That's why I was disappointed. Every year should be how it was last year for the spring game. It was a huge success last year. No reason to not make it the best gameday experience they can. That's why I'm surprised the yard wasn't set up this year, and all the other bonuses they had last year that I mentioned earlier.

Other than they did not want to do it, I wonder if there was a reason. Maybe they couldn't get enough vendors to participate. Or, maybe the huge storms on Thursday night messed up their plans.

All I can say is that I'm glad we did not get there earlier. If we got there at noon (as we anticipated) instead of 1:15 pm, we would have had to leave to kill some time and then come back.

As to the end zone tents, don't expect that that's what it will look like. They need to flatten the berm so they won't have drunks rolling into the end zone. But, don't expect too much of it. They will not be putting much money into something that will soon have to be taken down. It will no doubt look like a temporary thing, like the Sky Club with its folding card table-like chairs.

I can't see the end zone club being wildly popular. People will need to leave their seats and trek on down to the end zone, where they will most likely have to stand at those tables (there is not supposed to be seating there).

(04-12-2015 07:08 PM)Djud Wrote:  The spring game has very little significance. What is most important is what happens in the weeks prior to the game...teaching, conditioning, execution. The most important thing is to exit the spring healthy. We will be fine at QB, Hare is a proven performer; Maddie and Mac are both capable, and I think we have a solid prospect in Santa. Our LB's and DB's will be very strong; as will our receivers and RBs. If our O line and interior Dline develops quickly, and we get senior leadership, this could be one of our best teams ever.

I hope the Spring game continues. If they make an attractive event out of it, it would be great. The game itself is much better than it was a few years ago, when it was so hard to follow what they were doing. Now it is more like a game that can be followed. And if the weather is as nice as it was last Saturday, you just can't beat it.