On the Miami Hawk Talk site, there's mention of a recent article in the Wall Street Journal which backs up what a lot of folks on the Dog Pound have said is important: urinals, or more specifically, bathrooms -- and also hot dogs, or more specifically, concessions.
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/what-do...today-want
Major conclusion: bathrooms and concessions rate higher than Wi-Fi access according to study by National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators and Oregon marketing center.
Interesting paragraph (as it does or doesn't relate to NIU):
A college-football game is an event unlike any other in U.S. sports. Most major-college teams play just six to eight home games a season, some of which aren’t even against teams on their same level. Almost all of those games are on Saturday afternoons, not on weekday nights or during work hours, and the people in their stadiums are wildly diverse. Schools must cater to both 18-year-old undergraduates and 81-year-old donors—and those opposites happen to be the lifeblood of an athletic department.
One Miami alum rates the following as significant:
1) Quality of team and its play which is:
a) wins and losses
b) is this a team I feel represents my school well?
c) is this a team I feel gives a damn about the name on the front?
d) overall effort, tenacity, desire, displayed
2) Safety/customer service (never a factor until it's a factor)
a) drunks/obnoxious fans dealt with?
b) Do I feel my family is safe?
c) Are any concerns addressed and taken seriously?
d) souvenirs/programs etc. easily available
e) Tailgating/parking easy and clear
3) Concessions
a) quality
b) selection
c) convenience
4) Restrooms
a) number (lines)
b) cleanliness
c) convenience (distance, location)