(01-04-2016 07:52 AM)Crewdogz Wrote:  1. The University gets the fan base they deserve.

I agree. We have 250k alumni, 40k+ students and live in a metro area of 2.2n people. Only a small number of those people support UC athletics. An even smaller percentage go to games and even less are UCats members. We need to grow as a fan base. The potential is there.

(01-04-2016 08:17 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-04-2016 07:52 AM)Crewdogz Wrote:  1. The University gets the fan base they deserve.

I agree. We have 250k alumni, 40k+ students and live in a metro area of 2.2n people. Only a small number of those people support UC athletics. An even smaller percentage go to games and even less are UCats members. We need to grow as a fan base. The potential is there.

1st for Dave - A VERY Good thing

I agree Clifton. Nothing would impact UC athletics more than if we had the fan base I believe this University as fought hard for and deserves.

One could easily argue the UC has the fan base it deserves after the 1980's. Had just hoped it would return faster after the athletic department started trying again.

(01-04-2016 09:30 AM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  One could easily argue the UC has the fan base it deserves after the 1980's. Had just hoped it would return faster after the athletic department started trying again.

Sadly, UC lost a whole decade of support from people who attended UC in the 80s (and to a lesser extent the 70s). Seems like most of the people I run into at sporting events and other functions are pre 1970 or post 1990.

I am very proud of the group that has attended UC in the past decade. They have a lot of pride in their alma mater. As their disposable income increases, we will see they will be great stewards of our athletic programs.

First, you extend the fan base with consistent winning teams. UC fans have had the rug pulled out way to many timies.

You market your product to the very young. Hit every summer festival. Visit schools, tournaments, or wherever young kids are in large numbers. Encourage current and recent past players to be a part of the promotions. Give stuff away. Anything to make a connection.

Market the product to young parents. Set up family sections featuring reduced price tickets and coupons for free hot dogs, drinks or pizza.

Are they still doing the pregame events?

One of the most important things we can do for football, is to figure out a way to increase tailgating opportunities. The city should be behind the effort in a major way.

I know there are barriers to most of these ideas...