(07-23-2016 12:40 PM)dekalb222 Wrote:  The reason people did not attend was the heat! Blaming athletics is one of the dumbest things posted recently.

It's still sad we always have an excuse for why an NIU athletics event bombed...

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(07-23-2016 12:55 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 10:04 AM)sportsfan Wrote:  Not sure if I'm understanding the comment about laziness but if it's directed at athletics, then you are just plain wrong. And, your suggestion that events are scheduled on days other then weekends just to be able to have weekends off is not very well thought out.
Most of the people in athletics are working most every weekend once the season(s) begin. The fact that they try and do something during the summer is commendable.
And, exactly what was the heat factor that day? Weren't people being told to stay out of the heat?
And lastly to whoever it was that said they found out about it a day or so ago. The website has the information posted dated July 13th. Seems to be more than enough time to me.

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time

Since you are on the inside or know how things work, why are most events to which donors and fans are invited mid-week? Over the years, there have been many events I wanted to attend but could not because they were during the week.

With the huge majority of fans not living in DeKalb, wouldn't it make sense to have as many events as possible on a Saturday when it doesn't conflict with other events? Before it was moved to Saturday, the Spring game was scheduled for Friday. Who in their right mind would do something like this?

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time.
I would also think that a week night during the summer would be better for this sort of thing as opposed to a weekend when there are many other activities. It was posted on July 13th on the web site. You cannot plan for a heat wave. Kudos to those who did show up and to those who tried to go ahead with the plan as best they could given the circumstances.
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I've said this before, there is absolutely no buzz for this season. Attendance is going to be brutal.

For those making excuses it really wasn't too bad out there after 6pm last night. The weather for the movie was near perfect. It just would have been nice to actually hear the movie.

(07-23-2016 01:10 PM)sportsfan Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 12:55 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 10:04 AM)sportsfan Wrote:  Not sure if I'm understanding the comment about laziness but if it's directed at athletics, then you are just plain wrong. And, your suggestion that events are scheduled on days other then weekends just to be able to have weekends off is not very well thought out.
Most of the people in athletics are working most every weekend once the season(s) begin. The fact that they try and do something during the summer is commendable.
And, exactly what was the heat factor that day? Weren't people being told to stay out of the heat?
And lastly to whoever it was that said they found out about it a day or so ago. The website has the information posted dated July 13th. Seems to be more than enough time to me.

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time

Since you are on the inside or know how things work, why are most events to which donors and fans are invited mid-week? Over the years, there have been many events I wanted to attend but could not because they were during the week.

With the huge majority of fans not living in DeKalb, wouldn't it make sense to have as many events as possible on a Saturday when it doesn't conflict with other events? Before it was moved to Saturday, the Spring game was scheduled for Friday. Who in their right mind would do something like this?

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time.
I would also think that a week night during the summer would be better for this sort of thing as opposed to a weekend when there are many other activities. It was posted on July 13th on the web site. You cannot plan for a heat wave. Kudos to those who did show up and to those who tried to go ahead with the plan as best they could given the circumstances.

[/quote]

If they wanted alumni from the suburbs or city to come out for this a Friday is just not going to work. Sometimes it seems like all they want from their alumni is free money without doing much to earn their loyalty. They are not shy about calling (and calling and calling) or emailing asking for donations. I don't think a mass email a month in advance and scheduling this on a Saturday (or even a Sunday evening) is expecting too much.

I'm not trying to sound like an Athletics basher but there is a bit of a pattern of not doing the small, easy things to make their fan experience better. At both football and basketball games the concessions are under staffed and frequently not supplied properly. Not only is this a poor experience for those who attend but also just plain, simple bad business. Concessions are an easy money maker with minimal planning and investment, not to mention when you have to wait 20 to 30 minutes to buy something the odds of you making a purchase or repeat purchase drastically decline as do the odds of you returning to attend a game again.

These types of issues are not the only reasons attendance continues to decline, but I am sure it isn't helping matters. On a positive note some of the things they have done are really nice, such as the Yard and family oriented activities at the basketball games. If they could just shore up some of the easy stuff (proper concession staffing and supplying, providing adequate portable restrooms for tailgaters, and scheduling these extra activities on days that are convenient for fans/potential fans) perhaps a few more people would attend and become loyal fans.

(07-23-2016 07:44 PM)Cowboy95 Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 01:10 PM)sportsfan Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 12:55 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 10:04 AM)sportsfan Wrote:  Not sure if I'm understanding the comment about laziness but if it's directed at athletics, then you are just plain wrong. And, your suggestion that events are scheduled on days other then weekends just to be able to have weekends off is not very well thought out.
Most of the people in athletics are working most every weekend once the season(s) begin. The fact that they try and do something during the summer is commendable.
And, exactly what was the heat factor that day? Weren't people being told to stay out of the heat?
And lastly to whoever it was that said they found out about it a day or so ago. The website has the information posted dated July 13th. Seems to be more than enough time to me.

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time

Since you are on the inside or know how things work, why are most events to which donors and fans are invited mid-week? Over the years, there have been many events I wanted to attend but could not because they were during the week.

With the huge majority of fans not living in DeKalb, wouldn't it make sense to have as many events as possible on a Saturday when it doesn't conflict with other events? Before it was moved to Saturday, the Spring game was scheduled for Friday. Who in their right mind would do something like this?

My inside information is really only common sense. I am guessing that this particular event was more geared to the university community and the DeKalb Sycamore area given the day and time.
I would also think that a week night during the summer would be better for this sort of thing as opposed to a weekend when there are many other activities. It was posted on July 13th on the web site. You cannot plan for a heat wave. Kudos to those who did show up and to those who tried to go ahead with the plan as best they could given the circumstances.

If they wanted alumni from the suburbs or city to come out for this a Friday is just not going to work. Sometimes it seems like all they want from their alumni is free money without doing much to earn their loyalty. They are not shy about calling (and calling and calling) or emailing asking for donations. I don't think a mass email a month in advance and scheduling this on a Saturday (or even a Sunday evening) is expecting too much.

I'm not trying to sound like an Athletics basher but there is a bit of a pattern of not doing the small, easy things to make their fan experience better. At both football and basketball games the concessions are under staffed and frequently not supplied properly. Not only is this a poor experience for those who attend but also just plain, simple bad business. Concessions are an easy money maker with minimal planning and investment, not to mention when you have to wait 20 to 30 minutes to buy something the odds of you making a purchase or repeat purchase drastically decline as do the odds of you returning to attend a game again.

These types of issues are not the only reasons attendance continues to decline, but I am sure it isn't helping matters. On a positive note some of the things they have done are really nice, such as the Yard and family oriented activities at the basketball games. If they could just shore up some of the easy stuff (proper concession staffing and supplying, providing adequate portable restrooms for tailgaters, and scheduling these extra activities on days that are convenient for fans/potential fans) perhaps a few more people would attend and become loyal fans.

Agreed and well put. Sometimes a little bit goes a long way

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(07-14-2016 11:48 AM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(07-14-2016 10:53 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(07-14-2016 10:11 AM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  I noticed they moved Family Fun Night up to Friday, July 22nd at night this year. A couple thoughts:

1. I don't believe there will be an actual practice, as I don't believe practice starts this early.

2. I believe this was moved to a Friday night from a Saturday night for some reason. It's not as easy to get out there on Fridays as is it on Saturdays so not sure why they did that.

3. Seems like this was always held in August, not sure why the July date?

Maybe so it can be on ESPN.

That's not happening.

I think this is a much simpler, less exciting reason than you guys think...

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That was a joke. I agree with the others though, it should have been on a Saturday. Unless they really thought they'd get a bunch of DeKalb people out there. I haven't seen anything that makes me believe DeKalbians are interested in events at NIU, including football games.

(07-23-2016 07:44 PM)Cowboy95 Wrote:  Sometimes it seems like all they want from their alumni is free money without doing much to earn their loyalty. They are not shy about calling (and calling and calling) or emailing asking for donations. I don't think a mass email a month in advance and scheduling this on a Saturday (or even a Sunday evening) is expecting too much.

I'm not trying to sound like an Athletics basher but there is a bit of a pattern of not doing the small, easy things to make their fan experience better. At both football and basketball games the concessions are under staffed and frequently not supplied properly. Not only is this a poor experience for those who attend but also just plain, simple bad business.

These types of issues are not the only reasons attendance continues to decline, but I am sure it isn't helping matters. On a positive note some of the things they have done are really nice, such as the Yard and family oriented activities at the basketball games.

Pointing out something that can be improved -- especially something simple -- should never get you labeled as "an Athletics basher."
Everyone should re-read your post and take note that you complimented "good" moves like the Yard, but you hit the nail on the head when you also stated: 1) there is a pattern of not doing the small, easy things; 2) they are not shy about calling or emailing asking for donations, 3) both of which add to the perception they are not "doing much to earn loyalty."
Bottom line, not addressing concerns like those you stated is "just plain, simple bad business."

Maybe the reason it did not draw well is that everyone appears to be leaving and they did not want to invest time in it?

(07-14-2016 10:11 AM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  I noticed they moved Family Fun Night up to Friday, July 22nd at night this year. A couple thoughts:

1. I don't believe there will be an actual practice, as I don't believe practice starts this early.

2. I believe this was moved to a Friday night from a Saturday night for some reason. It's not as easy to get out there on Fridays as is it on Saturdays so not sure why they did that.

3. Seems like this was always held in August, not sure why the July date?

The movie night event has never been on a Saturday night. It has been Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Friday.

(07-23-2016 04:52 PM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  For those making excuses it really wasn't too bad out there after 6pm last night. The weather for the movie was near perfect. It just would have been nice to actually hear the movie.

At 6pm, the air temperature was 86 and the heat index was 96. I don't think most people would consider that comfortable. It was brutally hot and uncomfortable on the field.

(07-25-2016 05:31 PM)niubrad00 Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 04:52 PM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  For those making excuses it really wasn't too bad out there after 6pm last night. The weather for the movie was near perfect. It just would have been nice to actually hear the movie.

At 6pm, the air temperature was 86 and the heat index was 96. I don't think most people would consider that comfortable. It was brutally hot and uncomfortable on the field.

While it was warm, by that time the sun set behind the west stands so it really was not that bad. Not sure why people always question the weather on this board. A good fan always supports his team no matter what the weather conditions are.

(07-26-2016 09:55 AM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  

(07-25-2016 05:31 PM)niubrad00 Wrote:  

(07-23-2016 04:52 PM)RitzHuskie Wrote:  For those making excuses it really wasn't too bad out there after 6pm last night. The weather for the movie was near perfect. It just would have been nice to actually hear the movie.

At 6pm, the air temperature was 86 and the heat index was 96. I don't think most people would consider that comfortable. It was brutally hot and uncomfortable on the field.

While it was warm, by that time the sun set behind the west stands so it really was not that bad. Not sure why people always question the weather on this board. A good fan always supports his team no matter what the weather conditions are.

No matter what the weather conditions are? Well, I admit I'm not a good fan. There is no way in hell I am sitting outside for 3+ hours in 20+ degree temps with the wind howling. To me there is a difference between being a good fan and a fool, especially when you can watch the game in your shorts in your living room (or a warm bar).